Simply Good Kitchen open house July 25 Birmingham MI

Here is part of the line up for my upcoming open house at Simply Good Kitchen on July 25. If I have not told you about this place......I could go on for hours. Simply Good Kitchen is owned by two wonderful chefs, Bill and Shanny Apodaca. They both trained and the Culinary Art Institute. They invite people to come learn how to make the most wonderful meals you will ever eat!!! I encourage you to sign up for a class. They have over 6000 people that are on their mailing list so they have to do their sign ups for their classes by lottery. You have one week to sign up for the class and then hope and pray you win the lottery!!! Oh so worth every minute of wait.

These will only be available at the open house. Usually I consider a sale a sale but I can not get my bags made fast enough....(sigh, I love this problem!!) I am a busy bee in my craft room making wonderful one of a kind purses for you.

New Bags

Brown with 2 Flowers. This one is made from a great brown upholstery fabric, leather bottom, and leather belt for strap.........$85.00 Sold!!! Thanks Mary!!

This bag is rather large and its strap is really long. It can fit over your head to go across your body. The green is a lime linen upholstery fabric. Very fun summer bag. Bottom is leather and the belt is really soft too! ......$95.00 Sold!!!!! Thanks Andrea!!

This bag is super fun. I love the green and blue circles. This is a upscale commercial grade Robert Allen fabric. The strap is a yummy large mans belt that is just worn enough to be really soft and buttery. The bottom is a retro leather coat. The inside has a zippered pocket and another divided pocket on the other side. It also includes a pocket on the front for imediate necessities........phone, keys, pacifier.... This could be used as a diaper bag because it is easily wiped down...........$95.00 Available

LOVE this bag. It was a suede leather skirt that has been turned into a lovely bag. The inside is a sturdy jean fabric with a zippered pocket and a quick access pocket. The strap on this is totally groovin'. It has a snake print on it. .........$115.00 Sold!!!

Procrastination

Did I ever tell you that procrastination sometimes is my middle name? However, over the last few months I think it went beyond procrastination into something clinical. I could not seem to get myself motivated after I moved all my stuff to the basement. You see I have a small confession to make, organization and I do not really go together. I need Neicy Nash and the cleaning crew to come to my basement and show me how to organize my shtuff. I am starting to muddle through but it has been as slow as molasses. I know if I had a system, I would be able to pump out bag after bag.


I hope to have pictures and updates in the next few days of what I have accomplished. And hopefully new bags!! Yes that is right...new bags........summery ones too!! The summer bags will be limited in quantity this year because I must make my fall bags. I have too much stuff for the winter bags so I need to make them and get them ready to ship out.

I've been busy busy busy!!!

I have been a shopping fool!!! I have gone to almost every Value World in the Detroit Area scrounging for goodies for my bags. Sorry if you came to those stores after me.........I cleaned them out of sweaters, belts, and leather coats............oh boy what a productive month for shopping. Not very productive for actual bag making in the last month. But I got a lot of "seeds" for my bags. I will be having many many bags this year.

My goal is to sell 500 bags.......yes that is right five hundred. Anybody want to come work with me? I need washers for my sweaters and people to sew the inside of my bags. I am wanting to trade services for a while. Your motto needs to be "will work for bags!!!;)"
This was the first few stores....

For my leather garden. OOOHhhhhhh yummy leather!!! That is about 12-15 leather coats.

That is my oldest in the middle of my entry way in a mountain.....or a sea of sweaters. He is pretty big too, he is 8. So it is a sizable sea.

Have you ever felt like someone has picked your house up and shook it like a snow globe and then put it back down again and said........"could you clean this up?" That has been my month away from blogging. I am hoping to share with you some "after" photos. I could never show the before.....a little to "real" for my bloggy friends. Well actually I guess I have given you a taste with these photos of my entry way..... I have been trying to move my bag making operation from the small bedroom 10x10 to the basement that is a bit larger.

Hope you all had a beautiful February and are ready for a "green" March. I would love that for up here but things do not start getting green until May.

In desperate need of a coupon

To all of you in the Detroit/Ann Arbor area:

I need to get a Value World coupon. If you see it in the paper, would you please let me know so I can go get the paper? Value World is a thrift store. So if you dont use yours.......pretty please may I have it? I think it will be coming out February 22 in the Red Plum coupons in the Detroit Press and the U of M newspaper (.....whatever that is.) I have never seen the U of M newspaper.

