Megs Bags

I'm Baaaack!

2010-03-22T14:31:00.002-04:00

Wow it sure has been a long time since I've blogged! Lots has happened and lifes been crazy! Got pounded with snow, almost 4 feet of it! That was an adventure all in its own. But running 2 etsy shops, 2 blogs, 2 facebook fan pages, and College has proved to be a task in its self.

Clearly 1 of my shops and blogs have been a little neglected... So I'm going to have to step it up! Im going to list some new things in the shop, and start posting on this blog again! Its about time if you ask me!

Have a wonderful day everyone! I look forward to getting back into this!

Friday Feature and Giveaway!

2010-01-22T10:39:00.007-05:00

And the winner is................... Mingon! Thank you to everyone who participated!!!

This weeks feature is of a wonderful shop called Tres Belle Knits! This shop is full of wonderful Knit and Crochet items! And now to hear from the owner! She has also been kind enough to do a giveaway!

You get to pick what ever crochet hat you want from her shop in any size and any color!!! I used some of her hat pictures in the feature, so you can see some of the cute ones she makes!Thats such a great offer!

My name is Christina, I live in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and I'm a stay-at-home mom to my almost 2 year old daughter. I opened my shop in November of 2009 and it features hand knit and crochet clothing and accessories for the whole family.

I've never been a creative person. As a teen I wrote the normal "emo" poetry (lol), but that's about it.I've always loved the look of hand knit and crochet items but I figured those were difficult things to master, so I admired from afar.After my daughter was born in March of 2008, she received a wonderful cardigan from her Great Aunt Linda.

That's what really got the ball rolling for me.I started looking up knitting websites and came across knittinghelp.com. Things just took off from there. I taught myself with the video's on that site and on You Tube and I asked many, many questions on the knittinghelp forum. After a year of knitting...and a VERY busy Christmas season in my shop...I needed a break from my needles.I put them down for a week or so, but I found myself getting bored.

I always sat and watched TV with my needles in my hands and without them, I felt edgy and fidgety.A good friend of mine is an amazing crocheter. She had always encouraged me to give it a try but I was happy with my knitting. When I took my knitting break, I picked up the crochet hook and once again taught myself. She answered all of my questions through Facebook (We've never actually met in person. We belonged to an online mommy group and became fast online friends).

I again watched many You Tube videos and bought myself a learn to crochet kit. After knitting, crochet was a breeze and I took to it right away!My daughter's name is Belle, which means "beautiful" in French, so I knew I wanted to use that. Joy, the friend that "taught" me to crochet was once again a big help. When I opened my shop, I only knew how to knit....there was no crocheting involved yet. So I messaged her with a few ideas. Belle Knits just didn't sound right to me.

Out of the few names I sent her, Joy said that Tres Belle Knits was the one, so that was what I chose. It means tres belle means "very beautiful" in French. Although when we get the option, I'll be changing it to Tres Belle Knit and Crochet. So now I've been knitting since December of 2009 and crocheting for about 2 months now.

Where else can you find Tres Belle Knits??? How about here!
~ Facebook

~ Twitter

~ My blog

Now for the giveaway!!!

To Enter you MUST:

1) Be a follower of this blog to enter!

2) Go to Tres Belle Knits Shop and pick out your favorite item, and leave a comment with that item in it!

Extra Entries:

1) Heart Tres Belle Knits and say so in a comment (must be a new heart) ~1 Entry~

2) Make a purchase from Tres Belle Knits and post the transaction link in a comment ~3 Entries~

3) Become a follower of Tres Belle Knits Blog and say so in a comment ~1 Entry~

4) Heart Megs Bags and say so in a comment (must be a new heart) ~1 Entry~
5) Make a purchase from Megs Bags and post the transaction link in a comment ~ 3 Entries~

Good luck!!!

Friday Feature and Giveaway!!!

2010-01-17T14:04:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! Ive started my features!!! This was originally posted on The Green Haven blog, but I decided to post the features on both blogs!!! The first shop being featured is....... Peppermint Sage! And what an adorable shop it is! (Giveaway info at the bottom of the article) Heres a little bit of information on the shop from the shop owner!

My shop started because I work for the State of California and I decided to be proactive and use my furlough days as a way to generate extra income. I wanted to do something with re-purposed fabric, so I started off making reversible wine bags and sunglass cases...but I found myself gravitating to making accessories and mostly that is what I make now. Headbands, bib necklaces, and some crochet ear warmers. The shop name is a compilation of my dog's name: Peppermint and Sage because that is my favorite color and I garden too so it just seemed to flow.

I started learning to crochet in college about 7 years ago, from my roommate. I just learned to sew a few months ago because I always wanted to learn but never had the opportunity. So, with the help of the internet and a couple of friends I resurrected my mom's sewing machine from the garage and picked it up quick. I’m a gal in my early thirties, who loves to create pretty things. While also going back to college for a second degree in Nutrition, and I just enjoy hanging with family and friends.

