Posts Tagged ‘bag’
Wednesday, January 26th, 2011
I’ve been making the Metier tote since 2005 – and it has become one of my absolute best-sellers. It has recieved tons of press, including InStyle Magazine and even featured in a movie. But after 6 years making the same bag, I felt it was time to mix things up a little. As you may have noticed, I have a big love of florals and prints – and along the way I’ve collected fabrics with large motifs that would lend themselves to a large expanse of space, instead of being tucked inside a pleat.
So, today I’m introducing my newest collection of Metier totes – with all the amazing functionality of the original, plus more! Featuring longer straps and additional inner pockets – these little beauties (if i do say so myself) are extremely limited-edition. . .many are only two or three of a kind. So snag your favorite today. . .and if you’re still smitten by the original tote – don’t worry, they aren’t going anywhere!
I thought you might enjoy some photos Metier totes in progress. . . .and a sneak peek at one of my newest 'helpers'.
Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
Tags: bag, design, one of a kind, purse, seattle, studio, tote, workshop
Posted in design studio, Metier tote |
Sunday, August 22nd, 2010
This fall, I am doing things a little differently. . and I am so excited to tell you about it! Starting in September, I will introduce a small collection of new bags each month. Here’s a sneak preview of a collection of tweed bags I created for Presents of Mind in Portland, OR.
So start making your wish list for an array of new bags coming VERY soon to my website or a store near you! 
Tags: bag, bag of the month, custom sewing, design, designing new bags, handbag workshop, local seattle small business, new bag collection, rainbow of fabric bags, seattle, seattle independent designer, sewing studio, small monthly collections of bags, tweed handbags, where to buy crystalyn kae, wholesale purses
Posted in design studio, Medium hobo, Mini-Soiree |
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010
The gray skies parted and the sun was glowing brightly overhead as I made my way to Portland, OR last weekend for my trunk show at Moxie. I spent the first day visiting Presents of Mind, Pie Footwear, and Tilde – to give them their first look at my new Matinee and Foxtrot hobos in colorful tweed. There must have been something about that Portland sunshine, because each store purchased a mix of purses in my brightest color combinations.
new bags coming soon, to a Portland store near you!
Portland has some pretty great grub!
In between stops, we managed to try a sampling of several of Portland’s culinary delights. My favorite meal was Saturday morning breakfast at Screen Door, which was totally worth the wait. Then I walked across the street to Moxie to set up my display of purses onto hooks and dress forms.
I spent the afternoon greeting customers, sipping on mimosas, and chatting with Dee and Sally – the hostesses with the mostest(es). After the show, Dee purchased several of my one of a kind Troubadour Tote bags and Bohemia hobos – so if you missed out on my trunk show – you can still get one for yourself at Moxie.
a beautiful day for a trunk show at Moxie
Tags: bag, event, food, one of a kind, Oregon, portland, purses, sunshine, travel, trunk show
Posted in events, fashion |
Wednesday, May 19th, 2010
But, when the folks at Seattle Children’s Hospital enlisted my help to turn a cigar box into a purse for their fundraiser, I decided to make an exception for this good cause. My problem with most cigar box purses, is that they are cumbersome and lack functionality. I wanted to see if I could change that.
I chose this box for the sturdy pine frame and ornate floral decals at the edges. Then I fashioned a padded front with my signature pleats. The biggest hurdle was getting the gusseted lining and zipper pocket to fit inside. . .all while wearing my finger splint. The finishing touch was using my trusty Dremel tool to set holes for handle rivets, purse feet, and magnetic closures.
Truth be told, I actually enjoyed the challenge of working with tools I haven’t used since high school wood shop. But don’t get too excited for any more cigar box purses from me . . . I think I’ll stick to my sewing machine!
Tags: bag, charity, cigar box purse, custom bag, design, equipment, functionality, fundraiser, one of a kind, seattle children's hospital, tools
Posted in custom handbags, handbags |
Thursday, April 22nd, 2010
Just thought I’d tease you with a peek at what I’ve been up to in my studio. I am *this close* to completing a new collection of bags with lots of new materials. Early next week I’ll post photos on my facebook page, so you can post suggestions to name the new designs AND enter to win a free bag! Be the first to be in the know – Are you a fan yet?
Tags: bag, design, new, sewing, sneak preview, studio, thread, workshop
Posted in design studio, handbags, Mini-Soiree |
Sunday, April 11th, 2010
One of the best things about the Troubadour tote is it’s ability to be both a chic everyday bag, and also fit your laptop perfectly on workdays. Recently a customer asked if I could create a Troubadour with a removable long shoulder strap, for the days she rides her bike to work. With the help of additional hardware and a few grommets – I think this will be a perfect solution! I love creating custom handbags, so if you have an idea or special request for a bag – feel free to get in touch!
Tags: bag, bicycle bag, bike to work, custom, design, green handbag, handbag, one of a kind, special request bag, tote with adjustable strap
Posted in custom handbags, design studio, troubadour tote bag |
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
Chaenomeles speciosa, (Japanese quince) and Soiree Messenger bag in "Quince Blossom"
We have been blessed by a beautiful early spring here in Seattle, and I wanted to share a bit of it with you! I spotted this flowering Japanese quince in my neighbor’s yard and thought it would be the perfect time to introduce ”Quince Blossom” a limited-edition vintage fabric adorning my Green Soiree Messenger. To celebrate the early coming of spring (or to encourage spring to come to those of you still covered in snow) I am offering 15% off my Green and Brown Soiree bags until March 15.
Update: 3/20 the Quince Blossom fabric has sold out!
Tags: bag, bag with quince flowers, chaenomeles speciosa, design, fabric, flowering trees, flowers, garden, green, plants, spring
Posted in fabrics, gardening, seattle, Soiree Messenger |
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
Just a teaser photo of some new thread colors that I’m using to sew my new Spring bags coming soon! Any guesses?? What would YOU like to see me create?
I’d love to hear. Please post your comments in my blog below or send me an email.
Tags: bag, color, design, handbags, inspiration, rainbow, sewing, spools, studio, thread
Posted in design studio, handbags |
Friday, January 29th, 2010
This week I cut, sewed and braided straps for 12 new clutches from some of my favorite materials – just in time for Valentine’s Day! For sale in both reclaimed leather and vegan options, these truly one of a kind bags have just the right vintage pleats and bright taffeta linings. Some of these cuties are so special, it will be hard to part with them. I might just keep the black patent leather one for myself!
Tags: bag, clutch, handbag, recycled leather clutches, wristlet
Posted in clutch wristlet, design studio, fabrics |
Thursday, January 28th, 2010
I just finished sewing a collection of clutches for Valentine’s Day and Molly and I ventured out around Phinney to take a few photos. This is one of my favs – we had to duck into a neighbor’s driveway to snag this shot – but using this old Volvo as a backdrop was hard to resist! I hope to have all of the photos loaded and clutches available for sale on my site tomorrow! Stay tuned.
Tags: bag, clutch, phinney, photo, purse, recycled leather clutches, seattle, wristlet
Posted in clutch wristlet, fashion, photo, seattle |
Helloooo! I'm Crystalyn. My blog is a peek behind the scenes of how I make my
