Made by Mandy

[redhairedgirl]

Witty Title, isn't it?

I am offering my services of custom sewing projects. While diaper bags are a pretty hot item, I am able to do other items as well, if you just ask.
I made a diaper bag for SarahK which can be viewed at this thread: http://www.onceuponalife.com/showthread.php?t=4985

Her bag was made with a seamless bottom so there should never be a risk of the bottom falling out. I also gave her six pockets, a mommy pouch and a changing pad. I reinforced all stress points and it is structured to stand on its own.
I give the option of choosing your own fabric, then you tell me how large or small you want it and how long you would like the straps. I have the ability to draft my own patterns or alter an existing pattern, which gives me a lot of flexibility. I am also able to match fabrics, if you like something specific. Just send me a link to a picture and I'll do my best.

[redhairedgirl]

Here is another exceptional bag and another review!



I have a Made by Mandy bag! :biggrin: I can’t tell all of you enough how wonderful Mandy is to work with. She won’t send you your bag/item until SHE is satisfied with it. And it is obvious how detail oriented she is by the wonderful quality of her work.



I chose to use quilter’s fabrics, as they were more in the color range I was looking for. Even though they are 100% cotton, the bag still feels like it has enough holding power and it’s not at all wimpy. I am going to get a can of Scotchguard to spray on my bag, as we all know that it is impossible to keep a diaper bag clean! :lol: But I know I can just toss it in the wash if I need to. I may just spray the handles and the bottom and leave the plaid as is.


Inside the bag I had Mandy put 6 pockets, and as you can see – there is more than enough room. I have a box of wipes, diapers, my huge wallet, keys, my cell phone, a sunglass case, lipstick, nail file, a box of lipgloss, a changing pad, diaper cream, coupons and 3 burpcloths. I even have too much room if that is possible. There is still plenty of room for extra toys and a sippy cup and jars of food.


I can guarantee that you will all be thrilled with your bags. And I’m not just saying that because she’s my friend. I went over the bag with a fine tooth comb :blush: because I wanted all of you to know that her work is excellent. I highly recommend her work and know that you will all be pleased!

Here are the pictures:

The whole bag – She asked me what dimensions I wanted so mine is a little bit smaller than most. I still have LOTS of room.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4db29b3127ccebe79efeecdf10000001610


Another view:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4db29b3127ccebe79ece18d670000002611



A closeup of the detail:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4db29b3127ccebe79d7214c120000001610



Inside: (I had her put a snap to keep everything in place)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4db29b3127ccebe79ee788dff0000001610

[redhairedgirl]

I have two prior sewing projects which I'm just putting up here to just basically express my experience. I have others, but all in time!
I said I'd come back and do this awhile ago. I just didn't expect the amount of support I've received. :bighug: So, I'm a little behind in updating this advertisement.
My experience:
I have an Associate's of Arts Degree in Fine Arts and am a whopping three classes shy of a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Arts, with a concentration in Art History and a minor in Architecture. I originally started out with a concentration in Sculpture, where I had a professor who noticed I had an interest in sewing and allowed me to pursue it a little farther. I basically have only been sewing for the last 4-5 years, which is a drop in the bucket to some seamstresses. However, I am an ambitious seamstress who has taken on many harder and advanced designs. For instance, my Mother who has been sewing for the last 30 years will tell you that I can sew better than she can. Just because I'm still a "newbie" doesn't mean that I do not know what I am doing.
With my experience in drafting, I'm able to draft designs and patterns. If you find something you like, ask me if I can do it. I enjoy a new challange and do not shy away from harder projects.
I also have researched textiles over the last four years. I originally started sewing because I really love Renaissance gowns that are worn at reenactments and the Rennaisance Faires. Next thing I know, I've spent hour after hour just reading about fabric. I know the difference between a rayon velvet and a cotton velveteen. If you have questions, I can usually answer them. If not, I know where to look (which I once was told is usually half the battle).
I take each person and their individual needs seriously. Those of you who have worked with me, know that I am detail oriented, and that I meticulously will go over any potential problems, offer suggestions, and really put care into each project. Because of this care, if you are not completely satisfied, I will work with you to find a solution, should it be I completely start over or simply alter it with no extra cost to you. When you open your box from me, I want you to say, "This is exactly what I want!" So, I make sure I go over everything with a fine tooth comb.