Thanks!!

2 New Bags

Pink Passion.........($115) The flower on the front is actually a pin that you can take off and put on your coat if you would like. The interior is a vintage fabric, belt is Eddie Bauer bottom is a retro leather coat. I will try to upload a photo of that later. Sold!!!!! Thanks Kim!!!

Pink Birdies on a Limb..........($105) The sweater is JCrew 50% wool and 50% cotton. Yummy. And the belt is a Ralph Lauren and the bottom is a retro leather coat. Sold!!!!

Friday my wee one came home sick from school with a fever. I had my whole day of thrifting planned......I never plan. The one day I have planned and it goes bust. Maybe this Friday I will be able to go. I am on the hunt for 500 sweaters and belts and several leather pieces. If you are getting rid of any.......please think of me. I will give you first dibs on the bags that are made from them and I will also provide some sort of discount on your purchase (usually about $2 per item, leather coats a little more). I will need to get a sheet of some sort to make it uniform for the discount.

So needless to say, I did not get much done this weekend except lay on the couch with my two babies (who are not babies anymore....5 and 8) and watch movies.

CPSIA.........Act now!!!

There is currently a one year stay on this law. So......you can do the temporary happy dance if you are effected by this law. However, it is only temporary so you still need to call your state representatives and and let your voices be heard. I have taken a the next few paragraphes directly from several other blogs. I hope that is ok.

How to Get Involved -- it only takes 5 minutes of your time!



-Find your congress person and senators and write a letter like the sample here.

Particularly if they serve on the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection or the House Committee on Small Business.

-Send an email directly to the CPSC or contact chairperson Nancy Nord at 301-504-7923

-Vote for amending the law on Change.org, digg style: We are currently one of 90 finalists, and if it makes the top ten proposals, it will be presented to President Obama in January! Edited to add: Whoo! The proposal has made the top 10 with more than 12,000 votes and close to 500 blogger endorsements. Thank you so much for the support!

-Place the Save Handmade! button on your blog or website to help spread the word to everyone you know who cares about protecting the little guy and preserving beautiful items made with love for our children.


"As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too. How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:

Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:

Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:

Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:

Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:

Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:

Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:

Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:

Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:

Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses. If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.htmlAnd for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled,

The New Law: http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

My new Baby!!!

Here she is......my new Janome sewing machine. I think I am going to love it. However, I have a lesson tomorrow to make sure it can do the stretch zig zag stitch.

My newest love. 70's mugs. I love to get these at the thrift stores.The owl one is what started it and my fascination with owls........do you like the penguins and roadrunner?

Sliding in a winter wonderland

I just got off the phone with my niece who lives in Valdosta, GA. She was telling me how it is sunny and 72 there. Oh I wish I was there. We have seen snow for a month now and it looks like it does not want to leave. I know I live here in Michigan and need to suck it up and accept that this is the weather but everything inside me says........retreat into your house and never go out!!!

My industrial sewing machine bobbin case broke on Friday. I have been frantically looking for one from several sources. Yowser those are kind of expensive. I will definitely be using the new one with kid gloves. I finally found one on Ebay but it will not get here until Friday or Saturday or worse case Monday. So I will be making a bunch of bags this week that will not be able to be finished until I get that bobbin case.

I might be going tonight to get a new Janome sewing machine. I am super pumped about it. My Kenmore 386....which is made by Janome... is fading on me. It just does not give me a great stitch anymore and I just had it serviced. So off with the old and on to the new. I have to tell you that I have LOVE LOVE LOVED that machine. I have used and abused it over the last 10 years. I have made slip covers, bags, and clothing repairs, and many more things with the wonderful machine. It may become my kids machine for them to learn and practice on. Yes I do believe that boys should learn to sew. Especially because many girls are not even learning anymore.

Which brings me to my newest possible adventure. Would anyone be interested in a bag making class? I could have one in my basement. I don't know how good of a teacher I would be but we could make it alot of fun. I am sure that I will laugh alot.....I am a nervous laugher!! If you are in the greater Detroit/Ann Arbor area please let me know if you would be interested. It will take me at least until March to get the class going. So there is time.

Some supplies for the class would be a felted sweater, leather, and a belt. If you don't have those items I would have supplies that you could buy. I will have 2 different kinds of bags that you could make. Bringing your own materials will add to the sentimentality of the bag.

