Karen's Bridal Bag

I have been working on a new bag for Karen Cavalier.  Karen writes one of my favorite design blogs out there ( www.happycavalier.com ).  She is getting married in less than a month so I have made her a bridal makeup bag for the special day.  I am still waiting on getting my labels, but besides that it is done!  This bag is made of a cream lambskin and detailed with an antique white lace.  The inside is lined with a pale blue silk shantung.  The dimensions are 9 inches x 5.5 inches. This makeup bag is quite big and could also be used as a clutch.   I can't wait to send this bag off to its rightful owner!  If you are in Vancouver you can find a similar bag at Frocks Modern Bridesmaids Boutique ( www.frocks.ca ).

Mini Triangle

I thought I would do a mini version of the triangle bag.  It would work well for makeup pencils and brushes.  It is made out of brown lamb skin with a sorbet pink silk dupioni.  The dimensions are 3.5 inches x 7 inches.  

Mixing It Up

I made this bag tonight.  I really love the light grey leather for the summer.  I had bought some really beautiful cotton print fabrics about a month ago.  I decided to test some of the bags out with some fun patterns.  I liked how this one turned out.  This triangular shape is really great for makeup and can hold a surprising amount of stuff.

For The Brides

Wedding season is upon us.  I decided I would put together a makeup bag for the brides to be.  I started with this silk bag below.  It is 100% ivory silk dupioni with lace trim, lined with blue silk.  I have gotten some positive feedback with this bag and I will continue to make them but I also had been requested to make some bridal leather bags.  So the other day I made my way out to the leather store and picked up some white and cream leather.  I have not gotten around to making any yet, but I will post them as soon as I do.  The bridal bags will be available at Frocks Modern Bridesmaids in Vancouver, Canada- www.frocks.ca .  I am also hoping to put some in my Etsy shop once that is up and running.  I am going to try and have that going in the next couple weeks.

I decided after doing some smaller bags that I would make some bigger ones.  I also wanted to mix the leathers and use some really bright summer colours for the lining.  These bags are around 5.5 inches x 10 inches.  The first one I made I kept for myself.  I actually find the size to be very convenient.  I can just stick my cell, keys, and cash in it to use as a clutch, or I will fill it with makeup and hair elastics for the day and throw it in a bigger purse.  I am excited to make a bunch of these with different colour combinations.

Little Brown Number

Here are some pictures of a new little bag I am testing out.  It is made of a rich brown lambskin.  This is definitely the softest leather I have found.  I could not stop touching it after I made it.  The inside is a pistachio green silk shantung.  The bag is measuring 4.5 inches x 8 inches.  It is a very simple shape, but because of that it could be used for anything.  If I was to keep it for myself I would fill it with my millions of lipstick and lipgloss tubes...but I don't get to keep it.

Just The Beginning...

I graduated from fashion design post-secondary school almost two years ago.  Since then I have interned and worked with several great designers.  Learning new skills from a variety of different people can be inspiring, but also confusing.  I found that when I was in school I felt very sure of what role I wanted in the fashion world, but after graduation I realized there was an endless amount of potential careers.  Long story short - I have a job I love which utilizes many of the skills I have learned - except sewing.  I often make coats for friends, or other clothes for myself to keep up with my sewing ability.  Recently I started sewing with leather and silk.  I have always loved mixing fabrics and concepts; rough with soft, masculine with feminine, neutrals with extreme brights.  That is where the idea of Satchel began.  I gathered some fantastically bright, feminine, fun silks along with neutral leathers that truly feel like butter.  Here are some pictures of the beginning stages.