Where else can you find PeppermintSage??? On her blog of course =)http://www.peppermintsage.com/

PeppermintSage has been kind enough to host a giveaway!!! She is offering up an adorable ear warmer! The winner will get to pick the color of the warmer as well! They come in 3 colors, teal, heather gray, and heather pink. (The teal ear warmer is pictured to the right! Isnt it adorable!!!) The winner of this giveaway will be announced on next Fridays Feature!

To Enter: You must do BOTH of the following!

1) You must be a follower of this blog to enter!

2) Go to PeppermintSage’s shop and pick out your favorite item, and leave a comment with that item in it!

Extra Entries:

1) Heart PeppermintSage’s shop and say so in a comment (must be a new heart) ~1 Entry~

2) Make a purchase in PeppermintSage’s shop and post the transaction link in a comment ~3 Entries~

3) Become a follower of PeppermintSage's Blog and say so in a comment ~1 Entry~

4) Heart Megs Bags and say so in a comment (must be a new heart) ~1 Entry~

5) Make a purchase from Megs Bags and post the transaction link in a comment ~ 3 Entries~

Have fun and Good Luck!!!

Second Chances

2010-01-11T15:54:00.004-05:00

Its a new year and its time for some changes and second chances! Im going to be revamping my shop for the next week or so! If you have any suggestions or tips just let me know! Id love to hear them all, good or bad! Ive been creating a few new bags too get up and listed shortly! Hopefully people will like them!

As far as second chances... The winner of the Second Giveaway from my handmade holiday shopping guide never claimed their prize! So im putting up again! Time for a new winner! Heres a look at the giveaway... please note that you must go to The Green Haven blog to enter!

This giveaway will include the following:
~ Set of cards from Leslywrytes

~ Bath fizzie samples from Bathgasm

~ Set of place cards from Ohhappydaycreations

~ Pendant and zipper pouch from Jo's Jewels

~ Donut charm from Emariecreations

~ Business cards from all the shops that participated in the guide

Lots of great prizes!!! Very easy to enter too!!! Take a peek =)

Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide

2009-12-21T19:03:00.004-05:00

The guide is finished and the giveaway is up!!!! Please go and enter! Lots of great prizes from 8 different Etsy shops! Its really easy to enter, just have to be a follower of the greenhaven blog, and leave a comment under the giveaway post naming your favorite item from the guide, and your in!

Here are the items up for grabs!

Giveaway 1:

This giveaway will include the following:

~ Big Bath Fizzie from Bathgasm

~ Roar Print from Kimsieboldstudios

~ Hair Scrunchy from Ants Accessories

~ Donut charm from Emariecreations

~ Set of gift tags from Ohhappydaycreations

~ Business cards from all the shops that participated in the guide

Giveaway 2:
This giveaway will include the following:

~ Set of cards from Leslywrytes
~ Bath fizzie samples from Bathgasm
~ Set of place cards from Ohhappydaycreations
~ Pendant and zipper pouch from Jo's Jewels
~ Donut charm from Emariecreations
~ Business cards from all the shops that participated in the guide

Interested??? Go enter! just click here!

Giveaway Winner!

2009-12-04T11:48:00.005-05:00

And the winner is..... Calyx Ann! Congrats! You have won a sandwich and snack bag set in your choice of fabric!

This months giveaway will be from our Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide. Items featured from the guide will be included in the giveaway. So if you like something that has been featured in the guide, you can enter the giveaway to win it! There will be two giveaways at the conclusion of the guide!

The next addition of the Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide is up on The Green Haven Blog. Feel free to check it out and support the featured Etsy sellers!

This is a picture of items from one of the featured shops, Bathgasm. Take a look at the review to see Oh Happy Day Creations, items and read both the reviews =)

Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide ~Part 1~

2009-12-02T11:28:00.002-05:00

Here is the first part (of many) to my Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide. Over the next couple of weeks I will be featuring Etsy shops and the lovely handmade products. The first shop I will be reviewing is Jo's Jewels, you can find her on Etsy at Gallagj. She has a lovely shop!
Here is a little information about Jo Ann and her shop.

1. Tell us some background information about you and your shop.
~I am a wife of 28 years with two boys who are in the Navy. The oldest is married and stationed in Tennessee and the youngest just returned from Iraq and is stationed in NC. I work a full time job as an Administrator in a Bio-Medical Company. My shop is a combination of jewelry and supplies at affordable prices. My favorite feature of the shop is the wire wrap items because that is my passion. I strive to make my buyers thrilled with their purchases and if not, I am happy to work with them until they are.