I am thinking the first class would be slightly discounted because you are willing to give me a chance to learn at teaching. $50 for the class and $25 for the materials. You would need your own sewing machine that is in good repair or you could use one of mine for a $20 fee. If you bring a friend I will give each of you a $5.00 discount for the class. I would need at least 5 people to sign up. Let me know what you think.

Black with Gray Flowers

**Update. Bev decided that she wanted a different bag. This one is available.** Sold!!!
A bag for Bev. These pictures are not great. I got this finished when the sun sort of went into hiding. So the picture's color is not 100%. The flowers look blue but they are gray and the buttons are red. They have a little reflection on them.

Black with Gray Flowers...........$85.00

This is actually the interior of the Ohio State bag but this bag has the same fabric for the interior . Hope you like it Bev!!!!

My break is over.

After a two week break, I dusted off the old sewing machine and got back to bag makin'!!! I made this one today by request. To tell the truth I was kind of worried that it was too long, but no worries now. It is perfect. I LOVE it. The belt is an LEI and it is completely adjustable. Did I say I love this bag.......I love it. OK enough!! Go Bucks!!!

I think this will have to be another style I offer. I like the two tone and the size. I will be making another bag tomorrow. It will be black with red or gray flowers for Bev. I hope you like this Bucks bag macmom. If any of you have a request, I will try. But once I make a bag I can not alter it in any way. Unless I have made the applique a pin, then you can take the pin off and I could possibly make a different pin for you.

Lemonade Award

Thank you to Darcy over at ittybittyblog. She nominated me for this fine prestigious award.

This award is given to people who look at the bright side of life and make lemonade out of lemons. Now, here is what you, the nominated, have to do if you choose to participate, and I know this takes some time to do, so it is your choice to participate or not;

1. Put the logo on your blog.

2. Nominate 10 blogs which show great attitude or gratitude!!!

3. Be sure to link your nominees with your post.

4. Let them know they received the award by leaving a comment on their blog.

5. Share the love and link this post to the person that gave you the award

And my nominees are:

1. SoBo Style
2. made by k
3. one pretty thing
4. Betz White
5. Artsy Crafty Babe
6. Scrumpy's Place
7. Sewing as Therapy
8. Things I love - Marmee
9. Q's Corner
10. Because of Abigail

To those who were nominated; you have made me a better person by your blog and I thank you for all of your dedication and willingness to share with the rest of us your talents and experiences that enrich so many that read your blog.

Thanks again~~~your bloggy friend, Cindy

"My favorite things" blanket for teacher

Spencer's second grade teacher got this for Christmas. I asked the teacher about a week in advance to make a list of her favorite things. Then I went into the class on a Friday afternoon with about 5 other parents and we had each classmate decorate one square with one of her favorite things. That day was kind of chaotic and I was unsure of how the final product would turn out. I am so glad I did it the way I did because the kids had better ideas than what I had. They did a fabulous job decorating their squares.

It was fun giving it to her too. All of the children swarmed around her to tell her which square they decorated. It was definitely worth it. His teacher is wonderful.

My 100th Post!!!!!!!!!!!!

8! 8! 8 is great!!

Spencer, my first baby love just turned 8 today. I love you! I love you! I love you my precious boy!!! May the next 8 be as great as the first 8.

It is sereal to look at him and think it has been 8 years. I wish I could do the day over again. Maybe not the labor, but getting to see him for the first time......umm. Nothing better.

My "I'm Movin' In" Bag

This bag started out as a weekender bag. I could fit enough in here to stay a lot longer. If you have read my blog at all you know I have a thing for owls............Love these two too!!!



Here is my gorgeous niece modeling the bag for me. Ain't she purdy? The bag's not so bad either!Here is a close up of the owls. The bottom leather on this bag scrumptious!!! It is an upholstery grade leather that is, yowsa nice. I put the feet on because it was so big. I really like the feet on it.

I will make more if anybody wants some. I am giving this to my niece because she is wonderful and came to help me out this weekend when I NEEDED someone big time. This bag will retail for $195. I am going to make my self one or two of these. I think finding the sweaters for them will be an interesting challenge. Let me know what you think.

New Years Day Bags

This lovely bag is 10% cashmere.....love it!! ..................$115

Light green with smokey blue flowers.............$85.00 ...........Sold!! Thanks Bev!!

Smokey Blue with Cream and Blue flower..........$125 Sold!!!! Thanks Kim!!

This is almost a periwinkle blue with green and navy blue stripes.....$115