Just added these Market Totes to the Shop : )

Things are going really well for me at BRIKA.  I have a nice steady pace of orders and I'm learning a lot about the business side of things i.e. invoices, customer service, shipping costs, which products people are drawn to, and press.  Speaking of press, I got some exciting news a few weeks back that some of my products may be featured in a major publication this summer.  These were the items requested to be shipped to New York : )

When I think about how everything is turning out, I can't help but think of one of my favorite quotes from one of my all time favorite emcees...

                 "This Journey That We Take, All These Moves That We Make, Are The Right Ones...."

                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                    -Big K.R.I.T.

A Labor of Love

My younger and only brother is getting married this Saturday and guess what?  He's getting married to the person that I introduced him to 8 years ago (cue the applause).   Amazing right?  I mean, how often does a match making like that happen?  Needless to say I am thrilled about his decision.  Nene is a beautiful person inside and out and I can't wait to officially call her my sister.  

Nene wanted to give her bridesmaids a little something extra special so we decided that initial embroidered cosmetic pouches in her wedding colors would be the perfect gift.  

 fun times ahead....

Tote Bag # 3

Indigo Blue Classic Stripes Tote Bag

 

Tote Bag # 2

I finished up the other two indigo blue tote bags.

Indigo Blue Zig Zag Tote

4.2.2013

Lately I've been working on patterns for some larger bags.  Summer is definitely on the brain.  I came across some really pretty indigo print fabric that I'm really excited about.  I have two other prints in the indigo blue that I'll be working on but since I'm a sucker for anything with an Ikat print I had to cut into this one first.  

I also made one in lavender and denim linen

Love the subtle sun rays in this photo.

and because the tote bags are all big and roomy you're going to need a small pouch to keep things organized.  This print is from Liberty of London's Botanical Garden Capsule collection.  LOVE IT.

...

Sewing lately: Prints and Patterns

Hand Stamped Polka Dot Clutch

There are a few prints and patterns that tend to surface time and time again, in this case its the polka dot. I for one am a huge fan of polka dots and have a growing collection of polka dots in my own wardrobe. That being said, I wanted to create my own interpretation of the polka dot - bold, clean, fun and with high contrast.

Because these polka dots were printed by hand you'll notice that each print has its own unique character making it truly a one of a kind bag. 

This process was so much fun and quite relaxing.  I'm already thinking about what I should do next.

Enjoy your weekend!

You can find this clutch here.

Weekend Sewing: Quilted Fabric Coasters

I made some quilted fabric coasters this weekend.  I just grabbed a few scraps of fabric and went at it.  I used the pattern from my book Last Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts.  Very easy, very simple and very addictive. I have a couple of other things that I need to make around here like bibs for a friend and chair cushions for our kitchen table.  I guess I'll tackle these things one weekend at a time.

Happy Holidays

 Well, Christmas is fast approaching and soon all of the madness will subside.  This has easily become my favorite time of the year and I'm always anxious to see what the new year will bring.  I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and we'll chat soon!

Pretty Selvedge

I just received this lovely stack of fabric in the mail and I had to snap a picture of all this pretty  selvedge... it's the little things right?

Handmade Quilt by Gina & Leah

I really love this handmade quilt by Leah & Gina.  I think what makes it extra special is that Leah incorporated her own fabric designs into the quilt.  Love the color palette.

Butterfly

I did embroidered this butterfly a couple of months ago.  Just trying to continue to practice so I can get better at it.  This butterfly was done using the chain stitch method.

"Golden" Tote Bag

I think golden is easily my favorite word.  It's such a powerful word, a purposeful word, a word that means high self esteem.  I believe that all women,  young and old, should know and understand their self worth.

Personalized Pouches

 I just finished up these pouches for a few friends of mine.  They are "thinking of you" gifts, and I was debating as to whether I should hold out until christmas to send them out, but my compulsive behavior won't allow that so I'll be mailing them out tomorrow.  I absolutely love this fabric.  It's a super soft linen cotton blend that I purchased from Purl Soho.  I think I'll always keep some of this fabric on hand.