HM Mills Awesome Handmade Bags

Hello Sweden

2012-01-04T22:02:00.000-05:00

I recently sold another Messenger Bag from my HM Mills Shop.

It's been a few weeks since I had an international order so I was surprise by the buyer's location: Örebro, Närke Sweden. While I do know where Sweden is located, the words, Örebro, Närke intrigued me, as I was packing my bag for a long trip. So what's a girl to do? I Googled it of course.

From the friendly folks at Wikipedia:

Närke is a Swedish traditional province, or landskap, situated in Svealand in south central Sweden. It is bordered by Västmanland to the north, Södermanland to the east, Östergötland to the southeast, Västergötland to the southwest, and Värmland to the northwest.

Örebro [œrəˈbruː] is a city, the seat of Örebro Municipality and the capital of Örebro County in Sweden with 107,038 inhabitants in 2010.

Interesting Sites include Örebro Castle:

A medieval castle fortification in Örebro, Närke, Sweden. It was expanded during the reign of the royal family Vasa (House of Vasa) and finally rebuilt about 1900. The castle lies on an island in river Svartån. Some of the rooms are used as classrooms for pupils from Karolinska Skolan.

Safe travels, messenger bag...

Messenger Bags for Men in Steel Gray - Back in the Shop

2011-12-31T11:13:00.000-05:00

Last June I lamented about using the last of my favorite gray hemp/cotton fabric which I used for my Gray Steel Hemp/Cotton/Canvas Messenger Bags...(It Happened this Week).

Well as I was perusing my favorite online fabric supplier's website, I spotted it. No big announcements, no parades, no shouting from the rooftops. Just a small thumbnail down at the bottom of the page. Gray Hemp/Cotton was back in stock.

There were 75 yards available, now there are only 45 yards available.

Back in the shop: Gray Steel Hemp/Cotton Messenger Bags & Gray Steel Market Bags.

A great messenger bag for men, it comes in two sizes, one will accommodate at 15 inch laptop, the other a 17 inch laptop.

And for women, another best seller, my market bag is large, carry everything in this bag, great adjustable strap for over the shoulder or across the body.

Needless to say, I've been sewing. Oh happy day.

It's the Most Wonderful Time....

2011-12-26T07:12:00.000-05:00

....of the year...

We spent Christmas Eve dinner with the family at Aunt MaryBeth's house this year. Can there be anything better than feeling crisp cold air, a wonderfully decorated house, great food and an evening of laughs?

Yes, Christmas Day Dinner and finally a family photo that my sister Alex states, "we've been waiting years to take this photo."

Happy Holidays!

Studio Madness

2011-12-16T09:03:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year.

I am catching up on Holiday orders so its been a bit quiet on the blog lately, or should I say, I have been a bit of a slacker with keeping up on my blogging. Not only has the blog been neglected, but my Studio as well.

I usually pride myself in keeping my Studio fairly organzied, but during this time of year, not so much...

Bags in various stages of completion, straps, lining and etc just laying all about....What a mess.

I'll be back after the holidays, a few more orders to ship before DH and I head North for Christmas in a few days.

Have a wonderful holiday.

Helen

New Messenger Bag

2011-09-04T09:57:00.000-04:00

Just in time for back to school, I decided it was time to use the few yards of my Amy Butler's Soul Blossom's fabric collection.

Messenger Bag Back to School Brown & Bliss Temple Tulip Azure

I made this Messenger bag with a heavy brown cotton canvas for the exterior and lined it with a print from Amy Butler's Soul Blossoms - Bliss Temple Tulip Azure.

This pretty print is also used on the outside flap. The heavy canvas exterior and the double stitching used for both interior and exterior seams for make this a large and durable bag.

A very large messenger bag - big enough for a 17" laptop, which you can find here.

Just a Few of My Favoirite Things Treasury

2011-08-07T10:57:00.000-04:00

A quick thank you to DistInk Designs for including my Tapestry Clutch in her treasury titled:
....Just a few of my favorite things....then I don't feel so bad.

Are you searching for a summer clutch to take you into autumn?

Made from a lovely cotton print from Valori Wells Cinnamon Tapestry Collection in beige, orange and brown and an eco-friendly 10oz canvas cotton fabric interior. The clutch is finished with recessed zipper to keep all your valuables safe. Perfect for evening parties with your favorite maxi or summer dress or great with a pair of jeans.

You can purchase this item in my shop: HMMills

DIY Cork Bulletin Board

2011-08-06T12:20:00.002-04:00

A few months ago I moved my studio into a larger room in my house. When I started putting the room back together, I decided not to use my old bulletin board which was about 20x30 as I have limited wall space and wanted to hang my thread racks. I was finally inspired to use some of those wine bottle corks and two smaller Ikea frames to create a smaller bulletin board.

To create your own Cork Bulletin board you will need:

Some type of frame(s) to hold your corks together
Wine bottle corks
Glue (I don't think regular glue is strong enough for this project, I was thinking about Elephant Glue but i expands or hot glue.) I ended up using some marine glue DH provided.
Wall Mounts
Hand Drill
Patience

First I removed the paper backing from my frames...

Next, using a hand drill, I attached two wall mounts that I picked up at Home Depot.

Next is the fun part, arranging the corks in a pattern. I found it's much easier to layout each row first as corks tend to be different sizes and I wanted a snug fit. This is much easier to due without glue.

Once I was happy with the layout, I attached a strip of glue to each cork and pressed into place.

At this point, the process is the same, arrange, rearrange, add glue, press into place and repeat until you are complete.

To help set the corks into place, I laid a few heavy items on top of the board while the frame dried overnight.

Ta da...

Outdoor Pets

2011-07-31T21:28:00.003-04:00

This is Godzilla.

We noticed him last year hanging out by the front door. Every now and then while working on the landscaping I would catch sight of him running across the property. Lately, he hangs out by the side of the house on the landscaping stones. I’m not sure what type of lizard thing he is, but he’s definitely cool.

And then there is this one...he has no name...but he lives in the trees with the birds. I'm sure they are thrilled...

Summer Reads

2011-07-30T13:56:00.001-04:00

The Help - Kathryn Stockett

Wonderful!

Ode to a Treasury

2011-07-30T10:27:00.000-04:00

I've been a bit busy this month, but did want to stop and do a shout out to my fellow Etsians for including some of my items in their lovely treasuries:

My Daisy Flower Handbag with Bamboo Handles appears in LalitasGemmes' Shop Till you Drop! Treasury.

My fellow Carried Away Team member RetoolSF created this Come Get Carried Away Treasury featuring my Zippered Wristlet in Yellow & Blue.

...and then there is my Spring Clutch Bag in Lantern Bloom in Sublime Threads' Lantern Bloom Treasury.

Morning Sunshine & A Smaller Market Bag

2011-06-22T17:12:00.001-04:00

Oh how I love the way the morning sun streams into my studio.

On this particular morning, the sun provided the perfect light as I work on making a smaller version of my Pleated Market Bag.

After much delay (and a little procrastination), I finally had the chance to use the sage/beige linen fabric that I purchased from one of my fabric shopping adventures a few months ago.

And I have to say I that I love the look of this smaller version, as I think it will make a perfect summer accessory for your summer dresses or with a great pair of shorts.

Now while I do say it's smaller, it's still roomy enough to carry all your stuff..but to give you a better idea of the size of this Linen Market Bag:

The top opening is 101/2"; the bottom length is 12"; it's body height: 12 1/2" and comes with a adjustable strap that goes from 26" - 47" in length.

You can purchase this bag from my HMMills' Shop here...

