Bags and such...

Lots of sewing going on in my studio lately...
First, a fun little leather bag found here

Right in time for the holidays, a couple of waxed canvas wine totes. Environmentally friendly, they will replace the traditional paper gift bag, to be used again and again. They are available here.

Lastly, a bunch of practical zippered cases, large enough to hold an iPad, or some bike tools, sewing needs, or to use as a clutch for an evening out on the town.

Happy November!

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

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.

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?

Welcome back!

It's been a while since my last blog. Life gets in the way sometimes.
I have decided to consolidate my two blogs, Once upon a Bag and Blanc et Bleu.
Zakken is doing well. I have a few new bags:

 This is a new take on my original waxed canvas tote. The new totes feature the same luscious waxed canvass, a double contrasting bottom, an organic canvas lining, and a zippered top. The handles are long enough to wear over the shoulder. They  come in various color combinations:

Navy and Red

Red and Navy

Cinnamon and Mushroom

Mushroom and Cinnamon

 

                                                   

                                                                           Green and Tan 

Tan and Green

Let me know what you think!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year all!
After an amazing week on Maui with the family over the holidays, I am rested and ready to sew :)

I gathered a few ideas while lying on the sand on my pestemal. Stay tuned for handpainted pestemals with lovely, Hawaiian inspired designs in my new Blanc et Bleu shop on Etsy- all set up, but not yet open.

Last Spring, after poring incessantly over Natalie Chanin's three books (Alabama Stitch Book, Alabama Studio Style, and Alabama Studio Sewing + Design), I finally jumped over the fence, so to speak, and made a couple of outfits I could actually wear OUTSIDE the house. I made a sleeveless top, a bolero, and a skirt. I actually received a lot of compliments on those...

While looking for fabric last week- what else?!!!- I came upon this lovely dress pattern by a duo of very talented British designers - By Hand London. 

I spent a lot of time (A LOT) looking at pictures of this beautiful dress, and finally ordered the pattern, along with another one...why not...

Sadly the pattern is on back order, but this is an opportunity to look for fabric...I am leaning toward a black and white rayon for the maxi, and maybe a linen blend for the midi, and...

Apparently, you can't just make one of this dress... Yes, I have caught the By Hand London bug :)

Can't wait to show you the results. 

Happy New Year!