2. How did you get started in your craft?
~I bought a jewelry kit and I was hooked! I have done numerous crafts in the past but this one was the one I was searching for. I received lessons from an Etsy friend to learn the wire wrap. She was a great teacher! I used books and much practice (and wasted wire) to get where I am today.

3. How did you come up with your shop name?
~Jo's Jewels... I was thinking of what would go with my name and nothing I could think of would so I shortened it to Jo and the Jewels part seemed to fit.

4. How long have you been doing your craft?
~I have been addicted to beads for 2-1/2 years.

5. Where else can we find you?

~I have my own blog at: http://www.gallagj.blogspot.com/
~I also have a Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1507097750

6. Anything else you would like to tell us or include =)
~Making jewelry gives me much joy and helps me to keep from missing my sons so much. I love the joy making jewelry brings but I am most thrilled with meeting new people. I have made many great friends on Etsy who have supported and guided me. I am a people person and would love to meet all of you!

Now for the review =) I received a wire wrapped pendant, from her. It is absolutely adorable! The quality of her work is superb! The wire is wrap excellently and the red gems set off the silver of the wire very well. The pendant came in a cute little zipper bag. Extremely fast shipping and great packaging. Her shop also has very reasonable prices on both her items and shipping! I would recommend this shop for any jewelery lover.

Giveaway Extended!

2009-11-27T21:58:00.007-05:00

Our giveaway our giveaway will be going one for a little while longer =) You now have until December 2nd at Midnight (EST) to enter! Remember this giveaway is for a sandwich and snack bag set in your choice of fabric!!!
To enter:
You must be a follwer. Then just leave a comment under this post to be entered! (along with any additional entries!)

Additional entries will be given for the following:

~ Hearting The Green Haven (1 Entry)
~ Becoming a Follower of The Green Haven Blog (2 Entries)
~ A purchase in either shop (5 entries, link the transaction by posting the link in a comment)
****~ Fanning The Green Haven Facebook Page (1 Entry)

Please note that you do not need to leave a comment for each additional entry. Example if someone were to make a purchase from a shop, one comment with the link would be the only entry I need, not five comments each claiming one entry. I will automatically give you additional entries!!! GOOD LUCK!!!! OH and its fine to leave your entry under this post =)

Im back!!! Give Away time!

2009-11-11T13:46:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone! I havent bloged in a long time!!! Its time to get started again!!!

New to our shop are some new lunch sets. These sets include a lunch box and a sandwich bag! More coming soon. Some will even include a snack bag! Great for school, an easy way to make lunch a lil more exciting!

Now, why dont I start off right... how about a giveaway!!! This months giveway will be for a snack and sandwich bag set! An entire set! The date of the giveaway will be November 23rd- November 30th. The print will be left up to the winner! Then winner can choose from Dora the explorer, Strawberry Shortcake, Flowers, Thomas the Tank Engine, Snowflakes, Santa Penguins or Santa Hats. Please note you must be a follower to enter =)

Additional entries will be given for the following:
~ Hearting The Green Haven (1 Entry)
~ Becoming a Follower of The Green Haven Blog (2 Entries)
~ A purchase in either shop (5 entries, link the transaction by posting the link in a comment)

*Check out my new all eco friendly shop The Green Haven. I have created a seperate blog for this shop!!! Our first big feature will by the Homemade Holiday Shopping Guide. Featuring etsy sellers and there gift ideas for the holidays. If you would like to be featured in the guide, just leave me a comment on etsy, please make sure the comment is on The Green Haven site. Thanks so much!!!

Birthday Sale!

2009-09-28T21:18:00.003-04:00

Ive made up my mind!!! Its time for a birthday sale!!! Since tomorrow/today OCTOBER 4th is my 18th birthday im going to have a lil sale :0) Im going to be hosting a buy one get one half of sale! October 4th only!!! So im going to give YOU a present :) ****ONLY PURCHASES MADE ON OCTOBER 4TH ARE ELLIGABLE FOR THIS DISCOUT****

Every full priced item in my shop will be buy one get one half off. This includes all my halloween items! Great deal. (the half price item must be of equal or lesser value than that of which is purchased at full price) All you have to do is enter BIRTHDAY in the notes to seller box and you've got your discount!!!!

Happy Shopping!

And the Winner is....

2009-09-22T15:37:00.003-04:00

Drum roll...... Jalexo1!!! from Alexander's Designs. Congrats on your win :0) Now this bag is yours for the claiming :) Hope you enjoy! Stay tuned for details on next moth giveaway.... I have a feeling its going to be something halloweeny! I just love halloween :0)

Dont forget to stop by my shop on October 4th for a special birthday sale! More details to come soon! (just as soon as i figure out what kind of sale im going to have :0))

Last Chance!