Patience - Treasury

2011-06-20T16:42:00.000-04:00

Oh boy, I am feeling the love, another item made it into another treasury.

A fellow shop owner has included my Canvas Flower Handbag in a new Treasury...Patience

(That's my bag on the far left in the third row.)

My Canvas Navy Blue with Flower Handbag is pleated and constructed in a heavy navy blue cotton canvas and lined with a pretty cotton print. The interior has two pockets (a zippered pocket and an slip pocket). The outside is accented with a handmade flower constructed from the same fabric and simple blue button and a nickle rectangle ring on one of the handles. A perfect tote to carry all your essentials.

Please also take a moment to visit her lovely shop Bindu Glass

It happened this week...

2011-06-12T08:38:00.000-04:00

Although there was a brave effort in searching fabric stores both online and off as well as fabric warehouses - it happened this week - I used the last of my favorite dark gray hemp/cotton fabric when a customer purchase the last Hemp/Cotton Messenger Bag in Gray.

I knew it was coming months ago, my fabric supplier inform me they had discontinued carrying the hemp/cotton in gray earlier in the year.
As the months went by, my bolt of gray hemp dwindled until I was down enough fabric for one messenger bag and one market bag. The market bag sold a few weeks ago and now as I am sewing the last messenger bag - I keep glancing over the sad small pile of fabric scraps.

The last remains of my favorite gray hemp/cotton fabric.

:(

For Her - Treasury

2011-05-27T20:29:00.001-04:00

My Tapestry Clutch seems to be popular these days...

...it may be since spring and summer have finally arrived....or the fact that this clutch goes wonderfully with a spring dress or with a casual pair of jeans. It's easy to carry as well, either under your arm or hold with the strap. Small, but still large enough to carry your essentials.

A fellow shop owner has included my springtime Tapestry Clutch in a new Treasury....For Her...

Please also take a moment to visit her lovely shop Pink Parchment Soap

Experimentation - Flowers

2011-05-24T10:32:00.000-04:00

My multiple trips to NYC this winter/spring had me longing to see some blooming Spring Flowers. Here in Florida, my perennials have been blooming year round, but they are hardy for Florida's heat so they are not as pretty or as dainty as the flowers up North. Sigh...

Since flowers and spring have been on my mind, I decided it was time to start making some Spring clutches with blooming flowers and stock the Store.

I searched the web for flower tutorials and found a several few patterns and decided that I would use a combination of two together....

I decided to use the technique of heating fabric for that curling effect, therefore I chose Crepe and Organza fabric for the flower. Using a fabric from Amy Butler, Lotus Star Paisley in Sand which has lovely spring colors in blue, purple, green, purple and beige.

Springtime Clutch

The result is a Springtime Clutch accented with layers of crepe and organza fabric sewn into a delicate freestyle sculptural flower. I lined the interior with a durable eco-friendly un-dyed 10oz canvas and finished it with a magnetic snap to keep all your valuables safe.

My Springtime Clutch is approximately 10.5" wide, 5.5" tall and large enough to carry all your most needed essentials.

Strange Sights

2011-05-22T14:41:00.000-04:00

My DH and I were driving along the Florida Turnpike along near Pompano when my DH pointed to Mt. Trashmore (landfill) and asked if I had noticed the Hollywood sign that had gone during the last week.

Hollywood Sign A WWWWWHHHHAAAATTTTT?

It turns out that Tom Cruise and cast (Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Paul Giamatti ) are filming the movie "Rock of Ages" in South Florida. Apparently the crew needed a replica of the Hollywood sign for the movie and built one along the "hills" of Mt. Trashmore.
Strange sightings indeed

Custom Orders

2011-05-22T09:11:00.002-04:00

When you are the designer, you tend to think that you have the best ideas when it comes to coordinating fabrics. So when a customer sends an email requesting two fabrics that you never considered...Purple Hemp fabric with Joel Dewberry's Chestnut Hill Narrow Strip Yellow...I had a few doubts.
However, I put aside my doubts, because yellow and purple really do go well together. (Who knew, that color wheel was correct). As I started construction those little doubts were replaced with wondering why you questioned your customer's idea in the first place.

I did have to make some changes, since the interior was not the typical 10oz canvas that I use...I decided I had to reinforce the cotton fabric with a strong interface and used a tighter multiple stitching....

...but then when it's all done...you end up with one of those Ah Ha! moments...

So if you would love a Purple Hemp Messenger Bag with a yellow strip interior...each bag has reinforced stitching and can accommodate a large laptop and a book or two.

Do you know the Zipper Man?

2011-05-07T10:49:00.000-04:00

One of the great things about going home is the fabric...I can't seem to get enough of the fabric stores. However during my last trip home I headed downtown toward China town to finally visit my zipper supplier in person. Last year I was watching the CBS Sunday Morning show and there was a story about a legend that has been selling zippers since 1941.When they mentioned his website, it dawned on me that he was my zipper supplier.

Suzie (mom) and I spent about an hour just chatting with Mr. Feibush and his son...and while they weren't looking, I snapped a few photos...

.
In the land of zippers.

I Should be Sewing but...

2011-04-10T07:13:00.002-04:00

Took a few days off and headed home to see my Nicholas...with two other sisters and a sister-in-law there is competition for the best auntie spot...

When I finally arrived at the house, my sister Alex took a photo of me & nick...at this point he is about a week and half old. Can you imagine!

My sister looked great although she wouldn't let me snap any photos of her and the baby...but I did manage a few of Nick in his little bear outfit as we were heading out for a car ride...

He's Here!

2011-03-29T06:57:00.000-04:00

And baby makes three...

Going Home....

He arrived one day early...but oh you are too cute!

Nature's Art Work

2011-03-20T11:23:00.002-04:00

DH and I are finally upgrading our furniture in our living room.

Yesterday some friends of ours came over and took the large oak wall unit that dominated my living room, exposing a surprisingly stark blank wall. That changed when the late afternoon sun started streaming through the windows. Nature drew a picture...my potted plant by the front door is framed by the living room plantation shutters.

Random - Fabric Shopping

2011-03-13T21:26:00.002-04:00

While I was home (NYC) for my sister's Baby Shower, my other sister (Alex) and I met up in the city for an afternoon of baby fabric shopping.

For those of you who love fabric will understand when I say that I my pulse quicken when I stepped inside the store... ...rows and rows of fabric. Since we were shopping Retail and I didn't have room in my suitcase, so I did a lot of looking while Alex did all the buying.

The madness continued when I took my Birthday off and hit the textile area in Miami with three of my girlfriends. My girlfriend posted the photo on the left of the girls and me trying to pull a roll of fabric from the racks. I believe the quote she used was, "At some crazy fabric warehouse in Miami ... The girls are acting like 8 year-olds on their first trip to toys r us!"

Well, this 8 year-old, left with 47 yards of fabric. I purchased two types of linen and sage type of green and a royal blue, one great plaid with olive and gray, a summer fabric that I foresee becoming beach totes and a blue canvas that has messenger bag written all over it.

We also stopped by a Zipper Manufacturer, where they still make zippers on site...who knew, of course I had to pick up just a few...

Something Blue

2011-02-20T18:05:00.000-05:00

Just returned from spending a a week up North in the bitter bitter cold.

The trip was part business, part visiting the family and I was able to squeeze in a baby shower for my sister in the midst of it all..

My sister Alex did all the decorating, wonderful of course.

Below, a photo of the Mommy to be, she is due in just a few weeks...

Favourite Things by Cre8

2011-01-30T08:48:00.002-05:00

A pleasant surprise yesterday.

