So Many Teachers Toting Bryer Patch Tote Bags!

 Isn't this a lovely collection of colours and patterns? So pretty, and reminiscent of summer flowers, making them a perfect gift for this time of year. These tote bags were ordered for the end of the school year, as gifts to a group of teachers who work together. I was given their favourite colours and then I got to work designing and sewing. I especially enjoyed working with batik fabrics for the "A" bag and the "P" bag. I just love the depth of colour and texture in the batik, and I plan to work with it more often in the future.

Size wise, these are the large tote bags. They will come in handy for the teachers while they are carting books and school supplies back and forth. A layer of soft interfacing provides structure and durability. I have made so many of these cheery initial totes. These are just a few, but I never get tired of creating them. I will leave you with lots of pictures - hope you enjoy them!

Spring Flowers

Spring flowers to share today! This tote is on its way to a Mother's Day celebration this weekend. The  woman who will be receiving the tote has three grandchildren so the three flowers are the perfect thing. 

It's hard to see in the photos, but the flowers on this bag are finished with "raggy" edges. It is one of my favourite ways to add some depth to an embroidery design, and is especially nice with flowers and leaves. Once the fabric is tacked down, I cut the edges (carefully! I speak from experience) with about 1/4 inch outside of the design. Then the fun part - ragging the edges! You just run your finger along the edges of the fabric and it becomes soft and ruffly. This replaces a satin stitch border and adds a little bit of shabby chic to the design. Here are a couple of close ups, and I hope you can see it a bit better.

Have a lovely evening!

Welcome!

Well, hello! Welcome to my brand new blog. A little about me...my name is Shannon, and I am in love, truly and madly, with my sewing/embroidery machines. Really, I think I might have an addiction. I wake up at night thinking of all of the things I need to make! My true passion is bags and home dec stuff. I have always loved purses (ask my long suffering hubby about that!) and tote bags. Personalized stuff is also a fave. So, I have combined the two! I can lose entire days whipping up bags and pillows. It all started when I decided to take a sewing class. I have always wanted to learn and I was hooked by the time the first lesson was even over. I loved all of the different stitches and lettering on my machine, so when I discovered that there was such thing as an embroidery machine, I just about lost my mind! So, I am now the proud owner of both machines. I am mom to identical twin girls who are just the best!


I am thrilled to finally get this little business venture off the ground. I hope it's not cheating, but my wonderful mother-in-law was my very first customer! She ordered four tote/library bags for her sister's grandkids as Christmas gifts. I embroidered them with applique and we will add a corresponding book for a great gift that can be used time and time again.

Please grab a cup of tea and have a look around. I am attaching some pictures so that you can get an idea for what kinds of things I create. There really is no limit to what designs are available. My favourite thing to sew is the tote bag. I have always loved purses and all manner of bags. I also adore home dec stuff and especially like personalized pillows for kids. Thanks for joining me! If you have any questions, drop me a line!