2009-09-20T19:10:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone! Just wanted to send out a reminder! Today is the last day to enter the September Giveaway. To enter click here! Super easy to enter, just make sure your a follower and comment on the giveaway page :0)

*Remember if you have purchased anything in my shop in the month of September link the transaction to your comment and you get 5 additional entries!

Ive listed a few new sandwich bags in my shop and more to come soon! Including a new sparkly pumpkin sandwich bag! Great for halloween! Interesting fact! Did you know that Americans alone throw away 38 billion plastic baggies each year? Thats crazy! These reusable sandwich/snack baggies are great ways to reduce that huge number!

My Adventure

2009-09-16T13:00:00.002-04:00

So ive been at college now for about 2 weeks! Whooo. Im used to all my classes and ive figured out where to go... which is honestly the hardest part so far. I live in theses appartment that are right next to campus. (It only takes literally a minute to get to campus in my car.) Yes I brought my car, the campus is in the mountains... LOTS of hills! My appartment is also on top of a big hill. But now for the adventure!

Me and a couple of my friends had found out there was an old coal mine behind the appartment complex. When we heard mine we were super excited. Whe had pictured like an old underground coal mine. With a cool entrance that would lead us underground. And of course it would be home to the bear that was sited on campus last year. Us being young and stupid couldnt wait to go see it.

It was around 7 pm. Still light out, but starting to get dark and we decided to venture to the mine. We were expecting this to be a relativly easy and accessable task. But that proved to be not so true. The path that once existed was no longer mantained. It was covered in weeds and parts of the path had actually washed away leaving crevases and holes. Not to menchion the right next to the path was golden rod... great for allergies :0)

Oh and did i menchion that like everything else here in the Burg, its way up on a hill! Of course this atempt at a path was also not in the least bit straight. We got lucky and didnt take any wrong turns! So we were walking up there short on breath ready to turn around but wanting to see this mine. So we kept going. We were highly disappointed when we got to the mine. It was an above ground mine!!! Not at all what we had expected! Even though it was a huge dissapointment it was still very pretty and serine. Here it is :0)

September Giveaway!!!

2009-09-13T15:35:00.007-04:00

Its that time of month! Its time for another giveaway! I know I'm posting this a day late... so it will just go a day longer :0) So the dates for the giveaway will be September 13Th - 20Th.

Once again I'm giving away a bag! This one is super cute! Its cherry print on the outside, with a nice red accent piece on top. Black handles and a red button to keep the bag closed. This bag also has a pleated front consisting of 3 pleats.

Once again all you have to do to enter is leave a comment under this post to be entered. *Remember you must be a follower to be entered! Very simple! Then at the end of the week each post receives a number starting at the top and working down. Then a winner is picked via a random number generator.

* To receive 5 additional entries purchase something from my shop :0) Then post a link to the transaction/receipt page so i can verify your purchase and you will automatically be given 5 addition entries!

Long time no Blog!

2009-09-07T14:51:00.003-04:00

Wow! I haven't posted in a long time! I have had the craziest last couple of weeks! I got all moved in to my apartment at FSU! Which I as super excited about. Took my car and my parents truck to get all my stuff up here! And both were packed! I didn't realize how much stuff i actually bought to bring to college with me! Crazy!!!

So I moved in on a Friday and spent Saturday with my roomies. We had a blast. All 3 of them are great! I live in an apartment so there is 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, living room, and dining area and laundry room. Fully furnished! My bedroom has a bed, a desk and chair, a dresser and a descent size closet. So I cant complain. Its really nice as far as college apartments go... MUCH better than the dorms!!!

Then Sunday morning I go a phone call. My grandmother had passed away in her sleep. I just couldn't believe it! She wasn't sick or anything! But needless to say me and my grandmother were very close so there was no way I was staying here in Frostburg! So i got to spend 1 whole day in the Burg before I had to pack my bags and come home! So for the last week I've been very busy with the whole funeral/service deal! VERY tiring!

But now I'm back! I can start classes (which i missed the whole first week of!!!) and try to get back to my normal routine! So wish me luck I think I just might need it :0)

My latest creation!

2009-08-26T16:17:00.003-04:00

Hi everybody! Its finally getting to be nice outside! But with all the hot, humid, and rainy days lately I've found my self to be in my studio quite often! I went out the other day and didn't know what to make. So I started thinking about what I would need for school. That's when it hit me, I knew what I was going to make! A laptop bag! I knew it would be a challenge because it had to be padded, rather large, and I had to get it done that day. (As the rest of this week has been dedicated to all things college! I leave Friday!)

So the next task was finding all the materials! I found an old blanket to use as padding, an old belt to strengthen my handle, and my fabrics. I'm a music fanatic! So I picked my favorite material, black fabric with neon music notes and stave's on it! Then the interior was to be a bright green.

