For Piano Lessons

Our 6 yol takes piano lessons. IKEA has this cute fabric that appears to have a music ledger printed on it. I whipped up a little bag for him to tote his books to lessons. I love how it turned out -- even if it appears a little unironed in this photo. 

It was a pattern that I made based on a vinyl tote I bought at Target years ago. It's almost square, which is weird because it looks much longer than it is wide. I also lined it with IKEA dec weight fabric because the music theme fabric is very thin and see through. 

The interior has a simple pocket for the flashcards and a pencil. I'm thinking about making a few for the etsy shop. Feedback?

Still Deluxe

Remember the Deluxe Yoga Duffel Bag? Well, I'm still making it in custom orders. Here's another version -- custom request -- and one of my favorites thus far.



Thanks to all those clients who have great color combination ideas. I'm taking Christmas order, now. Don't delay.

Agata Modern Messenger Bag

The Agata puts a modern twist on the classic messenger bag with its eye-catching color style, and simple organizational pockets. This messenger bag with unique all-over print easily transports your laptop, books, school supplies and personal technology. Removable shoulder strap drops approximately 24.5" long (this can be adjusted).

It's a natural option for everything from a gym carryall to a diaper bag for a hip parent. Interior cotton lining with a multifunctional organizer pocket. Exterior flap pockets include a velcro closure for security. Fold over flap fits inside or outside the main compartment.

Approx. Dimensions: 11" high by 17 " wide and 4" deep.

Deluxe Yoga Duffel Bag

This Deluxe Yoga Duffel Bag has room to spare: it will hold your yoga mat, blanket, two blocks, straps and perhaps a bit more without complaint!. It even comes equipped with 3 outside pockets. It's a universal tote bag that could be used for yoga, pilates, swim team, or any sport.

Easily holds any size yoga mat, a few pair of shoes, gym clothes, clean clothes, and all your small valuable stuff. I tested it to hold 6 shoes boxes!

The outer shell is made from quilted cotton. Shoulder strap is removable and adjustable to two lengths. This totes measures about 30" long, 11" high, and 12" deep. (excluding handles) Handles are quilted, as well.

New Tote Style for Sports Equipment

Attention swim team fans! This bag is perfect for toting all your goggles, suits, towels, lunch, blankets, even dry clothes and shoes.

Inside you can fit about 4 beach towels! On the outside you can tuck suits, goggles, mobiles, and small stuff in its 3 flap pockets. It also has two sidecar straps for your wet towels. after practice (keeping them away from your dry stuff).

Or, you could use it for a yoga class. Take along all that you need to get ready for work and still enjoy a hard workout. Seriously, it can carry just about anything. This style is currently in the shop, and you can custom order it to your liking. Request that it be wider, have interior pockets, or another 3 pockets on the other side. I can also put the sidecar straps on the bottom rather than the side. It's all up to you! (Prices vary depending on materials and customizations.)

Even Bigger

Remember the mother of all bags? Well, I've tipped the scales again and gone even bigger.

With this quilted duffle you can pack for your next sunny getaway. The durable fabric and zippers make it easy access to your gear -- versatile! Try it as an everyday gym bag or a small overnighter. One outside end pocket accommodates two water bottles or a pair of athletic shoes, the other end features a gusseted, zippered pocket large enough for books, your digital reader, or a ditty bag. Self-made straps frame a third exterior pocket that is just the right size for a mobile, your music player, and your wallet.




Roomy dimensions approximately: 20" long x 13" wide x 13" high

Care and Cleaning:
Spot clean with cold water or dry clean. May be rinsed in cool water by hand and line dried, as well. Warm iron if desired.

Sewn in my pet-free, smoke-free studio.

It's in the shop, now. Get it before it disappears.

New Totes in the Shop

Over the Shoulder: New York State of Mind

I recently took a trip to New York City. Aside from the glitz and glamour of it, I reveled in the basic functionality of the Garment District. Everywhere I looked there was something to inspire a project. An entire warehouse of zippers! Buyers, Sellers, Project Runway fans! The district had it all.


I stopped in at Mood. That was excellent. Though, I probably never EVER need to go back. Big fabric stores across the U.S. compete, I assure you. But I did see Swatch and even gave him a little scratch behind the ears. I dawdled in the knits aisle and purchased two -- project to debut when I'm not so crazy busy. And I went wild at a small boutique where it seemed everything cost $20.


Where I found my real creative inspirations, however, were the holiday marts. We hit to major ones -- one in Grand Central Station and the other in Union Square. Among the fur lined hunting caps, knitted animal novelty hats, and to-die-for original jewelry there were lots of handbag - tote bag - messenger bag artists. The other thing I felt compelled to do each night once we were back at the apartment is sketch out little ideas I would have on the perfect bag to carry on the subway. Really, nothing I owned could have been right that week. Nothing had the right size handle to wear it cross body, nor the right exterior pockets. And nothing, I repeat nothing, was big enough. You become a bag lady when you go to the city. Too much to carry with you to know have one enormous bag.


