Last minute gifts

I still have a few fabulous ready to ship items in the shop like this bi-color zippered tote (on sale too!)  and clutches, and such...
Take a look at Zakken for more items. Happy shopping!

The Square Tote

I love big bags. I always have a ton of things to tote around... So I designed the Square Tote just for me. I used repurposed wool and brand new waxed canvas and leather. This is a perfect tote to carry the supplies for a Fall picnic, to take to the market, or to use whenever you need a large tote. Find it here. 

Nice Fall colors

It folds neatly for storage

Fall Sale at Zakken

It is never too early for Christmas shopping! Enjoy 20% off a whole bunch of Zakken bags and clutches! Waxed canvas, leather, wool and vintage silk! Click here to check them out.

This is only a small sample of bags that are on sale:

A great carry-all or beach bag: the Ombre tote.

 One of my favorite totes: The City Tote.

 An elegant and super practical navy waxed canvas tote with a leather bottom.

One of a series of six bi-color waxed canvas totes with a zippered top.

I also have many made-to-order designs. Click here to view my shop.

Happy shopping!

Elisalex Dress Hack

I love the Elisalex dress. There are so many fabulous versions of this dress on the blogosphere....here, here, here, and here... and so many more....
I just wasn't sure how the skirt design would look on me... So I used the Elisalex bodice- with the By Hand London ladies' sew-along, it was a breeze, even for a beginner like me.
I just love the back neckline of the dress.
For the skirt, I used BHL circle skirt calculator. Super easy!
The fabric is a cotton linen from Mood. A bit heavy, but with a lovely texture.

After looking at the 3/4 sleeve Elisalex on the BHL website again, I think I want to try the original skirt.
Have you made your Elisalex?

Zen Bag in Chocolate Brown Leather

New for Fall: The Zen Bag, a simple, minimalist design. It is crafted from super soft leather, in a delicious shade of melted chocolate. It is large enough to hold your tablet and your everyday necessities.

Available here.

Anima Pants Version 2

I love the Anima Pants pattern.
My second pair is made from a blue and white cotton/linen print, with gray waistband and cuffs.

Have you made your Anima pants yet?

Tessuti, Grainline, and Papercut

I made these a while ago, but I had no pictures.

Brown and cream Ensis tee- Maritime shorts

 When I made my first pair of Maritime shorts, I found the legs a bit wide. For the second pair, above I removed a good two inches off the sides, and I like them a lot better. The fabric is from Mood Fabrics- but it is out of stock now.

 Tessuti Kimono pattern- Jamie Jeans by Named

For the Kimono, I used a very light cotton from Harts Fabrics. It is navy with tiny white dots.

I had made the pockets per the original pattern, but I did not like how they hung open, so I unpicked them. Much better!

The kimono was very easy to make. I would like to try the pattern again in a fun multicolored print. 

What are you working on these days?

Genevieve

By Hand London Anna Dresses

These two Anna dresses have been finished for a while. I just needed to take pictures since I just figured out (sort of) how to use the remote. So, here you are.

I just love the Anna pattern. It is very easy to make even for beginners like me :) I made a size 6 US without alterations. I even made an Anna for my sister, in the same black and light green fabric I used for my long Anna. 

This dress makes me want to twirl

I will keep working on my pictures. It is SO hard for me... Any suggestions are welcome :)

So, what is on your sewing table?

Shibori Dyed Totes

I had so much fun make these... I love the way they turned out. Find them at Blanc et Bleu

From the top: Ocean, Soleil, Denim, Citron, Fuschia

The totes are individually hand dyed and hand made. Due to the dyeing process, the designs are all different. My favorite color is Ocean closely followed by Soleil, pictured above.

What is your favorite color?

iPad Messenger

Just in time for the start of school...

The Waxed Canvas iPad Messenger with a lined pocket on the inside.
Find it here.
Enjoy your week at work or at play.

Jeans, top, pants, and a dress...