I know that many of you have asked about pricing, so as a general guide, I'm finding that a bag made like the plaid above, runs about $30. I can make them as cheap as $20, and that's labor included. That particular bag is a quilter's cotton bag. Upholstery fabrics, that are dry clean only, do cost more. I can make a bag with upholstery fabrics starting at $40. SarahK's bag, the original toile bag I made could be a little cheaper, as it was made with machine washable home decorator fabrics. I also can do a "price match", so if you are shopping around, just let me know, and we can work something out.

I try to remain easy to work with, so just ask if there are any requests or needs. I enjoy the "fame" of knowing that my work is out there, and you can enjoy a bag (or any project) that is made just for you with your needs in mind.

Mandy

Attached: False Canapy headboard and my son's little snowsuit were both made by me.
The False Canapy, I accidently "melted" the original comforter (polyester and a high heat dryer don't mix!), so I took my seam ripper, ripped all the seams and recycled the fabric after we bought another comforter in the same style.
I can offer "fabric recycling" where I can turn one item into something new, if anyone is interested. This can be something as simple as turning a crib bumper into a window valance for an example.

http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A8%3B97523232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E232354%3A9839%3A%3Bot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A8%3B97523232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E232354%3A97%3C%3A62ot1lsi

[redhairedgirl]

This is another project I have done, it is a chair for my DS, Aiden. It is four pillow forms with a slipcover over it. Although everyone except Aiden seems to use it.
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A92%3C3523232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E232346896%3C886ot1lsi

[redhairedgirl]

Here are some of the bags that I've made:

http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B8%3A36323232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E232357%3B69%3B2%3B5ot1lsi

Not a great photo: http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B8%3A36323232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E232357%3B694479ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B8%3A36323232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E23235%3C%3B356378ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B8%3A36323232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E2323634%3C56692ot1lsi=

http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B8%3A36323232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E2323639445%3A54ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B8%3A36323232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E23236394432%3B8ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B8%3A39923232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E2323548%3A39%3A57ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B8%3A39923232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E232354375487%3Bot1lsi

And once my scanner quits being a pain I'll have some more....

[redhairedgirl]

This is a costume that I made for my friend Sue (chatphreak on BOLU) for her daughter. It's a monkey costume. I had to modify the little hat because it was a full headpiece and I didn't think that a newborn would like that too well... just had to share cause it is just too darned cute! :lol: There is also a tummy piece made out of ultrasuede that you can't see... but I love that little tail and those little ears!
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B%3B%3A6%3A%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E2323667435437ot1lsi

Mandy

[redhairedgirl]

Here is my son, Aiden in his Halloween costume. He is a Jester. :jester: He was not too happy about the hat.... or the rest of the costume. Maybe he'll let me take another picture of him standing up (or not). Oh, and I made his hat a little too big...

http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B%3C232%3B23232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3234%3E%3A84%3E%3A5%3B%3EWSNRCG%3D323275938849%3Anu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B%3C232%3B23232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E23236684792%3A8ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B%3C232%3B23232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3234%3E%3A84%3E%3A5%3B%3EWSNRCG%3D323275938%3A379nu0mrj

Okay, here's a picture of him standing... and I did make him wear this to his Doctor's appt today. :lol:
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B%3C2%3A4%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E232366899%3A%3B%3B%3Aot1lsi

[redhairedgirl]