I had no idea what I had just gotten my self into! My first step was to figure out how big to make it, then add some for the bottom... I'm not sure what the measurements actually were... I just went off of how big my laptop was. So then I sewed the exterior fabric to the padding, which was more difficult than I thought it would be. I didn't realize that my blanket had a little stretch to it... so once it was sewn on I had about and extra inch of fabric at the top and on one side! Then I proceeded to make my bag as normal.

My next challenge was how to close it... I knew I needed something that would flip over the top of the bag. So I created a square of material (It was black on the bottom and neon and pink on the top and i added a little piece of ribbon so it could close) and sewed it to the back. So that step wasn't that hard once I used a little sewing tape to hold it in place, the pins just weren't doing it! When I used pins it shifted so much that I had to pull out all the stitches and redo it, that's when I used the tape :0)

Then i realized i never put in the rings for the handles! So i had to sew my material over the rings for the handles to threw. Then undo the top sides of the bag so that i could put the handle rings in! I used an old belt covered in black fabric for the handle, to help give it a little durability. Then i sewed the handle in place. And i was finished!

All in all i think it came out great... Although i do need a different button. It was the only one i had handy so i just used it... The next time i go out I'm going to half to look for one! But I think it will do the job! Cant wait to test it out in school!

American Girl Dolls!

2009-08-24T18:10:00.008-04:00

When I was younger I loved to play with American Girls. I got my first one for Christmas one year. I was so excited! I started to save up my money so I could buy my self another so my doll would have someone to play with. I saved my allowance and my change. Eventually I had all $95 that I needed to buy my own doll! Then it came in the mail! I couldnt wait to start playing with my dolls! The next big fad was food and clothes! I couldnt get enough of them. My dolls could always use a new outfit! As a present my grandma gave me some sewing patterns for my dolls! I spent days cutting out the patterns! Then my grandma took me shopping and we got fabric. When we came home we spent the day making my first doll dress!

Since then the doll dress patterns have been sitting on a shelf and my collection eventually had grown to 10 dolls! I found the patterns yesterday and decided to try them out! And wouldnt you know they are super easy and super cute to make! Ive made 3 since yesterday afternoon! All 3 of them are up for sale on my site! I figured I could bring some other little girl joy from these dresses. I remember how much fun I had and just couldnt resist making these for other little girls!

100 Followers!

2009-08-23T14:35:00.006-04:00

I have reached 100 blog followers! Thank you to everyone who has followed me. As a special gift for all my followers I will be hosting a special sale, for my blog followers only! All my items will be buy one get one half off!!! Just write I'm a follower in the notes to seller box when you check out! I also ask that you leave your blogger id so I can verify you are a follower. Then you can wait for an invoice or pay immediately. If you pay immediately I will refund your money within 24hrs! Go take a look :0) This offer is only good thru August 26th

http://www.megsbags.etsy.com/

I can see the sun!

2009-08-23T10:25:00.004-04:00

Its about time too! All day yesterday it was pouring rain! The sky was lighting up and and boy was it loud. Although, on the up side my garden got some much needed water! The weather man said we would see sun today and what do you know, its actually sunny. He also said that the rain would bring in a cool front... that has yet to be seen... Temperature now is about 80 and its only 10:30! Today will definitely be an indoor day! Guess I'll spend the day in the studio... see what I can make :0)

I'm going to start a new weekly post on my blog. It will be called "Sunday Sneak Peak." Every Sunday I will be posting a sneak peak. Whether it be to next months giveaway, a special promotion not yet in effect, or to a project I'm working on.

So today's Sneak Peak will be of next months giveaway purse! I love this one! The material is printed with cherries and is pleated at the top! That's your Sunday Sneak Peak!

Tonight Only!

2009-08-21T20:45:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday everyone! As a happy Friday present to everyone im offering my first promo code for my etsy shop! Free US Shipping! All you have to do is enter Free Friday in the notes to seller box. Then you can either wait for a new invoice to pay or pay right away and be refunded shipping! Happy Shopping! Only open till midnight tonight, August 21st. (EST) I know its short notice... had it posted on etsy and meant to put it on here but had to go to the grocery store :0)

And the winner is...

2009-08-21T10:12:00.004-04:00

LoveCharlesVintage! Thank you to all that participated! With out your entries my giveaway would not have been a success! It was such a success that im going to do monthly giveaways!

Next months giveaway prize is another bag. I will be posting pictures shortly. Now for a heads up, the giveaway will take place September 12th thru the 19th. So dont forget to come back and enter! I will also still have in effect the 5 additional entry option. So take a look at my shop. If you purchase before or during the giveaway week in September you will be eligable for the additional entries.