A a convo from a fellow Etsy member, Carla Dyck. She has included my Messenger Bag Distressed - Red Twill as one of her Favourite Things.

When you get a chance, please by stop by her Blog, Cre8 and visit her Shop which contains lovely Fine Art Photography.

Thanks again Carla!

Lazy Sunday

2011-01-23T09:34:00.000-05:00

Dirty Feet

I wish...

As I am slowly recovering from what I thought was just a cold and then bloomed into the flu, it will be a busy Sunday. Today I will try to complete one pleated handbag, two messenger bags and one iPad case. Ha, Ha, Ha...what are the odds it will all be done today.

While it may not be a lazy Sunday for me, it is apparently a lazy day for the puppy that never leaves my side.

I think she's getting a little chunky. Hmmm....what is it they say, if your dog is overweight, you are not getting enough exercise?

New Studio

2011-01-22T12:14:00.000-05:00

So the new Studio is just about done, and I thought I would share a few photos...

There are many more pictures of my new sunny Studio, which you can browse through here

Not just One Treasury, but Two

2011-01-20T22:47:00.001-05:00

January really has been a great month, first several folks have purchased items from my shop, and now two of my items have made it into two Treasuries.

Larger Messenger Bag - Purple Hemp

The first Treasury, Violets For Your Valentine includes my Purple Hemp Messenger Bag

The second Treasury, Orange Crush - Simply Delectable Orange Gifts for your Sweetheart! includes my Tapestry Clutch in Oranges & Beige.

Tapestry Clutch in Oranges and Beige

Sales

2011-01-20T10:50:00.000-05:00

Messenger Bag - Red Twill

Wow, so far 2011 is turning out to be great.

Had my first sale on January 1st which has been followed by several other sales.

So thanks to my buyers....

Hemp Market Bag

Pleated Handbag

Large Messenger Bag - Brown Canvas

Large Messenger Bag - Hemp/Cotton

Plans for 2011

2011-01-09T22:09:00.035-05:00

So have you decide what your plans are for 2011 yet?

Personal

Continue with Eating habit change

o 10lbs more to Go

401k Consolidations

Kick the Bucket List

Paint outside of house

Plans for HMMills

Create 2011 Operating Plan

Initiative: Production Goals

Production Routine

o Move from a Made-upon-Order Production Mode
o Goals is to have 25% of all sales within the premade category.

Initiative: New Product Goals

o Experimentation with Leather

Initiative: Sales Events

Initiative: Marketing Plans

o Master SEO

o Master of Social Media

o What will I do differently w/ Facebook and Twitter

Initiative: Expand to other sites outside of Etsy

Initiative: Time Management

Business Reading

2010 Revisited

2011-01-08T09:50:00.018-05:00

So before I look forward into the year 2011, I will take a quick look back at 2010:

I had a few goals for myself in 2010, both personal and business.

200 Hearts

I think I went to the wire with this goal, I believe I achieved 200 heart on the last day of December.

100 Items in the Shop

Ha, ha, ha, I had broken this goal down into two mini goals, 50 items by June and then 100 by the holiday shopping rush (October) thinking it would be more attainable. I think at one point I got up to 40 items around August and then the number hovered in the30s for the remainder of the year. As of today I think I am at 33 or 32 items.

Expand Product Line

This was accomplished, but not as much as I wanted…I did a redesign of the Messenger Bag – making it larger and added a split pocket on the front under the flap. I also made a mini messenger bag and added iPad covers to the shop as well.

100 Sales

I didn’t reach that goal on Etsy, but yes at the street fair in NYC that my sister and I participated over the summer. As for Etsy, I double my sales which sounds great until it realize the number went from 13 to 26.

Maintain Studio Organization

Last year between Christmas & New Years I cleaned out my office and organized myself. Aside from organization, I also wanted to paint the room as well. I was able to maintain some organization throughout the year, unfortunately, my studio is very small and the bolts of fabric were hard to maneuver so I ending up using the island in my kitchen. Thankfully, DH was okay with my sewing stuff all over the kitchen during the holiday shopping season as I was trying to get orders out. In the end the room was painted as I decided to switch rooms and made my studio into the guest bedroom a few days ago.

Bedroom Remodeling

Yes, Yes, Yes. Still need to hang some art over the bed and have DH hang the towel rack in the bathroom, but I am very happy with my new bedroom.

New Job

Stay with the same company, but received a promotion taking me from the field to a Corporate position….the cubicle life for me….

Weight loss – 10 - 20lbs

Yes, lost 15lbs, but probably gain 5lbs back during the holidays. Now that the holidays are over, I am getting back into the routine as the ultimate goal is to get back down to 127 – 130lbs…so close I see a size 6 in my future.

Landscaping

Get it under control. Yes and no, I have learned a few things in the 12+ years that we have been in the house, and that is green plants that don’t require much water as well as perennials over annuals. While some of my plants didn’t make it this year, I have been keeping the weeds under control by mulching, mulching and mulching. One day, DH will stop calling me Helen Brown thumb.

Now onto 2011.

New Studio

2011-01-02T10:54:00.000-05:00

Last Tuesday when I brought home my new Juki and DH and I kept trying to find room for him in my Studio, DH said, why don't you switch rooms, take over the guest room since it's larger.

So Tuesday night I kept thinking about it and I think I also had dreams about it. I awoke Wednesday morning around 4:00am and I knew I had made the decision to do it!

I had a four day weekend off, so I have turned my entire house upside down by moving my studio out and into the living room, dining room and kitchen. Before moving the guest room furniture into my old space, I decided to painted the walls, (I'll post photos), one project breeds another one...

I am now in the midst of moving everything that is all over the house into my new space and reorganizing the new studio. Although it's not done, I was admiring the morning sun shining through my TWO windows...and thought I would snap a photo...

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T09:32:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas to Me!

2010-12-28T22:12:00.000-05:00

I noticed something these past few weeks while I have been trying to get my orders out. I have been fighting with my Husqvarna and I didn't realize how much it has been struggling to sew through multiple layers of canvas. She is only a year and half and I have been concerned that I was going to break it, so I decided to accelerate a purchase I was planning for later this year or next.

I have been looking at him for the past year and a half, and then on 12/24 I had the day off and went to my local Sew&Vac store to ask some general questions and look around at machine accessories. I walked in and there he was, I don't know when they received him because last time I was there, they had other types of machines. Of course I got to try him out, it scared me , he's very powerful...but the temptation was too much.

And today, DH brought him home, here it is, my Juki 1541s....

Not only can this bad boy sew through multiple layers, but also leather, therefore look for some changes in my designs in 2011...

I was able to squeeze it into my studio, but it is tight in there now.

Of course I have no industrial thread to play with, so now I wait for my thread order. Perhaps I will clean my studio and do some reorganizing.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T08:45:00.003-05:00

Have You Tried the New Taste Test Tool?

2010-12-14T21:20:00.000-05:00

Hooray, another Etsy Treasury!

Have You Tried the New Taste Test Tool? by CreationsbyEileen, features my Mini Gray Messenger Bag.

It's made with a dark gray micro suede fabric and lined with a heavy weight black cotton canvas that has a subtle pebbled texture.

Don't let it's little size fool you...

I Should be Sewing but...

2010-12-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

Okay, things have been a little swapped here at HMMills. I sold a few more messenger bags and my poor Husqvarna is struggling to keep up with the layers of canvas. However, I decided to take a day off, (yes I know, I hope my buyers aren't reading this), but only because I had too. Last year three of my friends and I got together for an afternoon to make some Christmas cookies and this year I decided to host it at my house. Therefore, I needed to decorate the house, get a tree, etc. etc. So about 23 dozen cookies and 8lbs of fudge later....

