jMorrow Designs is in the Blogsphere

I received an Etsy convo today that a diaper bag by jMorrow Designs had been featured in an adorable blog: This Hawks' Nest. This diaper bag was featured as a great options for new-to-be-dads.

I'm so thankful for the Etsy community and how people from all over the world can appreciate creativity and craftiness even if they don't know you.

Thank you Hawk family and good luck with the arrival of your little one!

You asked...I listened...shoulder bags are here!

A couple of friends and fans out there have asked me to make a shoulder bag to keep their busy hands free while taking care of kids or navigating a busy work day. After a few sketches, here's the design I came up with...her name is Stella.

This particular bag has sold already but I will be making some more. Let me know if you have a specific color or fabric preference.

One Word: Wolves!

Another fabric scouting trip today...days like this bring me such bliss! I have come to realize that no matter what I do with my life, it needs to involve fabric in some way. :) I think every other crafter in the greater Portland area had the same idea because the store was like a fabric feeding frenzy full of eager ladies wanting to create. I feel so lucky to have the Nation's Largest Fabric Store! in my own backyard. The Fabric Depot is the mecca for the fabric obsessed. I was thoroughly entertained by the crafty clientelle as they loaded their carts with fabric for holiday projects. Two ladies in particular really grabbed my attention as they were showing each other their finds and soliciting opinions on what delights these materials would eventually become. One friend held up a fabric and said, "I thought this would be good for the pot holders" and then she said "shoulder bags" which naturally got my attention...giddy with excitement she said to her friend, "and for the shoulder bags I thought 'what about wolves?'" No joke, this is the fabric she held up and I had to leave the aisle to keep my giggles under wraps.

I know there are wolf lovers out there, but I don't happen to want any pictured on my handbag...just sayin'.

Fall Trend Alert: Equestrian Chic

Ok, I know some of you are probably slightly laughing at this trend because the very thought of dressing like you're about to play a game of polo or head out on the ranch is somewhat disturbing. However, this trend can be played with in so many ways and you don't have to go over the top to achieve a really great look.

I found this fabric on a recent scouting trip and I couldn't resist. I don't own a horse, haven't ridden one in about 15 years and probably won't ride again in my lifetime (although I have dreams of riding one on a beach in Hawaii!) but this fall trend still makes me long for the country life and feel like I could be best friends with the Pioneer Woman. It's a little paint-by-number-esque but I really love the colors and you can't beat the details...I mean, who wouldn't love horses drinking out of a stream on a handbag?!

So, take a romp with the horses! Stay tuned for the bag that will be made in this fabric (there's a limited quanity so there will probably only be one bag made!)...

Hot off the press (aka sewing table)...Ruffle Bags!

This picture is not the best, but here are some of the bags that are coming off the sewing table as we speak. Check out better pictures will full details of each bag on my Etsy site.

Fall Trend Report: ~~~RUFFLES~~~

Have you seen them?? Flirty, feminine and oh so fluffly?? Ruffles are everywhere for Fall so naturally I have designed some handbags that join this trend. I have had so much fun playing with different textures and colors. I hope you like them! Pictures of the bags will be uploaded soon...

Fabric Catalog

Finally I've started taking pictures of my fabric stash so that it's easier to choose and customize your own bags. Pictures have been posted on Facebook and I'll continue to update it as my stash continues to grow!

Creative juices are a flowing

Although there are no new bags to share this week (yet!) the creative juices are definitely flowing in the studio. I've been sketching away some new ideas, working on custom orders...oh yeah, and taking care of a 1-year old! Here are some sneak peeks to some new designs coming down the pike and some fabric flowers I've been working on for some frizzy embellishments and maybe even some baby accessories (thanks to my dear friend Erin for the tip!)...

Meet Olivia...the tote with flair

Meet Olivia. Front pleating and top-stitched details reveal that Olivia is preppy and tailored but she brings flair to an otherwise simple style. The size of this bag will surprise you...think Mary Poppins' carpet bag if you will. Equipped with an interior zipper pocket and plenty of room to spare.

This color combo really pops and says "hello, summer" and "GO Waves!"...a shout out to my Pepperdine alma mater. I've already pulled some other fabrics that would look great in the Olivia style so stay tuned for more posts on Etsy.

Finished Size: 21" wide at widest point on bottom, 15" wide at top, 12" high

Strap Size: 1 1/2" wide, 22" long, 7" drop from top of strap to top of bag

Another BONUS! I will be modifying Olivia so that she can even be a diaper bag...equipped with exterior snap pockets...you just wait!

Meet Serena

The Serena Satchel is the newest bag design coming out of the studio this week. Lately I've had the sewing/designing bug but I'm not complaining!!

Serena is sophisticated, understated and brings a little bit of whimsy into an everyday world. This satchel design includes 2 front pockets equipped with magnetic snaps to hold those items that you don't want to get lost in the bottom of your bag...hello cell phone! Inside there are additional pockets to keep yourself organized. Perfect for work as it's big enough to hold files and paperwork but it's cute enough to have lunch with a girlfriend.

BONUS! Serena can even be used as a diaper bag (a modified version to come later...or just contact me and I can make you one equipped with side pockets). I'm hoping to make myself one of these because it looks like a purse but I know it can hold everything for my little guy as well.

Finished Size: 15" wide x 11.5" high

Strap Size: 11" drop from top of strap to top of bag, 1 1/2" wide

Serena can also be customized to your own color choices (photos will come soon). Check out the full listing on my Etsy shop. Hope you like her!

Meet Lily

Meet Lily. She's an original new bag design that is flirty, sassy and uber functional. If you are looking for a bag that can go from work to drinks to wedding to beach...this is the bag for you!

Features pleats and gathers for a girly feel but it's rugged enough to be thrown on the sand at the beach or even to be used as a diaper bag! Mine is filled with sippy cups and snack traps. Top flap is appliqued with 100% linen floral motif in a bright summery yellow and finished with a magnetic snap so your goodies don't fall out. Interior is lined with upholstery weight material for extra stability. Includes an interior zipper pocket that is perfect for keys, cell phones, makeup, etc. Brushed nickel rings keep the strap in place and add a little bling!

Finished size: 14.5" wide x 10.5" tall

Strap drop: 7"

This bag can be CUSTOMIZED TO YOUR LIKING by choosing your own fabric combos! How cool is that?!

Don't see a fabric you like? Let me know and I can pull some out of my major stash and send you some photos. This bag is now available in my Etsy shop.