Upon returning I started sewing immediately. The reason was two-fold. I had orders up the wazoo and I had ideas spilling out of my brain. From one of those ideas, came this.

I predict this style or something like it will be big for Spring 2011! My cross body bag in canvas hits all the trends right now. Carrying your satchel across your body is still a chic alternative to the everyday hobo and it seemed to me that tons of people in NYC loved being hands free (I for one). It’s a very modern look and perfect for moms as well as teenagers. Incredibly versatile and appealing to women of all ages. Right?


In canvas you get twice the trend points. Everyone loves a casual and light bag for Spring -- or so I'm told. This is it. With warmer weather around the corner, fabrics that feel lighter and come in lighter tones are a must. (Have you seen the eye-popping colors at Michael Kors?!?!?) Canvas feels easy but always looks chic and this version is a favorite, classic but preppy.

This bold pattern of this quality print makes a huge statement. It's from IKEA of all places and I fancy cut the panels to showcase the elements that I love the most. I think it adds major style to anyone’s wardrobe to carry around both a caged bird and a squirrel with a cheese shaver. Paired with jeans and a simple tee you’ll feel chic and casual without being slouchy.

The adjustable strap allows you to wear this number over the shoulder, as well. The magnetic closure and interior divider permit security. Completely machine washable in 100 % cotton. The innovative exterior pocket design zips for easy access to items you still want protected. Take another look at that exterior pocket. It's cool, right!??!?!!

Approx dimensions: 2”x 12” x 16” (excluding strap)

These are in the shop right now as a custom order only item.

Lead Free!

So you care about Mother Earth, and you use reusable shopping bags at the grocery store to avoid polluting the planet with countless plastic bags. But recently, you may have discovered that your current shopping bag is made with potentially harmful lead. What’s an environmentalist to do?

Get this slim, fashionably designed tote. The contrast colored handles bedecked with houndstooth ribbons make this tote environmentally friendly and truly a great value. I thought custom market totes were on their way out. Then, the breaking news that the mass-produced ones had the possibility of being dangerous hit. Now I know totes are here to stay. They are great as presents or for your own personal lugging around. This budget tote looks expensive and is made from 100% cotton in home dec weight and has strong handles with reinforced stitching.

Simple interior, 3-compartment pocket keep mobile and keys within reach.

Approx. Dimensions: 15" x 15", excluding handles.

I Heart Babies

When I get word of a baby on the way, I get so excited. So for my dear friend Netti, her third child was reason for much planning and designing. I created a diaper bag with messenger bag styling.


The modern fabric inspired me to create one large compartment for all of her big items, I think her wish list included baby stuff, a laptop, and scriptures. Additional exterior pockets circle around the front and sides for organizing small items. These gusseted pockets can easily store mobile phones, drink bottles, diapers and wipes. And larger patch pocket under the flap is big enough for a file folder, magazine, changing pad, or even an extra set of clothes. A small fob and ring under the flap keep keys within reach (or pacifier), but out of sight.


The tough cotton webbing shoulder strap is long enough for across the body styling but also short enough for over the shoulder ease. The flap secures in place with a button and elastic closure and is enhanced with a stylish raw edge appliqué. This new, original design is available for custom order on my etsy site, if you want one too. But I'll try to get a few on there before the holiday season.

Yoga Mat Tote: Keep Calm & Carry On

The Carla Yoga Mat Tote bag can be slung comfortably across the body, allowing you to carry a yoga mat to and from class with style. Unique to this style are the hand-embroidered mantras -- show the world what you think with simple stitches. The tote holds a classic yoga mat and has an exterior pocket for collecting your car or locker keys, membership card, phone, and even wallets. The pocket has a flap and velcro closure for security.* The bag has a wide strap that resists rolling and folding, making for comfortable carrying. Great for any yoga or pilates enthusiast.

*Various pocket styles are available in this fabric palette. Please specify your preferences in the notes to seller when placing order. Dimensions: Circular bag that measures approximately 27" long and has about a 6-inch diameter. Care and Cleaning: Spot clean with cold water or dry clean. May be rinsed in cool water by hand and line dried, as well. Warm iron if desired. 100% Cotton. Sewn in my pet-free, smoke-free studio. Hand embroidery is for custom orders, only. Start conversation to learn more and for a more accurate quote.

Interesting Inspiration

Smart and well-rounded. An interior divider creates a convenient 2 compartments for managing your essentials inside. This could be a versatile bag for young girls on the go, or for the sassy night on the town. I love the rounded shape and modern pleating in the front and back. Two sizes... just for fun.

I think you'll be seeing more of this style. I want to play with the pockets and the fabric combinations. The larger one pictures has a magnetic closure snap. And the smaller one pictures has a velcro closure (secured to the fabric with a smooth satin stitch).

Apples and Pears, In Pink

So, first I considering taking out all the pockets, and then I added extra ones. I baffled myself sometimes. Here is that same fav tote with double the pockets and yellow polka dots on the inside. Just to recap, this bag still has long handles and loads of room, yet it's still manageable as a carry-on or diaper bag. Two easy-access pockets on the outside, a few more inside.