Okay, now back to work...

Holiday Gift Guide For The Super Savvy Buyer

2010-12-03T20:32:00.000-05:00

One of my iPad Covers has been included in another Etsy Treasury, this one called, Holiday Gift Guide For The Super Savvy Buyer by AllisonTMorgan. Hooray!

iPad Cover - Tiny Dots Brown & Tan

The cover is made from a cotton print, with a color palette includes brown and tan dots and lined with a matching brown twill cotton.

I used a recycled button for the flap closure.

Recycled Buttons

2010-12-02T20:55:00.002-05:00

When I was in the midst of indecision regarding a closure for my iPad covers, the one thing that I was sure of was that I was going to finally utilize the stash of buttons sitting on a shelf in my studio. The buttons are a mix of buttons that I have collected over the last 20 years as well as buttons that were found in the sewing room of my ex's grandmother when she passed away in the late 80s. I had written a post about them long ago and I always had great intentions to do something with these old buttons.

My husband commented as I was sewing this last batch of iPad covers that he was amazed how I was able to find just the perfect button for each cover. As he was digging through the stash, he guessed the age of some of them...not quite vintage, but some do appear to be from the 1970s and 1980s. I call them recycled, because many of them still had the thread that originally held them to whatever garment they were salvaged from and as a survivor of the The Great Depression it appears that she saved everything.

I guess her thriftiness is my windfall.

I've been featured...

2010-12-02T08:00:00.002-05:00

The kind folks at Know the Art Scene have featured me in there blog. Please take a moment to visit Kathleen McGiveon's Blog, as she interviews aspiring creators as myself. Kathleen is a visual artist who is compelled to produce large works. She enjoys working with clay because the material allows her to form any shape that plays in her mind...

Below is the interview conducted by Kathleen McGiveon.

December Christmas Special...know hmmills

1. Tell us about yourself?
Oh where to start, by day I have a semi-stressful career in Corporate America, however at night I am the workhorse behind HMMills. My father has always told me that my true calling was to be an artist or designer, so HMMills is my creative outlet. While I am at work I am always thinking about I can work on once I get home. I have little notebooks filled with jewelry and handbag bag doodles. I am constantly drawing out bag shapes or earrings and necklaces. I do a little of everything, I make glass beads to incorporate into my jewelry designs and love to work with sheets of metal and wire and recently I have reactivated my addiction to fabric.

2. Where did you train/learn your practice?
Sewing: I started sewing as a young girl (before the age of 10), making dresses for my Barbie dolls with just a few lessons from my mom. In my twenties my roommate, who was a true seamstress, expanded my sewing skills by making me sew tailored clothes for myself. About a year and a half ago I pulled my sewing machine and serger out of the closet (after ignoring them for years) and made a handbag. Now I can’t stop sewing. (I do hope that Santa upgrades me to an industrial sewing machine this year, although the Viking Husqvarna I received for my birthday last year is very much loved.)
Jewelry: I took basic wire class years ago, but I am mainly self-taught. A few years ago I worked in a bead shop a couple Sundays a month just so that I could hang out with other beaders and taught several wire technique classes. That experience led me to attended classes at an art school for metal-smithing and lampworking to expand my skill set.

3. What are some of your goals as an Etsy Seller?
Sometimes I want to be one of those Etsy Sellers that gets reviewed in the Etsy “Quit Your Day Job” feature. However with that said, I thought I would start small this year:
• I would love to receive 100% positive feedback from all my customers, (so far so good). I want my customers to truly love the item once they receive it. I have been disappointed from some of my online purchases through the years and I never want that for my customers.
• Another goal was to have 50 items available in my shop by June (missed that, because customers kept buying things, LOL) and 100 items in my shop by mid November so that my customers have stuff to look at!

4. What do you think differs your Etsy store from others?
I believe that I am similar to many other Etsy sellers in that we all put in a lot of thought and time into our creations. Therefore, what would make me different, (well, when I do have items in my store,) I think would be the diversity of my items. I love accessories (you don’t want to know how much jewelry, handbags, scarves and shoes I own); I guess what girl doesn’t love them.

5. Are you making any thing special for Christmas?
That’s a good question, one that I have considered in the past, but each time I always decide no. Each season there are trends, which I try to maneuver around, but as for holiday items, I don’t want to limit my items to a specific holiday. (However my mother-in-law would love it if I would make her some Christmas pillows for her sofa.) One trend I couldn’t resist this season is Plaid (which could be consider holiday-ish). I recently purchased a ton of Plaid and tweed fabrics that I intend to use for some of my bags. Last weekend I was experimenting with my Messenger Bag and made a Mini, so I can’t wait to use some of the new Plaid for that design as well.

6. Will you be having any store sales or specials for the holidays?
I am debating between a discount on a second item, a shipping freebie or shipping discount.

7. Will you be packaging any differently for Christmas?
I typically wrap my items in white tissue and teal ribbon. Packing can be tricky during the holidays because of all the different faiths, so I may continue to wrap in white but can see a gold or silver ribbon making an appearance.

8. Do you sell anywhere other than Etsy?
Yes, I sell on 1000 Markets and Zibbet. I also sell at various Street Shows (in NYC) during the summer months.

9. Give your shop a Christmas Jingle!
LOL...I have nothing...

10. What else would you like to say to KathleenMcGiveron.com’s viewers?
Just that this is a great site and that I hope that your readers continue to support it, as well as thank you for the opportunity to talk about me.

Playing with Textures - Distressed Look

2010-11-30T06:45:00.001-05:00

Okay, the other week I told everyone I was getting bored with the Messenger bag design and that I wanted to do something different, at least start with the flap. So, as I started making another messenger bag with a recent purchase of red/burgundy cotton twill...

I decided to added a strap of fabric down in front of the flap, then I frayed the edges and sanded the flap in spots to give the bag an overall distressed look.

As with all my messenger bags, the interior is lined with 10oz cotton canvas in natural for extra durability.

Under the flap - you'll find a two deep exterior pockets while inside contains a zipper pocket and a split pocket to hold your keys, cell phone and I-Pod, etc.

The adjustable strap is long enough to wear across your chest or if shorten to carry as a tote.

You can find this beauty here: Messenger Bag Distressed - Red Twill

Cyber Monday Sale

2010-11-29T18:41:00.000-05:00

Hi all,
Hope everyone enjoying Cyber Monday. HMMills is also having a Cyber Monday Sale, all messenger bags in the shop are 10% off!

Come see these wonderful bags, a great way to carry your laptop in style.

Click here to go to the shop: Messenger Bag Sale

Sale ends at midnight!

10% Off Coupon

2010-11-27T14:25:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone, hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is surviving the holiday shopping. For my loyal readers (all 38 of you) LOL, I am offering a 10% discount on every item in my shop.

Visit the shop today to take advantage, just type BlogReader during checkout and receive 10% off.

Coupon will be available now through Christmas Eve.

Black Friday Sale - All iPad Covers on Sale

2010-11-26T07:40:00.000-05:00

Whoo hoo, the holidays are here and what better way to start than with a Black Friday Sale. All iPad covers in my shop are on sale until Midnight tonight.

Each stylish iPad cover is constructed with two layers of fusible fleece, keeping your iPad safe from scratches, bumps and smudges. Covers are completed with a flap closure and recycled button from my ex-DH's grandmothers stash.

Made from 100% cotton they are easy to keep clean as you just machine wash cold / tumble dry.

