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Archives for May 2018

another messenger in black canvas and brown leather

May 17, 2018 by Birdbrain Leave a Comment

Here is the second in a series of messenger bags using the last of my waxed canvas from Kenya and leather. This one is for a smaller computer. It measures 16.5″ x 13″ x 3″. It is also lined in waxed canvas (this time from Eddie Bauer) and has three internal pockets as well as the two outside. The strap is adjustable and made from 2″ black cotton webbing. I like to use repurposed materials when I can and the flap of this bag is lined with second-life black leather. Durable metal hardware.

Filed Under: bags and purses

a new messenger bag, leather and waxed canvas

May 15, 2018 by Birdbrain Leave a Comment

This is a large messenger bag, able to carry a 17″ computer. The body is made of waxed canvas (which I bought in Kenya and sadly is almost gone) and cognac leather. It has a wide cotton webbing strap with a shoulder pad, a leather grab-handle and durable metal hardware. Under the flap there is a slip pocket and inside a large double pocket. It is lined with durable canvas, has a double bottom for strength and a vintage leather tab closure. Overall, a great bag to take you back and forth to work. 19.5″ x 13.5″ x 3.5″

Filed Under: bags and purses

textile adventures

May 8, 2018 by Birdbrain 1 Comment

Finally spring is here and I’ve been out for some textile adventures. Last week I was in Toronto for the TMC sale. Traffic was difficult and I didn’t get there for the lineup–but still managed to find some good pieces which I will use to line leather bags. It is a huge sale, four rooms jammed with fabric and notions. You can be sure that next year I’ll be in the lineup!

I did manage to get to the Marimekko shop while in the city. Those of you who read the blog know that Marimekko is my favourite textile design company. I’ve loved their designs since the sixties. I bought a metre of each of their iconic patterns to make summer totes…and for the first time bought a piece of clothing! This t-shirt dress will be great for my travels.

Last week I was in Kingston at my favourite place on the shores of Lake Ontario, The Tett Centre. You can see my sketch from another visit here. Inside the door is this wonderful portrait of Tett by J. David Brown.

Even the bathrooms in this place are wonderful!

The Kingston Fibre Artists had a wonderful show and sale in the Community Gallery. I fell in love with this depiction of buildings, Metropolis, by Sylvia Naylor. Free motion embroidery on hand-dyed and painted cotton. Inspiring!

It was a week of colour and texture. So now it’s time to settle in to make a few things. Right now I’m working on two messenger bags which I hope to show you soon. 

Filed Under: sewing, textiles

new teal dot cross-body bag

May 1, 2018 by Birdbrain 2 Comments

Here is a new bag for Spring. It is a special order made from a great piece of dot-pierced leather, a remnant we found in Savannah. It is lined with more dots, fuchsia Japanese cotton/linen. There are two large slip pockets on the exterior which extend to make a 4″ double bottom, and three more pockets inside. The strap is adjustable and can be worn as cross-body or on the shoulder. Solid brass hardware and a heavy duty matching zipper. 12″ wide by 12″ tall.

Filed Under: bags and purses

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