stormy

We are in quite a windy rain storm, and I think it’s here to stay a little while longer. I sat down to do a little blogging this afternoon, for the first time in almost a month, and the power went out. It was down for just a few hours, but this has us working on preparedness for the season. Our camp stove and propane is now handy, candles are out, batteries are charging, and gallons of water are in the freezer. Last year’s near 2 week outage was quite a wake up call.

While the power was out, I prepped some leather for making wallets. Once it got too dark to work upstairs anymore, I set myself up at the dining table to do some hand stitching.

I managed to finish one of them, and I immediately filled it with the contents of the card wallet I made myself a couple months ago. I actually hadn’t meant to keep it, but I think it’s here to stay :)

I have been using the original (which was machine stitched) constantly for about 9 weeks, and it’s already developing a beautiful patina. A couple weeks ago I added the tab closure to it, to keep my cash more secure. I appreciate the simple design, and love the feel of it in my hand. Here it is when it was first completed. And below shows it after about 2 months of use.

 

There will be some hand stitched versions available in the shop soon.

 

While I sat at the table stitching, Steven and I talked and watched a big flock of tiny pine siskins take shelter on our deck. As much as a power outage can be a lousy inconvenience, there is just as much about them that I appreciate. The quieter time away from our machines and technology is pretty refreshing.

I hope all is well out there.

I won’t be gone so long this time…

Read Full Post »

october 25

Hi folks, I have just added a new tote to the shop. Our long time favorite “2-tone tote” is now available in slate waxed canvas and natural hemp, with natural veg tanned leather straps. Lined with organic cotton canvas. I am quite fond of this golden brown leather and I think it really complements the slate. This bag will soon will be available with another leather color as well.

Read Full Post »

hand stitched

+++

I’ve been working on some hand stitched leather items, and have just added the first small wallet – the pocket wallet – to the shop. This is a slim wallet for carrying a few cards and some cash.

I really enjoy the process of this work. It’s a nice change from my usual high production mode – no machines, just my own two hands. This kind of work takes time. It is slow and methodical. From start to finish there are many processes, and the finished result has a satisfying richness – all that work packed into a small and beautiful object, which should last a lifetime.

+++

The top photo is somewhat unrelated, though it does represent a starting point. This pocket wallet was inspired by my own simple needs. I like to travel pretty light, and what is shown at the top is the contents of my purse on most any given day. The wallet there is one I made for myself a few weeks ago (machine stitched). And for curious minds, although it’s mostly self explanatory I guess; pictured is my wallet, a hair clip, desert essence shea butter lip rescue, a tiny bottle of dr. bronner’s (so I don’t have to use the perfumed chemical soaps in public bathrooms), a pile of change; and my house, car and shed key on a key fob I made. One of these days I will have my own hand stitched wallet (and a change purse!).

Read Full Post »

more plaid

A little more plaid in the shop… This time a Pendleton wool and leather clutch – in a favorite fusion of vintage, re-purposed and organic materials.

Read Full Post »

wool plaid and leather

There’s some new plaid in the shop – kind of a fresh replacement of an old favorite, highly requested tote that sold out earlier this year. This one is made with a vintage Pendleton wool, which I was lucky enough to find a few yards of. I’m really happy with how this came out.

And a new little leather zip, too. It’s not likely I’ll be making more of these in this leather, so this might be the one and only of this particular little guy.

Read Full Post »

for pencils and things

Does anybody still use a pencil? My favorite writing utensil is an old fashioned wooden pencil. The kind you have to use a pencil sharpener for. It seems like they are almost obsolete, with all the fancy mechanical stuff these days.

I just put a new pencil pouch up in the shop. This one’s made with slate waxed canvas and weathered leather. Of course, you know you don’t have to keep pencils in it…

Read Full Post »

weathered leather

A new case for the shop. I love the weathered finish on this leather. Soft and comfortable, with the appearance that it just simply belongs.

Read Full Post »

september 20

Organic cotton, handwoven mexican wool, genuine leather.

Cotton canvas, genuine leather and handwoven cotton.

 

Hi there! I have just added a couple new rucksacks to the shop…

Phew, I hear this from everyone these days, but it has been such a busy time. I feel as though time has sped up and I can hardly keep up with it. Our days are full of lots of hard work mixed with a bit of play. And it is starting to feel like endless summer here, still with lots of sunshine, garden harvests, a stolen hour here and there for dips in the lake. I have a feeling as the weather cools, I will be more present online, but for now any spare moment is poured into this golden time outdoors! I hope you are all enjoying the change of these beautiful seasons.

 

More new things to come soon!

Read Full Post »

canvas day pack

This one has just been added to the shop. I am really enjoying making these. A comfortable, wear-anywhere bag with enough space for quite a lot, but not too much. That pouch pocket on the front there holds a lot.

I tend to be a compact-sized bag person, usually carrying one that is only 9 x 7. When I need to bring more with me, like my camera and a light sweater I use one of these, but I am really liking the feel of the Day Pack. I like a cross body strap. It is peculiar how few small bags I have sewn for the shop. I need to work on that. Do you carry a small bag? A large bag? Switch around to different bags? What’s your favorite, most useful type for your lifestyle?

Read Full Post »

pinstripes + leather

Happy weekend friends! It’s been unbelievably beautiful here this weekend, with warm temps and plenty of sunshine. We are soaking it up in the garden and loving every minute of it.

Just popping in to let you know I have added this new tote to the shop, made with vintage pinstriped wool and recycled genuine leather.

Enjoy this Sunday afternoon! See you soon.

Read Full Post »