Quantities are limited, so hurry...

You can find these great stocking stuffers here:

iPad Covers

iPad Covers

2010-11-18T20:26:00.003-05:00

Finally, decided to use some of the Amy Butler Love collection fabric that I have had on my shelf for the past few months.

After playing around with my prototype I finally made an iPad cover using the Paradise Garden in Wine. The color palette includes mint, yellow, coral, fuchsia and lavender on a wine background and I lined the interior with a matching lavender cotton.

Also decided to add one to the shop, which you can find here.

I used two layers of fusible fleece, to keep the iPad safe from scratches, bumps and smudges.

I added a front slip pocket so you can also carry your power cord, ear plugs, etc.

For a closure, I used a recycled button and loop.

...here is a view from the back...

Working with Muslin

2010-11-17T20:23:00.000-05:00

I decided recently that whenever I experiment with a pattern that going forward it was best not to use the expensive Amy Butler fabric. As I write this I am glancing at the the remains of a bag gone awry and a beautiful Amy Butler fabric that will never to see the sun again. I have been dying to make a cover for my iPad, so after drawing out the pattern, I decided to use Muslin. What a concept. I was watching a Project Runway Marathon and noticed another designer using muslin. Each time I waste a great piece of fabric I think to myself, “why didn’t you pulled that bolt of muslin from the shelf. Will I did….and here is the finished product:

Based on this prototype, I have decided to eliminate the split pocket, as I the pockets were too tight. Also I am going to do two styles, with and without the pocket. I guess the one without the pocket would be considered a sleeve. As for the closure, I may use three types of closures, the fabric loop (shown here), Velcro under the flap and an elastic loop and button.

Keep watch for the real thing....

Playing around with Textures

2010-11-02T06:12:00.001-04:00

Okay, I get bored easily. I receive email updates from West Elm and they have duvet covers to die for…I love this pin tuck look as well as the gathered one. I would love to incorporate this type of texture onto a bag and I think perhaps next week I will experiment some one.

In the meantime, it’s been a while since I have made any changes to the Messenger Bag, the last change was to add was added an external single and split pocket under the flap. I have been thinking about doing something else to the flap, perhaps play around with a colorful fabric on the cover as I did with this messenger bag, but I haven’t done either…

The other day as I was busy cutting and sewing numerous messenger bags (in a Red Burgundy Twill), I found that I still had some fabric left over. It wasn’t a lot, enough to make a small strap, when it dawn on me, use it as a decorative piece and attached it to the front flap. So I did. On the second one, I pulled on the fabric to give it some additional texture and a bit of a distressed look, I may even fray the edges. I think I like it, and I hope you will too… hope to have some photos to post later on…

Easier Navigation Around the Shop

2010-11-01T06:01:00.001-04:00

The other day I was on a website browsing through the clothes section and as I was clicking through the site, I thought how easy it was to navigate. It got me thinking about the Holiday Shopping season and my own site; and what could I do to help my customer navigate around the shop.

So I added a few new sections, for my customers that need and want it now, I have added a section called “In Stock & Ready to Ship.” For customers who only want to shop within a specific price range, I have added:

Gifts under $25.00
Gifts under $40.00
Gifts under $50.00
Gifts under $60.00

Be sure to stop back as I start filling the “store shelves.” Until next time, thanks for stopping by the blog.

Steel Gray Hemp!

2010-10-24T09:23:00.002-04:00

I am still playing around with all the Hemp Fabric I purchased a few weeks ago. I have a several colors now in my collection, Plum Purple, Red Wine, Steel Gray, and two other colors that I plan to use next summer, a muted Yellow and Celery Green.

Last night I decided to make a Large Messenger Bag using the Steel Gray and if you want, you can purchase the bag here.

It is a 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 - a new addition to my Messenger Collection.

As with all my messenger bags, I lined the interior with a 10oz cotton canvas in natural for extra durability.

Under the flap - you'll find one large deep exterior pocket while inside contains a zipper pocket and a split pocket to hold your keys, cell phone and I-Pod, etc.

The adjustable strap is long enough to wear across your chest or if shorten to carry as a tote.

Yea! Another Treasury

2010-10-21T05:38:00.030-04:00

I've been so busy, I forgot to mention that I received a convo that my Sage Wildflowers Clutch has been included in a Treasury.

I have now been in three Treasuries within the past few weeks, for a total of four.

Now if only I could get to the front page! You can see mine clutch on the bottom row...

Please visit and enjoy the smartly titled, Bags, Purses, Clutches and Totes Treasury, by StoneFeather.

Messenger Bag Straps

2010-10-20T06:11:00.001-04:00

Well, it appears that the weather is getting cooler up north, and based on last week snows, it seems some states have already had snow! The closest I get to cool weather and warm clothes is when I go to the Hockey games, (yes, South Florida has a Hockey Team).

Living in South Florida, if you don't pay attention, you will miss the seasonal fashion trends, as most of the year, I find myself in a pair of cargo shorts, light top and flip flops.

According to the Etsy Merchandising Desk, "Classic and modern interpretations of autumn and winter holiday color schemes: Rusts, browns, reds, oranges, yellows, whites, greens, blues, and purples. On a more general front: Blacks, grays, camels, teals, aquas, rich earth tones, mustard, deep purples berries and wine, and muted shades of green."

As the holiday season is just around the corner, I have been busy cutting and sewing, I thought I would stop and snap a photo. On this day I was preparing the large and mini messenger bag straps for sewing. Lovely shades of grays and deep purples...

My Sisters...

2010-10-11T21:03:00.004-04:00

Everything came to stop a few weeks ago, when my sister announced she and her long time boyfriend were getting married. Well you can plan a wedding in five weeks or less. She was married on 10/9/2010, in New York...the weather was fabulous and the bride looked beautiful.

There is something about watching a younger sister get married, I cried all morning long as we slowly watched her hair and make up get done. I cried when the flowers arrived, I cried when I helped her get dress and cried as Suzy (our mom) put on the jewelry. Now there are just two more sisters to go...

What I've been up to...

2010-09-29T19:40:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-09-22T21:17:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-12T21:42:00.033-04:00

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

2010-09-09T08:56:00.051-04:00

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

2010-09-05T08:30:00.002-04:00

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

More Fabric Madness

2010-08-31T08:00:00.006-04:00

More fabric Madness you ask?

My friend has a contact with a great fabric wholesaler down in Miami. She and another friend of ours (who I will call V) went down there this week to purchase some fabric. Since I wasn’t able to partake in the fabric adventure, V took pity on me and armed with my fabric swatches, did the shopping for me. Not only did she pick up some replacement fabric for me, she also found a few new fabrics for me to try out. Where would we be without our i-Phones. So, 26 yards of fabric later, here we are.

Cotton twill, in burgundy, denim blue, olive and army greens and a brown maroon, as well as some suede in Grey and two lovely plaids….I dream of messenger bags.

So Busy....

2010-08-27T21:35:00.003-04:00

It’s been a busy past few days. I have been trying to catch up on some orders for various messenger bags that came through my “Back to School” marketing efforts and being ill for two weeks did not help the HMMills cause. Oh well such is life, yes?

Once these orders are completed, I have a new bag that I want to try out so perhaps I will have photos of the finished product after Labor Day.

Okay, now back to work.

1 Million Pillowcase Challenge

2010-08-21T07:06:00.000-04:00

Being sick has it advantages, such as catching up on all my reading.

I found this article on Etsy regarding a Pillowcase Challenge, which is being organized by American Patchwork & Quilting and supported by quilting shops across the nation.