This is one of the newest members of the Mandy crowd! This is a bag that I made for AahRee for a Baby Shower (not for her! :lol: ) I actually took a picture of how I do the pockets... if you want them with elastic, just ask (cause I admit, I normally don't think about it :blush: )
This is a box pleat which allows fullest expansion of the pockets. I normally do 6 pockets, but can do more (up to 8 depending on size of bag) and can do less. I start the sizes at 8.5" x 8.5". They can be larger or smaller, just ask!
http://images.snapfish.com/3423363523232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E232367%3A7%3B%3C%3B%3A%3Bot1lsi

Here is the finished product with changing pad and mommy pouch!
http://images.snapfish.com/3423363523232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3234%3E%3A84%3E%3A5%3B%3EWSNRCG%3D323276%3B6%3C7597nu0mrj

Oooo... and an added picture of me showing off what 25" straps look like for a 5'6" frame. This is the typical size I use for a large bag, which is 18 inches at the opening at top, tapered to 14 inches at the bottom, 14 inches tall, with a 6 inch width.
I told DH to not get my face. :slap:
http://images.snapfish.com/3423363523232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E232367%3A823%3B%3C8ot1lsi

I am also offering new features such as insulated pockets and zippered pockets! Have an idea? Want something specific? Just ask! I am usually up for a good challenge!

Mandy

[redhairedgirl]

My website is not "completely" finished - still a lot of little details left that need to be finished, but here it is:

www.made-by-mandy.com (http://www.made-by-mandy.com/) Ready to take orders!!! Try out our new contact form on my site!!! :woo:

There is an order form - it's not completed (As there is only one state listed....) but I can be reached via the email listed on the contact page. I'm currently up and ready for new orders for the new year - and if you're not sure you want to go all out custom, I will be getting some things over to Shannon's www.littleprinceparker.com (http://www.littleprinceparker.com/)

:wow: I am also still extending a wholesale price of materials times two to all OUAL subscribers. Please send me a link to your stars so that I can give you that adjusted price.

I also accidently wiped out the links, so here they are again:

www.joann.com (http://www.joann.com/)
www.denverfabric.com (http://www.denverfabric.com/)
www.equilter.com (http://www.equilter.com/)
www.thecottonshop.net (http://www.thecottonshop.net/)
www.fashionfabricsclub.com (http://www.fashionfabricsclub.com/)
www.hancockfabric.com (http://www.hancockfabric.com/)
http://www.pierredeux.com/newyellow.cfm
http://www.frenchrendezvous.com/variousfrenchfabrics.htm
http://www.fabriccarolina.com/upholsteryfabrics.htm
http://www.designerfabrics.to/shop/scripts/
www.fabric.com (http://www.fabric.com/)

Thanks!

Mandy


Still sewing for the orphans - www.aidfororphans.org (http://www.aidfororphans.org)

[redhairedgirl]

Here is another project that I completed prior to the Christmas rush: a double layered fleece poncho for Caurie's little boy Brice:
http://images8.fotki.com/v138/photos/6/60686/1566780/prewedponch-vi.jpg

Caurie asked me if I could do it, she liked some things that she saw, but wanted little alterations here and there - and I honored my price match for her. She wanted it long to really bundle Brice for those cold winters in NY, so I made it double layered and the length pretty long - she gave me his height and I altered it as such. I even included a 2 inch hem - should she wish to use it next year, she can just take a simple seam ripper and go along the bottom seam and - tada! Two extra inches longer for extended wearing time!

Hi Mandy~
We received the poncho today!!!! It is absolutely gorgeous http://baby.ourlittleuniverse.com/images/smilies/yippee.gif http://baby.ourlittleuniverse.com/images/smilies/yippee.gif http://baby.ourlittleuniverse.com/images/smilies/yippee.gif THANK YOU! I love the color - it matches pefectly with my camel hair coat!!! It is so plush and will keep him so warm. I appreciate the extra length feature too. So beautiful and definitely better then anything I could have bought at a store or online. Please let me know how much I owe you. Thank you so much again Mandy.
Another very happy customer!!!!
Caurie
Brice in his new poncho
http://images7.fotki.com/v129/photos/6/60686/1589459/poncho-vi.jpg

