Of duffel bags and baby slings

I think the last time I owned a duffel (duffle? I think you can swing both ways), it had my high school's logo across it.

Some people are bag people. They own dozens. Purses, too. I'm not that gal. I kind of stick with one thing for a few years and then toss it once it's shredded to bits.

With two young kids, you'd think I'd have a better bag system, but I've never gotten my act together on that front. One time we went to visit my parents and we showed up with, like, eight reusable grocery sacks (you know the kind) full of different crap in the back of the car. One for Bo's clean clothes, one for her dirty clothes. One for Megan's shoes. One for toys and books. My mom gave me that, "How is it possible that you are my child?" look. 

But when I saw the duffels that Spokane Etsy seller/seamstress Cherie Killilea was selling, I vowed to become a bag lady. (The kind that uses real bags, efficient bags, beautiful bags ... not grocery sacks.)

Yes, her prices are steep, but after having given birth to one last night, I think she should charge double. 

That's right. I made this baby all by myself.

That's because Cherie also sells THE PATTERNS. She's a genius. Her directions were crystal clear. It took me about half a day to make, but I could probably do it more quickly next time. I'm so in love with this bag, though, there might not be a next time (don't want it to think I'm cheating on it).

Both fabrics are from Amy Butler's new Love line ("water bouquet" in midnight for the main body of the bag and "sunspots" in turquoise). 

 

Speaking of Spokane talent (and babies), you have to take a look at these baby slings made by a woman here named Sarita Morgan.

(Found via Bloom Spokane and aNeMoNe Handmade Paper Flowers and photo courtesy of Bloom Spokane. You can buy them through aNeMoNe.)  

Get out of town, huh? I'm so impressed. I'm more about book slings than baby slings these days, but her beautiful work has me wishing I had a baby to strap onto my chest. Or (a much wiser and less exhausting idea) how about some gorgeous applique work on a book sling? 

There's an idea. 

Wish I had her skillz to pull it off.

Update: We're in Seattle this weekend, so I couldn't resist putting up a couple shots of the duffel bag in action.

  

Comments

[Abigail]

Nice work! I like your fabric choices. Love how the spotted fabric is a complete contrast to the floral, yet picks up some of the colours.

[gladys hanning]

Great Looking Bag! A job well done. Love the pic of the bag in the lobby at the Hotel too. Hey! thanks for visiting, loved the Alice in Wonderland Party Pictures. So much fun. xo Celia/Junebug

[Megan]

Thanks, guys. It was a fun one to make. The fabric combo was suggested by Chris Mark, one of the employees at The Top Stitch (local fabric store). You can see her adorable kids' clothes here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26160585@N06/

[Ergo Baby Carrier]

If I loosened it, then the shoulder straps started to slide off. Again, tried several adjustments, but to no avail, and once again shed the whole thing in disgust and just carried my son in my arms.

[buy viagra]

Not have to be a very creative person to make that kind of bag, so precious is easy and not slow in doing so, that's a good idea for anyone who wants to do a mini company from bags