Production Sewing...

Brynwood "Grab & Go Cork Clutches"

Handsome is still in the hospital, and I spend time with him every day. When I get back home, I make sure the dogs are settled, and then I head to the studio.

I've been assembling some of my Grab & Go Cork Clutches with the wrist straps. Once I have everything made, I'll assemble all the wrist and crossbody straps at once.

Brynwood "Grab & Go Cork Clutches"

 

I'm planning to have about eighteen of this style for the show, so I'll cut and assemble more today or tomorrow. 

 

Once they're finished, I'll turn my attention to more of the Kirby Crossbody bags. I only have a half dozen of those in stock, and definitely need more. I want to use my new purple cork, as well as some of my Enviroleather™, which is a luscious, vegan alternative to the real thing. I have it in purple and a beautiful moss green. I'm going to pair it with cork for a really rich look.

 

We're crossing our fingers that Handsome will be home tomorrow. I'd like that a lot. It's just not the same without him here with us. But, in the meantime, I'll concentrate on getting a few more bags accomplished. I don't want to be sewing last minute, especially since he'll be back soon.

Something New This Way Comes...

New Fabric For Brynwood

I'm so excited about this new fabric that I couldn't wait to use it to share it! This environmentally friendly alternative to leather and vinyl has me really motivated to start sewing with it.

It's resistant to chemicals and stains, easy to clean, resists cracking, peeling and delamination, does not support microbial growth, and is animal friendly. It's soft, supple, has a luscious hand, and will be a dream to sew. There were no plasticizers, PVC, or flame retardants used in its production, making it even more appealing...and a perfect pairing with cork (or my high quality linens, cottons and designer fabrics).
 

Enviroleather and Cork Fabrics

 

I decided to start with a gorgeous, deep purple fabric to coordinate with this cork. I'm going to sew up a couple of Kirby Crossbody bags, a couple of wallets and perhaps a larger tote.

 

Cork has a rating of something like 85,000 rubs (meaning that it can withstand a lot of use), but Enviroleather has a double rub abrasion rating of 500,000! I'll be using one myself to see just how it holds up. Once I know, I'll be ordering this in more colors to coordinate with my corks.

 

So, I'll get something made up over the weekend to share with you next week. This is going to be fun!