I had a busy week last week. For some reason, I went on a sewing binge... I started sewing for myself in December of last year, so I have to catch up :)
Inspired by many beautiful, so talented, and supremely elegant bloggers like Julie, Lizzy, and Sophie , I made a Tessuti kimono, one Kanerva top, one Hemlock tee, one pair of Anima pants, and one pair of Jamie jeans, yes, jeans! Yay!
First the jeans:
I used a stretch denim from Mood Fabrics, lovely to work with but not too stretchy. I made a size 6 US, and took in about one inch from hips to knee.

Next my Kanerva top...

I added about 11 inches to the Kanerva, because I don't wear cropped tops and at my age, it is not a good idea to show belly skin :) I used a striped jersey from Girlcharlee, very soft and stretchy, super comfy.

Next, the Anima pants. Love, love love...

I used a gray ponte knit from Mood Fabrics, soft and comfortable with a little bit of stretch. I shamelessly copied Julie's look for the Anima. This was a very easy make and I will definitely make more.

Lastly, a little beach dress I made back in June to take to France. I did wear it once to the beach :). The print is a stretchy ponte knit from Girlcharlee, and the pattern is the Lane slip from Named. Very easy to make, although I had to take in a big wedge under the arms.

A final note about the pictures:

I just learned- by trial and error, mostly error- to use the timer on my camera. I had to run back and forth from the camera to my spot, and did not always have the time to "fix" my clothes (as in the last picture, could have pulled the dress down a bit). While running back and forth, I stepped on my glasses (which will earn me a trip to the eye doctor), and then the battery just died....grrrrr.

I am buying a remote shutter thingie for next time. 

Thanks for stopping by...

Genevieve

Sewing for fun

I just realized that my first sewing post is on my old website. I can't cut and paste it from my iPad, so here is the link:http://onceuponabag.blogspot.com/2014/02/sewing-for-fun.html

I have been sewing quite a bit this past week- lots of fun stuff, still need to take pictures...

See you soon.

A New Tote in the Shop

This is the new Zakken tote, reminiscent of Southern France's shopping "cabas". 

It is  constructed of loden green waxed canvas, trimmed with tan piping. The tote is lined with organic canvas, sturdy but soft- I just love it. 

There is a zippered pocket on one side, and three slip pockets made with a piece of vintage linen in rust, green and cream. Find it here .

What do you think?

A Travel Bag for Zakken

NEW! The Traveler at Zakken!

With summer travel around the corner, I have designed a zippered carry-on bag. Large enough for a weekend adventure, small enough to fit in the overhead bin, this bag is crafted from waxed canvas on the outside and water repellent 14 oz. canvas on the inside. Super sturdy!

It is simple in design but utilitarian. The two exterior pockets are large enough to hold reading materials, travel documents, or even an iPad. The interior features a zippered pocket large enough to hold passport, keys, and phone.
Check it out here.

Where are your travels taking you this summer?

Hand Dyed Beach Bags

They are finally here! Handmade right here in Colorado! Available at Blanc et Bleu.
Hand dyed beach bags in ocean blue, with leather handles, and a zippered pocket.
Coming soon in sun yellow, orange, denim, and fuschia.
They are roomy, without being too bulky, also great for shopping, going to the gym, or as a carry-on.
Perfect to carry your peshtemals and a few other items!
Find them here.

A delightful little book...

Full title: The Dalai Lama's Cat by David Michie

I just love this book... Wisdom taught by a cat...

The story is funny, touching, and you will learn a lot about Buddhism while reading it. 

In short, the Dalai Lama rescues a kitten from sudden death, and brings her back to the temple. While exploring her surroundings, the kitten learns a lot about human nature, buddhism, and life in general.

I borrowed this book from the library, but I will definitely want to read it more than once, so I am buying it... 

What are you reading these days?

Snow in May

Summer is around the corner, right?

The back deck

The front

Well, I hope it is sunny and dry where you are...