The bag journey began with 2. My mom is a nurse case manager at Minot Air Force Base. The past two years she has sat on a committee that organizes an auction to raise money for Susan G Komen. An organization that in the past we (Scott and I) have supported by running the local Race For A Cure runs, and supported fellow runners by donated money to their teams. Running is another passion of mine as is sewing. So when mom called and asked if I would sew a bag to be auctioned off at her event, my answer was of course.....YES!!!
Some side info.....I have been sewing since 2004. While stationed at Holloman Air Force Base, NM a good friend taught me some tips and tricks on how to sew a bag. I have made close to 100 (I think) since then. Never, until this October, had I made one out of a flight suit. I have studied other bag maker's designs while looking at the uniforms hanging in the closets for over a year. But, until mom called I never took the plunge. A good cause and a longing to make one of these bags was good enough for me to start cutting up flight suits.
I was only to make one, but with the generous donations from other Air Force spouses I was able to make 3, (the story of the 3rd bag will be another blog post another day)! I was a bit nervous as I placed the scissor near the flight suit. If I cut it wrong, just once, it could not be fixed. I said a prayer and started cutting. To my amazement it went incredibly smooth. I came up with the designs on my own, by piecing together and altering about 7 different patterns. I have a thing with patterns, I HATE them and want to make the bag my own design. Patterns get my wheels turning and my designs started. I of course couldn't make the same bag twice that would be too easy....so I didn't. I made each one a different design and used different fabric. What girl wants to walk into the commissary and see her bag carried by another spouse....not many! So, I make them all different!
I sent the two bags pictured above to Minot Air Force Base this past October. The total amount raised from the bags was $190. I felt so good. I got to do what I love and support an amazing cause. How can you not be addicted to that? I am!
My inbox has been full with people saying the kindest things and wanting me to design and make a bag for them ever since. I have never wanted to have a business selling bags and I am still not interested. I am however very interested in supporting causes and organizations that I love. So for every bag that someone orders, a charity has been brought to my attention and I have been able to support it with the sale of my bags. To this day, I have sent over $800 to different charities and they keep coming! It has been incredibly amazing. I can't wait to share every story with you. They get better then this one, but this story is as important as the others, because it started my bag making journey!!!
So, today as I Gracefully look up to God and ask him for strength and positive thoughts, I also Thank Him for giving me a gift and placing these incredible causes into my life. Let the bag making journey continue.....
I love seeing your bags and can't wait to hear all their stories! I made 3 flight suit dresses last year and I know exactly what you mean about making the first cut. :O)
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