[redhairedgirl]

Yoga Mat Bag in Chinese Brocade material:
http://images.snapfish.com/342%3A%3B42%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2323%3D85%3A%3D88%3B%3D323285%3A79%3A3%3A6nu0mrj

[redhairedgirl]

Black Sash Bag:

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3C266323232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2323%3D85%3C%3D346%3D323285%3C25565%3Cnu0mrj

Andrea's new bag: http://images.snapfish.com/342%3C266323232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E232377%3B426237ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/342%3C266323232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E232377%3B4262%3C7ot1lsi

Interior - the interior is made of satin. The velvety texture of the exterior needed something to compliment its tactile stimulation - so I went with a bit more luxe material than a normal lining material. I scotchguarded it for wear.
This bag also includes an insulated pocket - however, I am going to offer matching insulated holders rather than the pockets as they add extra bulk due to interior materials needed.
http://images.snapfish.com/342%3C266323232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2325%3D%3B75%3D%3B4%3C%3DXROQDF%3E232377%3B4242%3A7ot1lsi

[redhairedgirl]

More recent projects - some fun totes:
http://images.snapfish.com/3433734%3B23232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2323%3D889%3D429%3D3232889338%3B%3A8nu0mrj
Interior view:
http://images.snapfish.com/3433734%3B23232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2323%3D889%3D429%3D3232889338%3B%3A%3Anu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/3433734%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2323%3D889%3D429%3D3232889338%3B%3A%3Cnu0mrj

This is a purse made for a friend's Mom - it is made from black ultrasuede and then I jazzed up the interior with cheetah print. She wanted something that she could use for everything but something conservative. Well, I knew her Mom well enough to know she is vibrant and full of life and wanted to express that fun side in the interior:
http://images.snapfish.com/3433734%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2323%3D889%3D474%3D32328893837%3B5nu0mrj

She also wanted A LOT of pockets:
http://images.snapfish.com/3433734%3B23232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3234%3E%3A84%3E%3A5%3B%3EWSNRCG%3D3232889356%3B3%3Cnu0mrj
I don't know if it can really been noticed, but I made nested pockets - much like you would find in a wallet or organizer. I probably should have added some paper or something to the pockets to emphasize them - but there is some topstitching, so if you see a faint black line, that's where the stitching is on top of each pocket - it's really just an embellishment stitch.
http://images.snapfish.com/3433734%3B23232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3232%3E798%3E383%3E23237984746%3C6ot1lsi

More to come!!!! I just need to beat up my scanner again!

I also will be showing off the Baptism gown that I made here in the next few days!!! :ura1: I'm just waiting for the recipient of the dress to have her picture taken in the dress. :photo:

Mandy

[redhairedgirl]

Here is the baptism gown being modeled by the lovely lady it was made for:
(More to come, but I'm having a difficult time with upload)

[redhairedgirl]

Embroidery personalization is now available. Just ask for details!

[redhairedgirl]

This is a shoulder bag that can have the strap unzip and become a backpack:

That's a front pocket with a flap over it to keep things from falling out:
http://images.snapfish.com/343493%3A%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2323%3D89%3A%3D755%3D323289%3A6647%3A9nu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/343493%3A%3B23232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2323%3D89%3A%3D755%3D323289%3A6647%3A%3Bnu0mrj

[redhairedgirl]

Now taking orders....

I may need a bit more time to complete projects. I have a back problem, so if something took me 2 weeks, it may now take me 4. I will still deliver as fast as I can. I'm just getting older. I do have a back-up person that will help me, however.

Also, I will need to revamp pricing. This will be reflected in any estimations that I do, though I can clearly say that any convertible backpacks/messenger bags will be a minimum of $150. A deposit may also be needed, depending on the project to cover materials.

If you're curious about a price, I can give one. Just ask.

Embroidery can be done... just ask.
Most projects can be done.... just ask. I'll be posting more pictures of my experience soon.

Mandy