One more thing. A reader so nicely pointed out that I never added a facebook fan page link. Im guessing its alittle harder to fan me if you dont know the link :0) So here it is... Hopefully all my followers will fan me, if i get 100 fans I get my own link so it will be much shorter!!! There is also a button at the bottom of the blog :0)

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Megs-Bags/119100619628?ref=mf

Last Day!

2009-08-20T11:08:00.003-04:00

Good morining everyone :0) Today is the last day to enter the tote giveaway! You must have left your comment by 8 pm tonight. (EST) Thank you to all that have entered! And good luck to you.

The drawing will go like this. I will go down the comment list and give everyone a number. (After i make sure your a follower) Then I will be going to a random number generator (random.org) to enter the numbers. And whatever number it gives me will be the winner :0) The winner will be announced tomorrow morning. So dont forget to check back to see who won!

**** I have decided to make the giveaways a monthly thing! Next months prize will also be announced tomorrow with the winner.

Its not too late to enter!!!
http://megsbags.blogspot.com/2009/08/time-for-giveaway.html

Facebook Fan Page!

2009-08-17T12:02:00.005-04:00

I just created a Facebook Fan page for Megs Bags! Im super excited. Now I just have to figure out what to put on it :0) So far im the only fan. (Yes im a fan of my own shop) I would love to have all my blog followers join. It would be greatly appreciated.

Dont forget to enter the giveaway! Its only open until Thursday at 8 pm. Feel free to tell your friends about it :0) Heres the giveaway link.

http://megsbags.blogspot.com/2009/08/time-for-giveaway.html

Want extra giveaway entries???

2009-08-16T21:02:00.003-04:00

Okay so its time to throw in a twist to my giveaway :0) Its open to everyone. Even if you have already entered the giveaway.

Here's the twist. If you want to receive 5 additional entries into my giveaway its very simple. Purchase something from my shop :0) http://www.megsbags.etsy.com/

Its very easy. If you purchase something from me in your comment please leave a link to the receipt. Once I verify your purchase you will automatically be given 5 additional entries! So have fun and hope you find something you enjoy!

Here's the link to the giveaway... so you can enter easily.

http://megsbags.blogspot.com/2009/08/time-for-giveaway.html

My Award from Audrey's Country Crafts

2009-08-14T10:16:00.007-04:00

Audrey from Audrey's Country Crafts has given my blog this award!! I'm so excited! You really need to check out Audrey's blog its great! (and her shop is wonderful too!).

Now I am supposed to tell you 7 things about myself and pass the award to 7 other blogs! That's not so hard! (I hope) OK - so ill start with things my readers probably don't realize about me :0)

1. I'm only 18 yrs old
2. I started Megs Bags as a way to earn money for college
3. I'm going to attend Frostburg this Fall (Ill be a freshman.) And still try to run my shop and blog
4. I have only made 6 sales on etsy
5. I just started a new tote (should be up soon)
6. I have a 15 yr old poodle, who's name is Smokey
7. I love making all my stuff and am so happy other people appreciate it!

Blogs that Iwill pass this award on to:

1- Fuzzington (Very cute stuff! I love the little critters!)

2- TicTacDough (Great for the little kid in everybody)

3- Sew Southern (Very great items)

4- Dog Dazzle (Great for doggie lovers!)

5- Bare Moose Jewlery (Very pretty!)

6- Happy Cloud Momments (Love it! Great stuff)

7- Inkcredible Creations (They really are inkredible!)

Time for a Giveaway!

2009-08-13T11:57:00.010-04:00

Okay everyone its time! I know it took me a day longer than expected and I'm sorry about that. But here it is. Votes are in and here is the giveaway tote!

I have named this tote "Patchwork Tote." For obvious reasons. The exterior fabric is of patchwork print, in fun bright prints and colors. The interior is a very pretty green. The interior also has a pocket of matching patchwork fabric. This tote is double stitched to ensure durability.

Measures: 14 x 13 inches

Handles measure 10 1/2 inches from tote top to handle center.

Bottom expands to 3 1/2 inches

This bag is great for many uses. (Plus its free!) It would work great as a backpack, or to carry files for work, or as a reusable grocery bag, and much more. Just let your imagination soar!

*Okay now the rules for winning this bag:

~ You must be a follower of my blog to enter. *So if your not all you have to do is click my follow button :) Please make sure you are a registered blogger or that you leave me a way to contact you if you choose to be anonymous.

~ All you have to do to enter is leave a comment UNDER THIS post. (Comments left under any other giveaway related or other post will not be entered.

~ All entries must be posted by 8 pm on August 20Th, no exceptions. I will randomly draw a name that night and the winner will be posted and notified the next morning.

***** Update!!! You can now gain 5 additional entries into this giveaway. All you have to do is buy and item from my shop. http://www.megsbags.etsy.com Then leave the receipt with your entry comment. (or if you have already left your comment just leave another) You will automatically be given 5 additional entries!!!****

Good luck :0)

Giveaway!

