Makers Gotta Make - The Shop Is OPEN!

Want to know the most disconcerting feeling I had while packing for our move?  When I finally boxed up my sewing machine.  I'm sure it should have been when I packed the medicines away or when RG had no more toys to play with or photo albums or something.  But no.  It was the sewing machine.  Crazy thoughts raced through my head, like "What if a seam tears and I can't mend it!?  What if I want to make something, I get inspiration and have to act right. that. moment. and I can't??"

Cue slight hyperventilation.

Ridiculous, yes, but I've come to grips with the fact that I'm a maker.  I have to make.  Give me a 2-hour naptime for my toddler, and its off to the sweatshop - its where I unwind.  Making things helps me feel calm and creative, productive (one of my favorite feelings) and satisfied.  If I felt the way about exercise that I do about sewing things, I would be much more impressive physically, but whatever.  As I've found out, a maker has got to make!

And so things have slightly settled down in these parts, and I've gotten back to making.  Yes, I'm in the process of both a Laura Ingalls-Wilder dress for my niece (birthday request - from a to-be-7-year-old, no lie!) and a Land of Nod inspired baby quilt, but mostly, its been leather, all leather.  My upstairs smells so good, y'all!  I've been working on the exteriors of purses so that when I re-opened my shop, I would be able to have faster turn-around time, and also so that the bags would be more uniform, having all been made at the same time.

I posted this picture on instagram the other night, because it was just so happy for me to look at, bad lighting and all!

So now the shop is re-opened, and I'm taking orders and all that business.  I'm still working out some smaller items for people who don't need a whole new purse, but would like some quality leather accessories, so I'll be sure to update you when that's listed!  But in the meantime, want to know my favorite thing thats new this season?

The Framed Lonestar Tote & The Framed Sunshine Tote

These two.  And specifically, Mr. Sunshine there on the right.  I've had dreams of a quilt that is along those lines for a few years now, and when I realized I could make it into a framed tote, I was so excited!  Now I'm just trying to keep myself from trading my current bag (the framed chevron tote) in for Mr. Golden Sun... but I can always make more... ;)

And in case you need some size reference, I submit to you a nearly in-focus, husband-turned-photographer picture :)  

If you have any questions, feel free to ask away!  And if you want to check out more information, follow the link to my store on the right (or right here)!  Big huge thank you to all of you for your support and for waiting so long for me to get my feet under me again!

<3 M.