Helloooo! I'm Crystalyn. My blog is a peek behind the scenes of how I make my handbags, as well as the people and natural elements that influence my design process. I don't own a car, and live by the zoo with a big oaf and two savage kittens. 
Wow, I have been not so patiently awaiting the completion of my studio. We have been priming and painting for what seems like weeks and last night we finally laid the carpet tiles! It was VERY late when we finished, but I couldn’t resist unwrapping my sewing machine – just to make it official! Although I would love to start decorating and personalizing my space – it will have to wait until the New Year: I am so behind on sewing bags that I am just giddy to hear the hum of my machine again!
We were determined to sleep in our new house on the first night of moving, so I planned accordingly. Here’s what I prepared for our ‘First Night’ Survival Kit:
In my large ‘overnight’ handbag:
2 plastic garbage bags (the odd shape will stand out amongst the boxes) labeled “Open First”
Having everything together in one spot made it simple to shower and crash out with minimal stress!
apparently you can fit 15! this was our very last load at our old apartment! whew!
my sewing nook at our Stone Way apartment
After 3 1/2 years, in our itty 1 bedroom apartment – my husband and I are moving to a bigger space. To our first home, in fact! Although it is incredibly exciting to be homeowners, I can’t help but feel a bit wistful and nostalgic. Living in the Wallingford/Fremont neighbhorhood was such an adventure and I will truly miss the incredible view of the city from our rooftop.
By closing my store in 2006 and and focusing on design, the Stone Way apartment was my chance to re-invent how I did business. Instead of investing time being the shopgirl and doing window displays, I immersed myself in sewing and pattern making like never before. I truly fell in love with the process. And it worked! Aaron was able to quit his job and join me full time.
I will miss my rooftop garden, the spiral staircase, and being a mere few blocks from Blue Star – the best breakfast in Seattle. But, I have a feeling that our new house will be even better. We’ll have more space and a great new neighborhood to call home! Phinney Ridge, here we come!
