Since we last met, I’ve fractured a foot, traveled to New York City, had a home photo shoot for a magazine, and made seven bags!  My sister, niece, and I planned a trip to New York since they had never been and I wanted to show them all my favorite tourist sites.  But, right before the trip I started having pain in my right foot this time, and x-rays showed a fracture.  So…off to New York City in a clodhopper of a boot!!  It must have helped because latest x-rays show healing.  Yea!  It’s pretty amazing, though, because we had an overflowing agenda.  They were such troopers!  Examples:

• One day we visited Good Morning America AND the Today Show in the same morning.
• At some point, Nannette’s shoe came apart and she bought super glue and tape and kept on trekking!
• The last night while having dinner in Little Italy, they said, “We haven’t done Grand Central or the Empire State Building.”  I informed them that the Empire State Building is open until 2:00 a.m. and off we went.  We sat on the balcony at Grand Central Terminal and enjoyed a beer, then taxied to the Empire State Building where the top felt like hurricane force winds.  And this while still carrying multiple shopping bags!
• They can’t wait to go back!  🙂

Since we were visiting as many “must see” NYC sites as possible, I didn’t make it to the Garment District this time.  I did collect some charms and flowers in SOHO boutiques for embellishing.

My first visit to Tina’s (where I sell my bags) my manager pointed out I had sold all but a few of my bags and she needed more, especially Anny Bags.  So here are the bags you haven’t seen.

I call this bag Daisy for two reasons–the daisies on the bag and my grandmother’s middle name was Daisy.  Softly laminated Anny Bag with a pretty Amy Butler turquoise and yellow print inside.  The purchased handle is Inazuma from Japan.

This is Blue Skies Over Paris.  Not sure why except both fabrics remind me of a Parisian design.  This is the “All Day” version of the pattern by Craft Apple called Knotted Bag.  A shopper and traveler’s dream, this bag has a large outer pocket secured with a magnetic snap and more pockets inside.  Of course, being made from the laminated cotton, it is soft and lightweight.

Brazilian Dream is created from two Free Spirit/Westminster fabrics.  The toucan fabric, “Jungle Fever,” is very popular and I combined it with a complementary lime houndstooth pattern.  The flower is removable.

The final four are obviously all softly laminated  Anny Bags, and all flowers are clip on/removable.  Upper left is Cotton Candy with an exterior fabric called Poodle by Jennifer Paganelli for Free Spirit.  The interior is a beautiful Heather Bailey fabric called Swirlybuds for Bijoux.  The straps are fashioned from the same two fabrics.

Upper right is called Festival with an exterior and interior of Kaffe Fassett fabric.  The purchased handle is from Cindy’s Button Company.  NOTE:  I have been SO happy with Cindy’s Button Company.  The service is prompt and courteous and the package usually arrives with a little surprise item!  🙂

The lower left is called Wild About Pink (suggested by my daughter) and so appropriate!  This version of the Anny Bag is a bit larger than the others, having five ruffle layers, and is perfect for shopping–lightweight and spacious.  I adore this fabric but unfortunately did not keep notes on the designer.  Perhaps I’ll find some more.  The purchased handle is Inazuma which I ordered from Studio Aika.  NOTE:  Studio Aika has also been very helpful with my orders.  This type handle must be applied by hand and takes me almost two hours.  Maybe I’m just slow but I use DMC floss and the results appear very professional and the handle is very sturdy.

The lower right bag is called Carnivale, festive and fun!  This is the typical Anny Bag, lightweight and spacious, but this one has SIX pockets!  Perfect for traveling.  The fabric is by Heather Bailey and purchased handle is Inazuma.

Oh my, that’s it for now!  As I said, “I’m sewing as fast as I can!”  Actually, I’ve been pondering this business and would like  input from others who sell their bags.  My dilemma is that I’m very serious about the unique character of my bags.  While my designs may not differ much (yet), I do insist that every bag be original and one-of-a-kind.  Very time consuming, of course.  But the creative process is what brings me joy.  Any thoughts?

Happy Sewing!  🙂