Zip it!

I am discovering that one of my favourite things to UPLIFT is a perfectly good fabric sample.  I think the reward for me is the fact that I am rescuing one more piece of fabric that has been classified as "discontinued" (read: useless) by those in the business of making/selling/buying fabric.  I love that I can intercept these little lovelies as they are on their way to a landfill, and give them a second chance at life!

And so I have been busy making zippered pouches which can be made to carry anything you want zipped up in your bag, like make-up, pencil crayons, or all your $100 bills!

Here are the samples as I get them: bright, colourful and full of potential!

And here they are ready to protect your personal things.

Even the inside is exciting!

Another favourite thing of mine is being true to my mission statement:

"Redeeming wholeness from bits & pieces"

I had retrieved small pieces of this beautiful black velvet and linen fabric from an upholsterer who had cut the fabric into strips meant for piping, but as too many were cut, he had no use for them.  Lucky for me!  I brought them home just knowing I could make them into something...but what?

Today, after stitching some bits & pieces together for fun, I realized they wanted to be zippered pouches, and I am happy to announce that we are in love:

Even the inside is sexy, as I used a black faux snake-skin lining.

All these items and more are available at my Uplift space at the Arts Market in Leslieville, Toronto.

Tapestry bag

For as long as I can remember, the word "tapestry" has been one of my favourites, because for me it conjures richness, earthiness, artistry and beauty.  I was lucky to get my hands on an expired sample book of tapestry-like fabrics and, naturally, I thought to make purses from them.  Here is the prototype bag.  Though I am happy with the shape and feel, I do realize it's missing an adornment to magnify it's beauty, and so the brainstorming session in underway as to how to improve this bag.  Even though it's a 'work in progress',  I love it enough as it is to share it with you...enjoy!

front

back

Stay tuned for the next development of the Tapestry bag~!

Tote Bag (I really had to hold myself back from saying Tote-ally awesome bag ;)

Let me just take a moment to express how grateful I am that all this wonderful fabric has found a home with me.  In fact, I am so in love with so much of it, and since every remnant I have is one of a kind, at times I am hesitant to make it into something because once it's gone, it's gone!  This is particularly true of this plaid fabric I've had with me for a while.  It finally spoke loudly enough for me to hear that it wanted to be useful as well as pretty, and so I sewed it into a lovely bag.  I am thrilled with the result!

Arts Market

So today was the day!

I have not posted any new creations lately because all my time has been occupied with preparing for an  upcoming deadline which came today...

....I moved into my space at the Arts Market in Leslieville!!!

It's a very cool art collective, located at 1114 Queen St. E, that provides artisans with a permanent space  to showcase their creations all year round.

I am so excited about having this opportunity to kick-start my new business.  Knowing I will meet interesting people I can learn from and be inspired by thrills me.  And the vibe is so fantastic.  I spent a few hours installing my booth, and took some photos of the progression.  It is far from finished, but I will show you what's happened so far!

The before picture.  I stole the shelving unit from my kitchen~ just for now! 

Started with some pillows....loving how my tags are looking!

The after with my tote bags made from fabric sample books.

I'm really excited to enjoy the evolution of the space, the art, and myself...!

The Arts Market is open Wed-Fri 12-6, Sat and Sun 11-6.  Come check out how awesome it is.