Back at the Market

Well, the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curbside Market has been open three weeks now, in the new season, after an August hiatus.  I found that I had made so many new items over the summer that I needed more space.  There was just not enough room to put everything!  Today, I set up three tables and four racks, and barely had enough room.  I guess that's a good problem to have.  I opted to leave my sewing machine home the last two weeks, and instead, I made ten new braided leashes during that time.  I have enough leashes now to split them into categories:  Cotton/sewn, 3-braid, 4-braid flat, 4-braid round, 6-braid, nylon webbing, choke, etc.  I also have lots of pet scarves and cool collars.  They all have been big sellers.  People love their pets!

This one went to London, England.

This one, Tampa, FL.

This one went to my sister in Arizona.

This one, to my daughter in NYC.

Here are a few pictures of some of the bags that have gone to various places in the world.

It's "Back to School Time" Again

I said in my first post that I sew in my spare time.  That also includes summers, as I am a teacher by profession.  So the "back to school" phrase affects me as well as my kids. 

This is the bag that started it all - see post #1!

I get to sew a LOT during the summer months, and this year was no exception.  I enjoy my time in my sanctuary, and spend many hours there - as much as I can, actually.  With my sewing machine, ironing board, cutting table, lots of fabric and ideas, my CD's of nature sounds and radio with PBS, and my computer, there's a lot to keep me busy.  I always have a dozen or more projects going at the same time, and I'll never run out of ideas or fabrics to create them with.  24 hours is just not enough! 

Same style bag, different fabric!

So now I am back to school, and my sewing room hours will be severely cut.  My kitties will still hang out in here waiting for me to finally get home, but it will be pretty quiet during the days.  They'll get a lot of sleeping done.  I will keep up with posting on my website www.bahandbags.etsy.com and with this blog the best I can...  Ho hum - it's been a long day! 

Getting started...

Today is the first day of the rest of this blog.  I am Barbara Ann.  I sew in my spare time and make unique, fun and practical items that include something for everybody.  I will use this space to introduce you to my handmade products and let you know what events I will be participating in.  The name of my business is Barbara Ann Handbags, but it's much more than that!


I learned how to sew when I was quite young.  After many non-sewing years had gone by, I decided that it was time to start sewing again, so a few years ago, I made a couple of tote bags.  My daughter took one to school, and her high school friends loved it.  Several of her friends placed orders for bags in their favorite colors and styles.  As the orders were completed, I also made an extra bag for my "store" for each one ordered.  This slowly built an inventory of bags that I could offer for sale. 

More tomorrow...