2009-08-10T14:59:00.003-04:00

So I havent blogged in a while, so im doing it now. I have been away since thursday and had a great time in VA! But to get down to business, my giveaway. I will be giving away a tote. I will be making it today and tomorrow and will have it posted by Wednesday. So make sure you come back on Wednesday to enter the giveaway. The give away will start on August 12th and end on August 19th. So the give away will last for 1 full week. Dont forget to come back :0)

Have a great day!

Almost Time!

2009-08-04T19:33:00.002-04:00

Well its still quite dreary here. Havent seen the sun in a few days. Depressing really. But anyways, ive been spending lots of time in my studio. And have made quite a few things :0) Feel free to check them out on at my shop: http://www.megsbags.etsy.com.

Tomorrow is the last day to vote on my giveaway poll. As soon as I know what im giving away the contest will work like this:

I will post on my blog about the giveaway item. Including a description, picture and measurements if available. Then you will need to leave a comment under that post. Then in 5 days time a random winner will be drawn.

And thats it. All you have to do is leave a comment. I will do the rest :0)

Storms

2009-08-02T20:13:00.002-04:00

Today has been crazy. Lots of thunderstorms. Since ive been stuck in the house, i relocated to my studio. I came up with new reusable snack bags! They're about half the size of my sandwich bags! And will be on sale in my shop within the night!

*Oh and did i mention that I'll be hosting a sale involving these bags. Something to the effect of buy a sandwich bag and get the matching snack bag half off. (or something close to that!)

Dont forget to vote on my giveaway poll! So far im giving away a clutch!

Just an Update

2009-07-31T23:45:00.006-04:00

Hey! Hope everybody is enjoying my tutorial :0) If you find any problems with it or have any tips to make it easier PLEASE let me know. I want this to work flaulessly. Here are my three newest sandwich bags :0) Im going to be selling a smaller size soon more for just snacks.

So im thinking about starting a give away. Hopefully it will atract more people and that them know Megs Bags exists. That the goal. So i have created a poll and would like you to vote on what you would like for me to give away. (What the point of having a give away if no one wants what your giving???) So please vote!!! The poll ends August 5th at 8 pm!!!

Reusable Sandwhich Bag Tutorial

2009-07-30T16:43:00.024-04:00

These bags are great for snacks and sandwiches! They’re very easy to make and super easy to customize. And you can reuse them so no need to throw out all those plastic baggies. One cool feature you can throw them in the washer. I used an old table cloth on the inside of some of mine so that they could just be wiped down.

What you need:
Cotton Fabric- Whatever size you want just keep in mind that the piece will be folded in half to create the final bag.
Interior Fabric- You can use cotton, or an old table cloth or whatever else you would like (same size as the cotton fabric)
Velcro- 3/4 an inch smaller than the short end of the material *Sticky Velcro works great!!!
Sewing Machine
Thread

Time to Start!!!

1. Cut your two pieces of material to the same size. Mine are roughly 16 x 7 inches. (which produced a bag around 6 x 7 1/2 inches)

2. Sew the raw edge under about a half inch on both short ends for each piece of fabric.

3. On the inside piece place the Velcro. Sew into place. If using sticky Velcro sewing just the long sides has worked for me just fine. (You dont want the velcro to become unsticky and peel off)

4. Place each fabric so that the wrong sides are facing each other. Fold them in half so the exterior cotton is not showing.

5. Now sew the 2 sides together. (Make sure you line up the tops of the fabrics)

6. Now sew the top of the bag. (To do this on my machine I removed the tool box and slipped the bag on. see the picture)

7. Flip the bag right side out, if you would like your bag could now be finished. (It will have raw edges on the interior.)

8. To fix this simply sew a line down the two sides. It not only conseals the raw edges inside but gives it a nice decorative touch as well.
9. TADA!! your all done.

Hope you enjoy this. If your crafty feel free to make some of these. Share your pictures if you would like! I do ask that you do not use this tutorial to produce bags to sell. So please for personal use only. If your not quite as crafty visit my store to buy one of these cute bags. http://www.megsbags.etsy.com/

Luggage Tags!

2009-07-29T18:22:00.004-04:00

Okay I have been messing around with sewing luggage tags for a while now. And i have finally created a couple I like! I think these are a great idea. Especially if your flying. All that luggage on one belt and half of it looks the same! So these will give your luggage instant notification. You see your bright luggage tag and you know its yours! I thinks its great! But thats just me! Will be up in my shop soon! I just have to make a lable to go in the plastic. I thought i would be a nice touch if i actually took the time to print up a label to put inside it. It would include a space for your name, address, and an extra line (for a phone number maybe). Hope you enjoy!!!

