I'm not usually a cross-body bag person. I don't think I've used one since high school. The last couple years I've been using one of our giant totes as my go-to bag, and it's been pretty great. I mean they're huge! The amount of stuff they can hold is pretty impressive.

Then last week I had to run an errand and I wanted something a little smaller to carry than the tote. So, I grabbed the zebra cross-body bag to give it a good test run. I've been eyeing this bag since it came off the sewing machine, the fabric is just so much fun! I tossed in my wallet, keys, and sunglasses and I was off.

Let me tell you - I LOVE this bag! The adjustable strap allows you to easily go from shoulder bag to cross body. The two outer slip pockets are perfect for keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer and a mask in easy reach - essential needs in these times. There's also the front zip pocket where I like to keep my cell phone and a pen. Inside the bag, I of course had my wallet, keys, and sunglasses in their case. Another zip pocket inside kept any small items from getting lost in the bottom - like an essential lip gloss. And to top it all off: a top zipper to keep everything safe. 

Trust me when I say more of these bags will be coming! 

My how times have changed since my last post! We're all practicing social distancing over here. The college I work at during the school year has been closed since mid-March and we're all home together, homeschooling, keeping an eye on the news, and spending lots of time tackling projects around the house and gardens. 

Non-Medical Face Masks

I have given a lot of thought to how we can contribute as a small business, while making sure we survive past the end of the current pandemic. I have decided to dedicate 85% of my fabric inventory to the making of non-medical masks. These will be available for purchase at $10 each, limit of 3 per customer, and priced to cover the cost of the materials and shipping. 

For the past few days, we've all been busy with this new project including my daughter who loves to help out with cutting the ties. We are using a fitted mask pattern from Sweet Red Poppy. These masks are made with two layers of cotton quilting fabric, feature wire at the nose to help with close fit, and have ties instead of elastics (fit best when tied at the crown of the head and nape of the neck; for children you may tie the ties together on each side to hook over the ears instead). They are reversible and machine washable.

        

Masks shown are prototypes. All masks to be sold have not been worn or tried on. Please keep in mind: these are non-medical masks that are designed to protect the others from your respiratory droplets and may be used in addition to physical distancing. They do not replace N95 masks.

Hoping you are all safe and healthy. Please remember to wash your hands, practice social distancing, and stay at home!

 

New in the shop this week: waxed canvas tote bags! Everything you love about our totes now made with water-resistant canvas base and straps.

The beginning of November marked the beginning of my busy Holiday Market Season - and let me tell you, it's been crazy! On top of my day job, running our daughter to her extracurricular activities, and my own commitments, I've been busy prepping and sewing new products for the busy craft fair season.

Now that all the shows are done for the season, I am finally getting to photograph and list all the new products! 

NEW Coin Purses
The number one seller this holiday season were my new coin purses - these were selling like hotcakes at every market! Made with fun fabrics on one side, durable cork on the other, and lined in light grey cotton, these little change purses make the perfect stocking stuffer or gift card holder. These are one of a kind so be sure to grab your favourite before it sells out! 

Small Cosmetic Bags/Zipped Pouches
I love these little zipped pouches! They're great for carrying around all your essentials - be it makeup, your diabetic test kit, essential oils... the sky is the limit! New designs are in the shop now - and more detail photos will be added soon!

COMING SOON: Waxed Canvas Tote Bags
I have 4 new winter tote bags awaiting photos - these new and improved totes feature water resistant black waxed canvas straps and base. If you'd like to snag one of these bags, be sure to send me a message (head on over to the Facebook Page for a peek at these lovelies).

Local pick up are available from Vanier College in Montreal until December 17 and from the Studio in East Hawkesbury, Ontario until December 23. Canada Post Shipping deadlines: Xpresspost - December 19, or Priority - December 20.

Wishing you the happiest of holidays, and all the best for 2020!

Lisa