Yes indeed, summer is finally here. And so, finally, are my new fabrics! After numerous delays, the new laminated canvases are here and they're gorgeous! And they're inspiring me to design new bags.
First up is the "Miranda II", the new-and-improved version of my original diaper bag. The basic silhouette is the same, but with a few key differences. First, the exterior of the bag is now WIPE CLEAN-able, thanks to the phthalate-free vinyl laminate. Also new are the adjustable, non-slip padded shoulder strap, and adjustable backpack straps! Both are removable, and the backpack straps also double as stroller straps. The other major feature is the snap-out WASHABLE lining! I'll be selling spare linings separately so moms don't have to be without their diaper bags when the lining needs to be washed. I'm very excited about this new design - the response has been terrific! I don't have any photos yet; my prototype is in a fabric that's not from my line, and I don't want to generate any inquiries (or disappointments) about a fabric that isn't available for sale. Photos soon, I promise!
Next up, the "Sacha" bag - my first small purse! Named for a very dear friend, "Sacha" is a clean-lined, shapely little number. I finished this bag today, and I'm very pleased with it. This prototype has a velcro closure, but I'll probably do a magnetic snap instead. The photo really doesn't do it justice - I'm a crappy photographer. The fabric, "Breeze", is a refreshing turquoise/teal print on natural linen - perfect for summer! The shape isn't square, it's trapezoidal. The angled sides are nicely balanced by the curve of the flap closure. I love the shape so much that I'm planning to do a dressy version in dupioni silk with a rosette for the holidays!
I'm also working on a wallet and a couple more purses. The wallet and one of the other purses are nearly done, just need a few tweaks. I've so enjoyed designing these new bags! It's my favorite part of the job - making mistakes, learning new techniques, solving problems, and of course, pulling that perfect prototype off the machine and saying, "oh yeah - that's IT!"
In other news, I just got my bags into a fabulous, funky consignment store in Renton called "Happy Delusions." I'm so thrilled! It's in a terrific little area of antique shops and eateries. The owner is delightful (well she must be - she likes my stuff, right?); an artist herself, she features mainly independently crafted products by local artists. For Etsy fans, it's like an EtsyRAIN store! She also recommended a number of other places for me to look into that might carry my stuff - indie baby boutiques and the like. Very cool! Now, she's not carrying my new designs yet - she likes the older styles, which is just fine by me. It's a good venue for them, and I think they'll do really well!
On the horizon, I've got three big shows coming up in July. On the 10th & 11th, I'll be at the Urban Craft Uprising at the Seattle Center. The UCU holiday show last December was my best show to date, and I'm really looking forward to this one! There will be so many amazing artists and it is just a super-fun environment to be in. Don't miss it! On the 17th & 18th, it's the Mill Creek Festival in the heart of Mill Creek. A family-friendly show with plenty to see and do, there's even a big section for pets featuring a doggie dunk tank and lots of pet-friendly vendors! Finally, the BIG ONE - the Bellevue Art Museum Fair on the 23rd-25th. This is a venerable juried show with exceptionally fine artists and artisans. I was honored to have been invited to submit, and thrilled to have been accepted!
And on that note, I've got a lot of bags to build, so back to work!
