Bags of Diaper Fun!

When my youngest monster’s key worker at nursery said she was pregnant I was really pleased for her, but also a little bit sad for us – well actually very sad!  The monster adores her and talks about her at home all the time!  I wanted to make her something to say thank-you for the wonderful job she has done with my youngest and middle monsters, so when she said she hadn’t found a diaper bag she liked I jumped right in there and said I would make one for her!

She picked the new Amy Butler Love Range for the bag, which is such a lovely bright and summery range.  After 3 weeks of thinking and jotting down ideas I finally started work on it this week.  Here are some pics of the bag that I dropped off for her today:

It is a big bag with a waterproof  lined pouch that she put used baby wipes into.

Years of experience as a mother and childminder has taught me that there is never a bin nearby when the monster spills half a ton of gunk over themselves!

The inside has 2 pockets for baby wipes and nappies, as well as a zippered pocket to keep her keys and purse safe. I also included a pouch for  a bottle and key fob for attaching the pouch or dummy:

There is plenty of room for a change of clothes and even Wilson the dog!

I had put on shoulder straps but she also wanted a longer strap as well.

I have to wait for the swivel clips to arrive, but I also wanted to try buggy straps with elstic so she can suspend the bag from her buggy without a longer strap dangling everywhere.  I also added a base from U-Handbag to give the bag some stability:

I am really pleased with how the bag turned out and I hope she loves using it as much as I loved making it!

Even had a few people asking if I will make them one without the baby additions so watch the space for some new bags!

If you would like to a diaper bag please contact me:

anna@funkydivadesigns.com

On with the next adventure!

The lastest adventures…

As some of you know it has been a manic couple of weeks for me personally and my work has been a bit neglected, but this week I have been able to focus on the business and making bags.  I have had some fabulous news this week which I hope to share with you in the next few days.

On Sunday I was doing some web surfing looking for inspiration for a clutch design.  I had made a pink wristlet a while ago, but I wanted a slimmer, less bulky version.  Having looked around I came up with a couple of ideas, the first of which I tried on Monday evening:

This little clutch is made using linen and cotton for lining.  Not hugely inspiring colours I know, but good enough for the prototype!

This is a view of the base.  Not 100% happy with the curved darts but I have been putting the design through it’s paces and it holds cards, money and mobile phone very comfortably.  It fits snuggly into your hand and feels really good to hold when it is full.  Prefect for a night out!  Going to making a few up in different sizes and colours so watch this space!

Whilst I was taking the photos our littlest kitten Tessie decided it looked like fun so she was trying to get into every shot!  Here she is being a model:

 I will get sewing and put my new design clutches into my Etsy shop as soon as possible!

Funky Flowers

A week ago I posted a blog with pictures of a custom order I was working on.  I have now finished the bag and the matching Louise clasp purse that the lovely Jane decided she NEEDED to match her new bag.

She hasn’t actually collected the bag and purse, even though she is dying to get them, so I thought I would show you all her lovely new bag!

I love the colours together and the flowers are so pretty with the c0-ordinated vintage buttons.

The inside of the clasp purse co-ordinates with the flower and the lining of the bag.

I really love these.  Jane had better come and get the quick before I start using them!

Funky Flower Power!

I showed you a while ago my first adventures into the world of freestyle embroidery, which were not too bad.  I have been using the purse and bag and getting loads of really nice comments.  So I felt confident enough to have a go at something to sell.

I used the same fabric as before for the outside of the bag and matched the lining with the bright pink thread of the flowers.  I also put a pocket on the inside the essentials like keys and phone can be easily found.

Here are my funky pink flowers:

Lovely tote to carry the shopping in.

It has a very funky lining along with a pocket.

Close up of the funky flowers

 You can buy the bag in my etsy shop or my MISI shop.

I really enjoy freestyle embroidery!  It gives you loads of freedom to make the bag/ purse unique. I think I will be back in my workspace tonight trying out different fabrics from my stash!