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! 

Another Suggestion

There seems to always be a need for small containers to put little stuff in.  Some of my most popular items are my change purses, arising from suggestions from several different people, all wanting to protect or collect their small items.  These are good for pocket change, plastic card collections, gift cards, kids' lunch money, tiny cameras and cell phones, keys, and about anything else you can think of that will fit!  They are made either with or without a Velcro-ed flap.  I call the "without" version a "zip-top" (no zipper in sight)!  I have some made with a long shoulder string attached, which makes a perfect key/card/phone carrier.  This version is also well liked by the younger girls, for whom it makes a great little purse, "just like Mom".  There are currently about 50 to choose from.