From the All People Quilt site:

make a pillowcase
make a difference
Calling all quilters, sewers and crafters! American Patchwork & Quilting is challenging you to join our efforts to Make a Pillowcase, Make a Difference. Every Pillowcase can make a difference in your community. A pillowcase can provide comfort for a cancer patient, hope for a foster child, encouragement for a battered woman, or beauty for a nursing home resident.

To participate, find a shop hosting One Million Pillowcase Challenge events in your area. Once your pillowcases are complete and donated locally..Help us reach our goal of ONE MILLION Pillowcases.

As of this posting they had reached 134,397 pillowcases with a goal of 1M, so they need your help. Visit the 1M Pillowcase Challenge site to find out how to get involved.

Mad about Plaid

2010-08-16T20:27:00.000-04:00

Back to School in Plaid

Since I have been under the weather, I have lots of time on my hands. Before my illness I had spent the previous few weekends cutting out fabric and sewing several messenger bags in preparation for back to school. I did manage today to finally post one of those bags using a new plaid fabric that I couldn't pass by...

Larger Messenger Bag in Plaid - Hunter Green

I did more experimentation with bag and added two exterior pockets under the flap. It's a great versatile bag with ample interior space to carry books, documents and up to a 17" laptop. As always, I used a 10oz cotton canvas for extra durability.

There are two other plaid patterns that I purchase in addition to the Hunter Green Forest shown here. As I was sewing with this fabric I couldn't help but be reminded of my school days and school uniforms.

Studio Extension

2010-08-13T20:27:00.019-04:00

I have been ill for the pass few days and will be in bed bed for at least another week..sigh...And in that time I have watched a bunch of movies, hours of tv and way too many infomercials. Every now and then, I call the day job to see how things are going and stress a little more.

So, since I have a lot of time on my hands, I thought I would start catching up on my blogging since it doesn't appear that I will sewing any time soon, (thanks DH for getting me a laptop for christmas). Speaking of sewing, last week I spent the whole weekend cutting fabric to make a bunch of messenger bags. I should have known that something was wrong as I was so fatigue while I was cutting.

A few weeks ago I took advantage of a deal offered by my fabric supplier and ended up with a large bolt of 10oz canvas. This large bolt presents a problem whenever I pull it out, which is that it is too large for my cutting table. So what's a girl to do, why use that large island in the kitchen of course!

It makes for a perfect cutting table, (probably to DH's dismal), it's smooth large surface can accommodate a large bolt of fabric. So I guess I have found my new studio extension.

Last Summer Clutch

2010-07-31T11:25:00.000-04:00

...well for this year anyway...

I think it's the Tapestry Clutch is the perfect summer clutch as it's the perfect accessory for that summer dress and a palette of beige, orange, gold and brown make it easy to carry into Fall.

Small enough to carry it under your arm or as a wristlet, but this clutch is large enough to carry all your essentials!
Made from a lovely cotton print from Valori Wells Cinnamon Tapestry Collection in beige, orange and brown. The exterior is pleated on one side and flat on the other. The interior is lined with a 10oz canvas cotton fabric in natural and contains a slip pocket and zippered pocket. The clutch is finished with recessed zipper to keep all your valuables safe.

This little pretty can be found here:

Sage Wildflower Clutch

2010-07-26T22:07:00.000-04:00

I've been very busy sewing new messengers bags in time for back to school. (I promise to get those up in my shop soon.)

I did stop to snap a few pictures of another summer clutch. I call it the Sage Wildflower Clutch. I do love this fabric,a lovely cotton print called Ginseng Wildflowers Sage. It has a nature inspired design with a color palette of sage green and aqua. Closes with a recessed zipper to keep your essentials extra safe.

You can find this snappy clutch in my shop here.

Treasury

2010-07-23T21:31:00.001-04:00

It happened today. I received an email that someone decided to include one of my items in their Treasury. My first Treasury.

SimpleJoysPaperie created a "what's in a name?" Treasury and was kind enough to included my Personalized Brass Name Tag Necklace.
You can view the treasury for a limited time here. After the treasury expires, you will only be able to appreciate it via the snapshot below. (My item is in the top row, 2nd from the right.)

Thanks again SimpleJoysPaperie!

Another Summer Handbag

2010-07-15T22:25:00.002-04:00

I am still enjoying the last order of hemp cotton that I received a few weeks ago. The new day job has me so busy that I was finally able to do some sewing and finally posted another one of my Hemp Bucket bags in my Etsy Shop using the light beige or Flax (as it is official labeled) fabric. I am still experimenting with interfacing and after my last bag I have fallen love with SF101 and the mix of 10oz canvas. The combination of the two makes for a nice sturdy Big bag.

The Pleated Market Bag is a handbag constructed in a wonderful soft flax cotton/hemp fabric and lined with a sturdy 10oz canvas in natural (off white). On the inside you will find three pockets, two slip pockets to carry to carry your cell phone or I-pod and a zippered pocket to keep your valuables. The bag is finished with a magnetic snap closure. All hardware is in a nickel finish.

It's a very large bag, great for carrying books, a laptop or an I pad. Use it as a market bag or a diaper bag.

The adjustable strap is great in that you can wear it messenger style or over your shoulder, ever changing to fit your mood or need.

Approximate bag measurements:

Top opening: 15"
Bottom length: 15 1/2"
Body height: 17"
Strap width: 1 1/4"
Strap length: 23 3/4" - 48 1/2"
Gusset: 6"

This lovely can be found here.

Home Improvements

2010-07-03T16:21:00.000-04:00

Been so busy since my return from NYC. I have been interviewing for an internal position at my company as well as working on the house.

After working on my sister's landscaping, I decided it was time to work on my own. While I am still not done, (the brushes on the other side of the fence need trimming, weeding and mulching I did manage to work on the backyard. About two years ago, we finally had someone come in and pull those messing palms in the backyard, they never were my favorite and after Hurricane Wilma, they never were the same.

I did manage to find a pic the day the tree service guys came by....what a mess!

So this morning, as I walked out onto the patio and I was rather impressed with my mad landscaping skills.

DH came up with the idea of placing flowers in clay pots as the chlorine from the the pool drainage pipe was killing everything I planted in the back.

It starts with a roll of fabric

2010-06-05T09:05:00.001-04:00

My girlfriend has been dying to take me to a fabric wholesaler down in Miami. A couple of weeks ago she took another friend, I'll call her "V" who took pity on me, (as I couldn't go with them on their excellent adventure) and purchased fabric for me. She kept texting me photos of different rolls of fabric while I was on a conference call...oops perhaps I should say no more...

Anyway....she came home with a large goody bag of fabric samples, one which was this fabulous soft brush twill cotton in an olive green. I was in the midst of making spring clutches and stopped because that brush twill screamed Messenger Bag! I decided (after several request) that it was time to make my current messenger BIGGER. My current bag which I call a midsized bag has the current dimensions: Height: 11 1/2", Width: 16", Depth: 3", which can still hold a laptop and other things, but I guess folks want to be able to carry even more...

So I experimented with the pattern and the new bag, "The Larger Messenger Bag" now has the following dimensions: Height: 13 1/2", Width: 17 1/2", Depth: 4", so you can use it to carry books, documents and up to a 17" laptop. I used 10oz cotton canvas for the interior and more stitching for extra reinforcement.

Check out "The Larger Messenger Bag" here.

I am very happy with the results but I think that I may keep experimenting. The next generation of this bag is going to include a divided large split slip pocket across the front exterior under the front flap. What do you think?

A Name, a name...

