Faux leather messenger

As I promised in my last post, I tried something new and made a messenger bag from a piece of high quality upholstery faux leather I had bought recently. Sewing was smooth as butter and I was surprised at how naturally the pleather looks and feels - definitely worth trying!

I decided to make this messenger a bit taller than my usual cross body bags (3 cm) but otherwise the same, with extra metallic zipper pocket in the back. Soft grey strap complemented the metalware and I decided to add a simple freefoot embroidery in front - with a bit of silver metallic thread for additional shine.

The messenger bag has four interior slip pockets for phone, tissues, pens and paper notebook (yes, I still use one of those for quick sketches or for entertaining children while we wait at the restaurants and such) plus one zippered pocket for smaller items. A swivel hook and another D-ring on the side of the lining hold my keys and a foldable shopping bag.

The leather is lovely dark brown shade, one that goes equally well with brown, grey or black accessories. I needed a bag that was a bit more neutral than my lively red velvet with turquoise starfish I have been wearing for this past year - I never even posted that bag on blogger so here it is:

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Autumn leaves

My oak trees are turning gold...

New Mia zipper pouch with freehand embroidered leaves in warm autumn colours on chocolate brown wool. The purse is interfaced and lined with dark khaki canvas and closes with an orange zipper.

I love to read

A short while ago I made a custom Mia pouch for Sophie who told me she loved it (thank you, Sophie) and asked me if I ever considered designing a reading glasses case. She was looking for a sturdy eyewear protection (because the hard case she uses now looks like a truck has run over it, as she put it) but she gave me the idea of offering a softer, yet still well padded version in my shop.

It was time to put the collection of my father's old neckties from the 70's and 80's to use...

The result is this padded eyeglasses cozy in dark chocolate wool tweed (slightly striped), originally intended for men's suits, adorned with a piece of rusty brown vintage necktie and two matching buttons. The case is lined with dark aubergine padded lining and is approximately 18 cm (7") long and 8 cm (3.2") wide across the opening. It closes securely with an elastic loop.

I am still testing the new design and thinking of ways to improve it so I was very thrilled to get a message from lovely Dominika @ PanicaLab this afternoon - she has included the new eyeglasses cozy in her I love to read treasury!

Thank you!