"3" is for Toy Story 3...

Who would've thought, some chalkboard drawing I did for Toy Story 3 trailer "3" reference would have been chosen to appear as a feature art installation piece in the pixar gallery, and then made it to apparel! I actually didn't even know they used my design for the clothing until I saw it in the store today...it's nice to feel like I've contributed visually to an animation feature.

eyelets and ruffles

Finally took a break from bag-making (filling orders and designing my fall collection, which has yet to happen...) and decided to venture into the "long black dress" that I think should be a staple for the summer. I actually saw a similar dress at jcrew but it was just plain black cotton--very simple, almost too simple (no bells or whistles: no pockets, no zipper, no lining). But I fell in love with the silhouette, and decided to make the dress and improve upon the design!

Here it is. I bought this beautiful eyelet fabric (it has a basket-weaving pattern which you can't really see in the picture, but so nice in person) from Jo-Ann's (thanks to cousin J for the gift card!), and a luxurious sateen thin cotton for lining (bought from a HUGE fabric depot in portland a few weeks back). I really wanted it to be strapless, so I put some elastic in the back, plus an invisible zipper and hook & eye closure. It's hard to see the ruffles on this duster length dress, but I love how it moves when I walk. Also I made sure the ruffles part weren't lined so you can see through the eyelet. I'm definitely ready for summer now!

I'm really happy with how it turned out, and it only took 3 weeknights & a Sunday afternoon (to draft the pattern). I basically reused the strapless bodice from the bridesmaid's dress I made last summer (see entry for silk dupioni dress), and by far this is my favorite bodice--just fits perfectly, and I can add straps or not).

Now on to filling my bag orders! =)

Meet "Taro"...

Made this for a client/friend, who wanted the original Canvas Tote with a twist, but in a color that's not going to get dirty as easily. Knowing that red was what she gravitated towards, I decided to change up a few of the design elements.

I call this new tote "Taro" b/c it is one of my favorite colors and desserts! The taro color is hard to describe, and the root itself is also a flavor that's hard to place, but I love both the color and the taste! Hope you do too. =)
Limited supply (fabric running out), for sale: $50


Also, just an updated Flower Applique tote, made 2 of these for a couple of friends. I had been wanting to try the applique in this pattern, and I'm so glad I did! I like this flower pattern a lot--so elegant and refreshing. This fabric is running out too...I think I can only make 1 or 2 more at most!
$60 (w/o magnetic snaps), $65 (w/magnetic snaps)

On a whim...

"A little birdie tote me" is based off of the the first sample bag I had ever made. I have been carrying the muslin sample bag everyday for just about everything, and I decided I wanted to make one just like it but with this cute print I found. For sale for $45.


I finally added the finishing touch to the blossom bag with the wooden buttons that I found on ebay. :) The bag was made a month ago, and I can't believe I finally just got around to finishing it! $55

New bag collection starts...NOW!

I was so exhausted from making the yellow coat for the contest (see earlier entry) that I didn't think I had any more in me to make something else...but here it is! I just bought this fabric for an office couch that I inherited from a friend at work. It's pretty stained, so it definitely needed covering. Then I realized I bought 3 yards too many! But never fear...I love this fabric so much, that I thought it would be perfect for a new collection. Here's the bestselling design that I have from last December, made with this bold new pattern and color choice. The orange button is photoshopped in for now b/c I haven't gone to the store yet!

This bag comes with an inner pocket for wallets/keys/cell phone, just like the original Deep Shoulder Tote. It is for sale for $55. I hope to keep making more with the fabric I have left! Thanks for looking. :)

Becoming a Bag lady...

I had been on a creative hiatus, and recently got inspired to design/make totes for a crafts fair. It's been a lot of fun, and I hope I continue to get inspired to create more!

These do take a lot of time--from conceiving a design, patterning, cutting, to sewing...the process could take hours! Also, I was making each bag different, b/c I felt like it was more fun to design each one as I went, even though they ended up taking longer to create. Well, that is what art is about, isn't it? ;)

Special thanks to my friend A who graciously offered to help me design my logo based on my rough ideas--I love it! I never could have churned it out so quickly. Thanks A! Now I need to figure out a website for my "product". Here's a product page with the specs for the bags. Some fabrics are limited edition so bags cannot be reproduced, but others I still have fabric for. I am also working on more patterns too. Please feel free to let me know which you like and I can custom make one just for you!

In the next few months, I'll be working on a new collection of materials. Please check back!

Latest update 12/21/09: Blue/Gold fabric all out. Sorry! : (

Newest to the collection:
Deep Shoulder Tote in Tropical (SOLD OUT)


1. Reversible rectangular tote ($65 SOLD OUT currently)

2. Reversible tote with applique (SOLD OUT)

3. Petite knick-knack sac $30
in Tropical:

in Festive (NEW!):

4. Shoulder tote with magnetic snap $70 (only 1 left!)

5. Soft shopper bag with vintage button (SOLD OUT)

6. Fully lined shoulder tote with vintage button (SOLD OUT)

7. Soft wide tote w/inner pockets (SOLD OUT)


8. Soft petite knick-knack sacs! $15 (SOLD OUT!)

9. Canvas tote w/a twist $60
in Crimson:

or in Guacomole:

10. Bouquet tote: sturdy construction and roomy (sold out)

11. Deep soft canvas tote--especially roomy, with inner pockets $60 (JJ DESIGN BESTSELLER!)

Mustard yellow coat...

Before getting back into bag-designing/making, I decided to take a little creative detour and make a coat to enter into a coat design competition at a local fabric store. I put in about 40 hours in 2 weeks, on top of normal work hours, and so far spent close to $180 for the materials, but it's been amazing. I am *almost* done with the coat, and I can't wait to find out if I can win something...the grand prize is a Bernina Activa 200 (I think it's called). Anyway, still some more work to do, but wanted to post a few pics here. Perhaps a tutorial to come...if I can find the time!




I'm very very happy with how the back pleats came out with this boiled wool--the material lends itself to the design. The only problem is with the front, where there's facing and it's been stiffened with interfacing...anyway, working out the kinks tonight on that part.

The bad news is, my coat did not win! But here are the pics of the winners...if only I had known what style they were going for! oh well...