In the shoppe

New summer totes posted at danikai with more on the way!

shop preview

Just wanted to share these cute little totes that I will be posting in my shoppe in a few days... just waiting for some good light and my new labels! I am starting to get back into the swing of things here in my little sewing room. I got two gift stacks of fabric from Todd and my Aunt Susan this past week which means I better get busy and start making stuff. I think I finally settled on the fabric for Elliott's bedding so I will be starting that project soon too! I may also venture out and try making a funky little ragdoll for her too! xo

I love this...

I don't think I have ever loved a dress so much as I love this little number from SohoMode. If I was lucky enough to own this I would run through a field of wildflowers and then spin around in circles until I fell down laughing from joy.

Okay I might not be that dramatic but you get the idea.

danikai in the Arcata Eye

Sneak Preview

Here's just a small sample of some of the new bags you will
see at Snip & Stitch and also at Mog & Rue.

About half of my new one of a kind bags will not be posted on danikai because they are headed to Encinitas for their debut at Mog & Rue and the rest will not be posted until after the July 26th craft extravaganza. I will have some new stuff too for sale at the craft fair like scrap fabric banners, more drawstring bags, wine gift bags, fabric organizers and even some little freebies! Just for fun I will have my stash of vintage fabrics at the craft fair for my lovely customers to create a custom order design of their own. Danikai gift certificates will be available too for those of you who are looking for a gift and not sure exactly what to get for that special someone. Down in the depths of my stash I found some of my uber popular ZEBRA print fabric so you can expect a couple of those bags to make an appearance soon too.

Come pick out your custom fabric combination for your new bag!

EARTH DAY SPECIAL!!!

All tote bags and grocery totes are HALF OFF through Earth Day and beyond! I will be outta town so any orders purchased between April 19th and April 27th will be shipped as soon as I get back. If you mention my blog in the message to seller I will also send you a t-shirt bag. It's a bag made from a shirt! I need to make some room for fresh spring items; out with the old, in with the new. Plus, I know there are people out there still who use those yucky plastic or paper bags, that's a big NO NO on the earth friendly scale. Also, Momma's Day is coming up and momma's love cute things, just something to think about.

Help me help you help the earth.

love,
~*michelle*~

p.s. don't forget to check out my favorites from other etsy sellers

Tiny Drawstring Bags

Finally, I have stopped sewing long enough for a photo shoot. I am posting them right now! These little bags can be used for tiny little things! Sunglasses, make-up, gift wrap, jewelry, phone, camera, wallet, a deck of cards, lingerie, endless possiblilities. I have shiny satiny ones and vintage cotton ones all with draw string closure. Even more fabrics coming soon! As part of the Eco Etsy FREE & GREEN March Madness Promotion these are free with each purchase of $25 or more, I will send one of your choice.

Enjoy!

love, ~*michelle*~

What's Next Danikai?

Hello friends,

Just wanted to update everyone on all the new things you will being seeing in my shoppe. During the month of March I will be participating in a EcoEtsy promotion. Details to come so check back to see what specials I will be offering all month long.

Also, I am getting the hang of zippers so I am looking forward to adding them to my purses! The zipper seems to really set the purse apart from my totes and I think it will be a much needed addition. I will still be doing magnetic closures for all of us who prefer that instead.

I have a couple prototypes for tiny drawstring bags which are perfect for organizing all the small stuff that is so easy to overlook. The tiny bags will be perfect for makeup, sunglasses, snacks, and will be made from light weight vintage fabrics.

Another style I am perfecting is the clutch. I am going to be working with heavier fabrics than I previously have used for this style which I am hoping will give it a nice structure in the palm of your hand. I am thinking I will alternate between zipper, magnetic buttons, and a small piece of velcro; this way you can chose whichever you like best. Since I have tons of zebra fabric scraps left over I will be making my first batch from that fabric. Lots of cute bright colors will line the interiors and I am so excited to get started!

Until next time!

love,
~*michelle*~

Another Year

Are you ready for even more new bags? Well, they are on their way!

I have been trying to stay on top of the sewing pile (new years resolution # 271) and have been doing fairly well considering all the other things that keep me preoccupied (todd, hops, museum, 30 rock, the interweb, oh ya and that whole wedding thing).

I have even finished projects that were lying around for six months or worse christmas presents that were never completed (sorry Danielle, #1 sister extraordanaire)! I am well stocked (labels, cards, fabric, needles, thread) so I should be getting lots of work done. I am excited and I think this next year will be better than the last which was great!

I bought some cards that will be sent with each danikai order (thanks tommymama.etsy.com ), just as a final touch for all my wonderful customers. Did you hear? Danikai just went INTERNATIONAL! I sold two bags to Japan and one to Canada. I really need to fine tune the int'l shipping however so it doesn't end up costing anyone an arm and a leg. Maybe you have some tips from your own experience....?

Thanks for reading and shopping and doing what you do ;)

love,
~*michelle*~

New Year and New Bags

Hello all! I hope everyone had an awesome New Year! I got to see my wonderful family and everyone is excited to see what me and Todd decide to do as far as wedding plans go.... so much to do! Todd was able to reshoot a bunch of my photos on etsy. Check them out at my shoppe

I have a couple I.O.U.s I have to get done this weekend (I know, I am so bad) and then I will be adding fairly regularly after that. Let me know what you think of the new photos. Feedback brings you good karma.

A HUGE thank you to all who bought bags while I was in San Diego, you are the reason I do all this sewing of bags and bags and bags. thank you Thank You THANK YOU!!!!!!!

love,
~*michelle*~

Craft Fair Booth

This is just a small sample of new bags I have that are not posted on my shop. I have lots of new totes and shopping bags that I think everyone will enjoy! If they don't sell at the fair they will be posted on the 15th for your viewing pleasure :)

Theresa and I staged our booth for the craft fair this past Saturday. I think it is going to be quite lovely. For those of you who won't be able to make it :( I will be sure to get some pictures. We were not sure what to do and then it just all came together thanks to a shiny piece of gold fabric, trust me it looks awesome! I am so excited to show off all my creations.

My shop will be closed (i.e. "on vacation" mode) 12/10-12/14 in preparation for the craft fair. I have lots of organizing and inspecting to do so I think this will make things easier for me. Things will be up and running soon after, don't fret!

Did everyone have a family fun filled turkey day?!?! Todd and I went to see Role Models it was hilarious well at least the first half was then it just got silly. I am so excited to see my family in a few short weeks at Christmas. Oh and my little brother is turning 21! What kind of shenanigans could we possibly get into....

love,
~*michelle*~

p.s. I think I might throw my bobbin winder out the window for Hops to chew on, this thing is driving me insane!

New (to me) Fabric

I went down to San Diego to visit family a few weeks ago for my brother Andre's 25th birthday! It was so so so much fun. In 72 hours we packed in birthday celebration, fabric shopping, beer, hugs, etc. I wish I could do it every weekend. Actually every day would be better.

I also had time to rummage through my Aunt Susan's sewing room for fabric. This seemed overwhelming but I was up for the challenge! In three hours or so I managed to go through maybe a third of it and scored on some awesome fabric for my purses and bags. I have already made a few and posted them in my shop. I could only get half of it on the plane so I will definitely making another trip.

Using rare fabrics gives my bags a little extra something special. Now I am on the hunt for vintage fabric with funky mod prints and patterns. I have been experimenting with new designs and am open to suggestions.

love,
~*michelle*~