2009-07-28T22:34:00.004-04:00

So my new favorite from my shop!!! Its so cute! Hasnt been up for sale long. Did a showcase featuring it... got lots of hits... But still no buyers. So now my question to you is why hasnt it sold??? Any comments on the subject would be greatly appreciated :0) The link below will take you directly to were its listed in my shop.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27635828

I also have many other new listings up in my shop. To see them click this link

http://megsbags.etsy.com/ Hope you enjoy my shop and all the things in it!!! Thanks for looking!

Halloween Trick or Treat Bags

2009-07-28T21:37:00.006-04:00

I have just listed my trick or treat bags. They all different halloween material that will bring you right into the Halloween spirit. Also I have listed some goodie bags with material matching the bags. These are great for your "special trick or treater". (family like grandkids ect.) Both the bags and the goodie bags are great sizes for stuffing with candy.

Check them out at http://www.megsbags.etsy.com/

Free Sewing Pattern/Project Sites

2009-05-26T22:59:00.006-04:00

Looking for some new ideas to create? Here is a list of a few sites that offer free sewing patterns. Sites like these are great ways to get inspiration for your own projects!

Okay here's the list:

~Lots of other free ideas other than sewing too (Although this link is directed to the sewing page)
http://www.craftbits.com/viewCategory.do?categoryID=SEW

~This site has some great ideas for beginners too...
http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/653.asp

~ Sewing (Great all around)
http://www.sewing.org/

~ Good ideas for around the house
http://www.homesewingprojects.com/

~WOW! Lot of ideas!
http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/uk/507.htm

~ Great ideas for apparel
http://www.burdastyle.com/

~ Make your own rag doll!
http://www.sewing.circleofcrafters.com/freeragdollpattern.html

~ Cloth Diaper Pattern
http://diapersewing.wordpress.com/

~ Projects for the Pet
http://www.craftandfabriclinks.com/freepatterns/pets.html

I hope to add more in the future. But i think this is a good start. Hope you enjoy and get inspired!

Pictures!

2009-05-26T14:47:00.007-04:00

I figure you know what we do and why we do it, so why not show you some of our creations.(other than those listed in the etsy mini) I try and make all of my items for a variety of tastes. From the girly girl, to the biker man. Its not an easy task. A few of my creations include the eyeglass case shown. Its so cute, has a pink interior (its soft so it wont scratch the glasses), and a loop to allow for easy hanging.

These goodie bags, seem to get quite a few views in my store. They are great for little gifts or treats. And they come in many designs, even sizes. They are made with scraps of material not big enough to create other things with but to big to throw out, so naturally the end up different sizes.

Last of todays pictures, a pocket tissue cover. I used to get so annoyed when those little plastic things would become unsticky and then the flap wouldnt stay shut. So i started making these little things. One of the good things about these is they are easy to create but so useful. And easy to make in many different colors and designs. So these are just a few of the things for sale in my shop. Check it out and see all the designs and colors for yourself!

About Us

2009-05-25T15:01:00.005-04:00

Megs Bags. We are a home based company working out of a smoke free, pet free sewing studio. Our motto is handmade items for everyday use. And we try to accomplish just that. We have only been around for a year, and have come up with many new products to sell. One of our biggest goals was to appeal to a wide variety of people. Seeing as not everyone is in the market for bags, we came up with items for around the house (such as pot holders, ect), we also came up with things for kids (tooth fairy pillows[see above pic]), and even things for the sewer. (pin cushions) Threw trial and error we have expanded our inventory, and hope to appeal to a greater market. We even have holiday items such as christmas stockings, and trick or treat bags for the kids. Along with creating new inventory new prices come with it. We have tried very hard to keep our prices low, and we believe we have succeded. To ensure low prices we spent numorus hours searching the market and finding products similar to ours and doing price checks. This has helped give us a pricing rage as well as help to keep ours at the lower end of the market. Our products are of excelent quality, and come with a warrenty. Seeing as our products are intended for use, wear and tear is expected. But to help with that, if anything happens to your purchase within the first 3 months you can ship it back and we will do everything in our power to fix it. (for more details on our warrenty a post will be created)

Welcome

2009-05-25T14:07:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my blog! This is the first post of many to come. I have created this blog to help inform people of my business and hopefully provide tips and gain customers. I hope to post some simple tutorials and hints and tips for fellow sewing fanatics.(or even the beginning sewer) The main reason I wanted to create this was to allow people to get to know the company and ask questions and get answers, and mainly be comfortable enough with the company to purchase from us. To find out more about us check out our About Us post. In a nut shell we are a home based company that creates usefull hand sewn items for everyday use. We also sell the above Bluebird houses, which my father has skillfully crafted from cedar. (They are great, we believe we have a family in ours)