What I've been up to...

It’s been busy here at HMMills. 

I have been cutting fabric in preparation for the holiday season. My goal this season to have a quantity of pre-made bags in stock, therefore I have added a new section to my Etsy store,  “In Stock & Ready to Ship” Now customers can easily pick from an assortment of pre-made items for a faster delivery that doesn’t include production time.  Speaking of production, this past week I have been working on the larger messenger bags in the gray and purple hemps as well as the cotton red twill fabric. Hopefully I will have time to photograph and post in the shop by the weekend.

In addition, I have also become a contributor blogger on the Etsy Carried Away Team Blog.

I am responsible for a weekly feature of Etsy Interesting Finds as it’s related to the team theme which are bags.  What I love about being a member of CABTeam is that aside from the charity donations funded through the team shop that we do for those in need, it's what the team gives back to its members. CABTeam offers a lot of sharing and support for each other as each member makes their way in the business world.”

Until next time, thanks for stopping by the blog.

The Larger Messenger Bag in Purple Hemp!

A few weeks ago a customer requested a custom order using the Purple Hemp fabric for the Larger Messenger Bag.   

Of course I had used the last of the fabric on another Messenger Bag custom order.  Luckily (for me) my poor customer waited for my supplier to ship me more fabric before I could start on her order.  Around the same time, the light bulb went off in my head that I should take some of photos of the item and actually list it in my shop.   

Genius I know.  

I wasn’t sure at first if the Hemp fabric would be a good fit for the Messenger bag, but the 10oz canvas interior and stiff interfacing gave the bag its strength and the hemp fabric gave the bag a nice feel to the hand. 

As with all my other larger messenger bags, it's a great bag whether you are a student or just need a versatile bag with ample interior space to carry books, documents, files and up to a 17" laptop.  You can find it here.

"Orange" You Glad Fall is Almost Here! Treasury

Another pleasant surprise today, my Tapestry Clutch was featured in a Treasury.  My third Treasury!

The treasury, "Orange" you glad fall's almost here!  by
tpbakery features a collection of Fall inspired items in warm hues of orange.  I do love orange.  

Tapestry Clutch - Bottom row, far left

The Mini Messenger

Over the weekend I took a break and decided that it was time to experiment with the mini messenger bag that I have been itching to make. 

 I think it's perfect for Autumn and although it's small, don't let its size fool you as you can carry your phone, wallet and keys. I used a dark gray suede fabric and  a heavy weight black cotton canvas interior that has a subtle pebbled texture.  Under the flap - you'll find two exterior pockets while inside there is another pocket to hold your keys, cell phone and I-Pod, etc.  For a closure, I decided to a magnetic snap to secure the Flap.  I also added an adjustable strap that is long enough to wear cross-body or if shorten to carry as a shoulder bag.

My order from my handbag hardware supplier in China finally arrived so there were no more excuses. I had purchased smaller hardware than I usually use for the regular sized messenger bags so that I could make a narrower adjustable strap.  I love the cross-body look!

 

All in all, I am happy with the results, but I am sure that I will be tweaking the next one,  I think I may make the flap a little longer and perhaps add a zippered pocket instead of the slip pocket, or perhaps I will make both.

You can find the Mini Messenger here.

Plaidly Autumn Treasury

A lovely thing happened today. 

 I received a convo that my Plaid Larger Messenger bag has been included in a Treasury, making this my second Treasury in the past few weeks.  Smartly titled, Plaidly Autumn, by fiveforty, please visit and enjoy, perhaps this one will make Etsy Front Page.

Plaid Larger Messenger Bag  - bottom row, second from the right