2010-05-30T08:10:00.004-04:00

I have been debating on a name for this bag.

I wanted something different than along the line of a "Pleated Bag" so I debate....Shoulder Sac, Shoulder Sack, Pleated Sack, Pleated Bucket....well I guess regardless of a name, I have been dying to cut into my recent purchase of hemp/cotton fabric. I pickup a few shades, but by far, the gray is my favorite. My other favorite is the recent addition of a roll of 10oz Cotton Canvas that I will be using for the lining. I like the contrast between the dark exterior and light interior and the canvas makes the lining extra durable.

I spent another day cutting lining for several bags and then adding the interior pockets, a 2-slip pocket on one side and a zipper pocket on the other. The next day, after cutting the exterior for just this bag, I spent the whole day experimenting with the pattern. I ended up with a 6" gusset which rounded the sharp corners which made for a large bag.

I just love the look and feel of this bag. It's extra large and with an adjustable strap you can wear it over the shoulder or messenger style. I have placed the bag in my Etsy shop and can be found here.

Time Flies

2010-05-25T06:50:00.001-04:00

Where did I go....
I've been so busy sewing and making product (as my sister says) preparing for the Fine Arts & Designers Crafts on Bleecker that I have not had any time to tweet or catch up on my blog.

My trip to NYC last week was great, as we wandered around, took in a Broadway show on Saturday (which was wickedly good)...

Attended the show on Bleecker on Sunday and then helped my sister with landscaping on Monday.
Now that my weekend is over, it's time to get back to work.

Spring Clutch

2010-04-27T06:35:00.007-04:00

Well, it's suppose to be in the high 80s today in lovely Sunny Florida, which means that Spring must be here for most of the rest of the country. The change in the weather has me thinking about Spring Accessories and hence the Lantern Bloom Clutch. (This girl can be found here.)

I have been playing around with this pattern and now that I have completed a second one of this clutch, I already have plans for some improvements. Look for a rounded gussets to add some depth and I since I am craving to start working with eco-friendly fabrics, I will start using a heavy canvas in natural to add some rigidity to the bag.

As you can see from below, I spent last weekend cutting lining and attaching the interior slip and zippered pockets.

Fabric Swatches

2010-04-24T10:33:00.004-04:00

Lately, I have been getting numerous requests for custom orders and questions regarding possible fabric choices. Therefore I have decided to add a page of Fabric Swatches which can be found here under the category of Fabric Swatches. While it's not a complete photo list of my current stash, it will at least give the folks at home some options.

These two delicious fabrics will be appearing in my Summer Clutches Collection (soon to be in my shop). It's a wonderful Cotton/Hemp fabric and the two colors shown are Butter (above) & Sea Spray (to the right).

Celebrate Earth Day

2010-04-22T06:45:00.000-04:00

It's Earth Day.

On the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, my goal this year is to be a more responsible member of the planet.

Here's a list of some simple things that I did that you can do too:

Paint: I didn't realize how much painting we have done in this house. When our city was having their annual "dump your paint" day, DH pulled all the nearly empty cans of old paint from the garage, we were surprised about the amount we had laying around. The nice thing about the recycle paint program is that the company that receives this donated paint, in turn recycles it into new paint that they offer for free to the residents of our City. They have a Cafe Latte color that I have been eyeballing....

Electronics: I think Best Buy is running an ad right now to drop off old laptops instead of discarding them in the garbage.
Old Cellphones: When we clean out one of the old night tables in our bedroom, I found old cellphone batteries (one was from the old Motorola Brick!). We took these to our local mobile company who has a battery recycle program
Printer Ink Cartridges: Most office supplies stores will give you $$$ off for returning empty print cartridges.
Eyeglasses: After learning that reading glasses were not cutting it anymore and I started wearing progressives (nice word for bi-focals?), I realized I still had a collection of old glasses. There are many charitable organization that would love to receive your old glasses. I wrote about it here.

I Am Procrastinating

2010-04-18T10:43:00.000-04:00

I am procrastinating.

I should be working on the Spring Clutches, but I am having my morning coffee, watching CBS Sunday Morning, blogging, surfing on Etsy and due to an incredible craving for Re-fried Beans, I am also cooking.

I know they don't look great now, but once they've been mashed with a little oil, onion, cilantro and chili peppers...

I am also digging this Golden Dripping Ring Holder ring holder from JDWolfePottery's Shop.

I had hearted a blue one they had on their site but it had sold out before I could buy it. Now as I am in decorating my bedroom mode, I am thinking this one may be better...can't decide...I want one on my nightstand to throw my everyday jewelry in, this way I don't have to worry about my new furniture.

My sister is correct, if I do not stop letting all these distraction - um distract me : ) then I will never grew this business.

Celebrate Mom

2010-04-17T07:57:00.004-04:00

I can't believe that the month of April is more than half over. As April slips into May that means Mother's Day is around the corner.

This year the wonderful folks from IndieSpotting & my Shopping connection approached us to participate in their annual Handmade Mother's Day Gift Guide. (Yes, that's our Floating Pebbles Pendant Necklace - 2nd row on the right.)

If you have never visited these two great sites, be sure to do so, you'll find lots of cool things that you never knew you needed! IndieSpotting is a favorite as it's a collection of great finds created by artisans like me.

April 2010 Projects

2010-04-10T08:48:00.002-04:00

Just returned from a lovely week in California. Spent time with family via the first Family Reunion and walking along the sunny California coastline with DH. Perhaps it was sand or sitting by the beach drinking Mimosas that has me thinking of Summer. While the temperatures in CA were between the low 40s to 70s, the temperature in Florida has been creeping into the 80s, which we Floridians lovingly call Spring. Either way the beach and warm weather has me thinking about new projects as I have been itching to get creative again.

Last year I made a Clutch for one of my sisters (which I never did get a picture of) and since she received so many complements...
Therefore, last night I started digging through my fabric stash, as I am thinking about making some Clutch handbags using bright cottons and warm linens. So far I picked out two linens and fabric from the collections of Anna Maria Horner, Laura Gunn and Valori Wells.

March, Marches On...

2010-03-30T17:47:00.005-04:00

March is nearly over and I have been fortunate that there has been an upswing in sales of my Messenger Bag in Brown Canvas. A huge thanks to all my customers for making this such a busy month. This week I am feeling especially rushed, as I am trying to finish another messenger bag order that came in over the weekend and I leave for vacation on Thursday. Ha, and I still haven't packed and wanted to post a few more items in my shop, but perhaps when I return.

I did squeeze in some time to list the following items:

Cute Spring Handbag

Carnelian Pendant Necklace

Lounging on a Sunny Winter Afternoon

2010-03-15T06:20:00.001-04:00

Winter in South Florida is a wonderful thing. After days of stormy weather in Florida, the clouds cleared and the air was comfortably in the mid 70s. Although I was suppose to be locked away in my studio working on my two recent sales, I took a few minutes to enjoy the sunny winter afternoon.

The view from my lounge chair...and apparently, I wasn't the only one to enjoy the lovely sunny day.

Sewing Weekend - Hey Buy Handmade!

2010-03-14T11:33:00.005-04:00

Promoting myself has been on my mind lately and I have been itching to get back to creating and sewing. I have so busy working on my bedroom remodel project that I have had no time to add new items to my shop. I guess I should add that it's not just one shop, as I have two shops on Etsy, HM Mills & Haute Bridal. In addition to Etsy, last year I also opened a shop on 1000 Markets and opened another shop at Zibbet.com in December.

All these shops in the past two weeks have resulted in four sales, two being the Brown Canvas Messenger Bag. As I have been working on these bags, I have been thinking about the customers who chose to forgo the normal avenue by buying something that was mass produced and took a chance on an unknown. Perhaps they know that a lot of pride and care will go into making their product.

So with that thought, I say support handmade and local artisans.

It's Thursday

2010-03-11T06:42:00.003-05:00

Where has the week gone?

So much going on, I sold two items, another Brown Canvas Messenger Bag & the Charm Tag Necklace - Even Monkeys Fall from Trees in addition to a custom order charm tag necklace.

The nice thing about the two charm orders is that they came from my 1000 Markets Shop, which I have to admit, I had sorta forgotten about...

Although, the bedroom has been quite an undertaking and time stealer, I have managed to start work on all three orders. However, I am approaching the two week mark on their orders, so not what I would call the best customer service. So that said, after work today, I plan on finishing the necklace and custom order and with luck will ship those out tomorrow. The Messenger Bag will probably take part of Saturday to complete. My house is a mess as the contents of my closet and bathroom are in the dining room and kitchen. Our unusual cold winter has killed most of my landscaping and the weeds are overgrowing in the flower beds. So much to do and I am itching to start other sewing projects, make a few bags with some fabric I have been dreaming about...

So what have I been dreaming about...Laura Gunn's newest line, the Poppy Collection...just dreamy.

Still Working on the Bedroom

2010-03-08T06:37:00.001-05:00

A quick update on the bedroom...after several days of painting, I am exhausted. Aside from some touch up painting can almost be crossed off the list:

Finish ~~Painting~~
~~Pull up the protective paper from the floors~~
~~Clean up~~
~~Install toilet~~
Schedule an appointment for the Shower Door measurements
Install Shower Doors
Find a counter top
~~Find Sink~~
~~Find and buy a mattress~~
Window Treatments
~~Duvet Cover & Linens~~
Lamps
Ceiling Fan
~~Purchase new TV~~
Find some accents to make the room feel cozy

The bedroom furniture was delivered last week and this past weekend the mattress arrived. Although I don't the right size linen (I just ordered it from West Elm), DH and I decided not to wait and just threw down a flat sheet and some blankets. That first night after several weeks of sleeping on a full/queen with a tall man, was like sleeping on a cloud...

Another busy weekend...

2010-02-21T09:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I updated my Facebook status with, "Helen is still painting."

I spent last weekend priming the bedroom and painting the ceiling. There was a slow down in my progress because the two spots on the ceiling continued to bleed through even though we had applied Kils on them. In the end, I won and it only took about a can and a half to finally defeat each spot. Before the weekend was over, the ceiling was painted, the bathroom, the sink area and two of the bedroom walls were done.

Most of this week was spent painting trim and doing some touch up painting in the bathroom. Although I primed the bathroom beforehand, the color just wouldn't set (for lack of a better word). DH took Friday off to work on attaching the trim along the floor and along the doorways. I spent yesterday, painting touching up nail holes and painting the doors. I was hoping to be done last night but DH has to sand down part of the bathroom doorway frame (which of course I have already painted), so I will have to repaint. I still have to paint around the interior door frame and then do my touch up around the ceiling, but I am almost there.

Next on the list is installing the bathroom cabinet and the toilet then all I need to do is:

Pull up the protective paper from the floors
Clean up
Schedule an appointment for the Shower Door measurements
Install Shower Doors
Find a counter top and Sink
Find and buy a mattress
Window Treatments
Duvet Cover & Linens
Lamps
Ceiling Fan
Purchase new TV
Find some accents to make the room feel cozy

Piece of cake...

Progress So Far...

2010-02-11T21:09:00.050-05:00

The Bedroom Construction has been moving slowly, but we have made some dramatic progress.

A few more Before Photos:

The best of course was the demolition:

Our friend, Martin came over and installed the wood floors (which had been sitting in the hallway for a couple of weeks).

Over the course of the weekend we installed new plumbing for the shower stall. I have to admit I started getting nervous when DH started soldering and the surrounding wall was burning... :) Martin came back the following week and started installing the tile in the bathroom. I ended up making some last minute changes as he was installing it ( I changed the accent trim and the shelves and soap dish), so thank goodness he was a good sport about it.

The lights in the bath/sink area and shower:

...next on the list was to install the interior french doors to separate the bedroom from the bath/sink area.

While I was away on business a friend from our Hockey group came over to plaster over all the dry wall as well as smooth down the old walls.

Next on the list for this weekend is some more sanding, priming and painting...

Bedroom Doors - Part Two

2010-01-23T17:31:00.001-05:00

Ah today was a productive day for DH and I. He finished framing the interior side of the french doors that he installed last weekend and then added the dry wall.

I was busy packing and sorting through the stuff we have accumulated for the past 11 1/2 years.

The Panthers are playing the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight therefore we stopped after pulling the old medicine cabinet out of the wall.

Tomorrow is another big day as we have to empty the room and prep because the tile guy will be at our house early Monday morning.

HM Mills Awesome Handmade Bags

Hello Sweden

Messenger Bags for Men in Steel Gray - Back in the Shop

It's the Most Wonderful Time....

Studio Madness

New Messenger Bag

Just a Few of My Favoirite Things Treasury

DIY Cork Bulletin Board

Outdoor Pets

Summer Reads

Ode to a Treasury

Morning Sunshine & A Smaller Market Bag

Patience - Treasury

It happened this week...

For Her - Treasury

Experimentation - Flowers

Strange Sights

Custom Orders

Do you know the Zipper Man?

I Should be Sewing but...

He's Here!

Nature's Art Work

Random - Fabric Shopping

Something Blue

Favourite Things by Cre8

Lazy Sunday

New Studio

Not just One Treasury, but Two

Sales

Plans for 2011

2010 Revisited

New Studio

Happy New Year

Merry Christmas to Me!

Merry Christmas

Have You Tried the New Taste Test Tool?

Have You Tried the New Taste Test Tool? by CreationsbyEileen, features my Mini Gray Messenger Bag.

It's made with a dark gray micro suede fabric and lined with a heavy weight black cotton canvas that has a subtle pebbled texture.

I Should be Sewing but...

Holiday Gift Guide For The Super Savvy Buyer

iPad Cover - Tiny Dots Brown & Tan

The cover is made from a cotton print, with a color palette includes brown and tan dots and lined with a matching brown twill cotton.I used a recycled button for the flap closure.

Recycled Buttons

I've been featured...

Playing with Textures - Distressed Look

Cyber Monday Sale

10% Off Coupon

Black Friday Sale - All iPad Covers on Sale

iPad Covers

Working with Muslin

Playing around with Textures

Easier Navigation Around the Shop

Steel Gray Hemp!

Yea! Another Treasury

Messenger Bag Straps

My Sisters...

What I've been up to...

The Larger Messenger Bag in Purple Hemp!

"Orange" You Glad Fall is Almost Here! Treasury

The Mini Messenger

Plaidly Autumn Treasury

More Fabric Madness

So Busy....

1 Million Pillowcase Challenge

make a pillowcasemake a difference

Mad about Plaid

Larger Messenger Bag in Plaid - Hunter Green

Studio Extension

Last Summer Clutch

Sage Wildflower Clutch

Treasury

Another Summer Handbag

Home Improvements

It starts with a roll of fabric

A Name, a name...

Time Flies

Spring Clutch

Fabric Swatches

Celebrate Earth Day

I Am Procrastinating

The cover is made from a cotton print, with a color palette includes brown and tan dots and lined with a matching brown twill cotton.

I used a recycled button for the flap closure.

make a pillowcase
make a difference