The Chatham Bag "Love"

This handbag was actually designed for a very dear friend of mine, one that I met at Chatham University (formerly Chatham College). We have maintained a beautiful friendship ever since our time together at college, and it was important to me for this handbag to represent her feminine beauty, inside and out. The Chatham Bag is a spacious bag with a nice rounded top, soft faux leather shoulder straps and a front zipper pocket large enough for most of the largest mobile phones. I chose the symbol of the rose to represent our friendship and the love we share for one another as dear friends.

The symbol for love is the rose, a tradition that has been passed down for many, many, many years. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. . .And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - excerpts from 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 

 The neutral soft tan faux leather pairs nicely with the bright vibrant shades of pink, accented with touches of green and white.

Staying true to form, our handbags are always built for organization inside the bag. Two colorful panels portraying my signature cascade of fabrics creates three large compartments for keeping your treasures in order. I've also added a large 7" zipper pocket fashioned with coordinating fabric.

The Carpet Bag "Love" ~ Monyan Forevermore Collection 2011 (NFS)

The Monyan Forevermore Collection is composed of 5 handbags, each individually unique in style, all of which are composed of fabric belonging to my client's grandmother. This collection was designed to recreate Monyan's avante garde style she eloquently and effortlessly modeled in her lifetime. Through photographs and long conversations with my client, she helped create an image for me of Monyan's character, that of which I personified in handbags with the use of her dresses, clothing Monyan made for her daughter, curtains and loose fabrics she owned. Each handbag evokes a different look at Monyan's colorful and original style. With this, I give you, "Monyan Forevermore."


This extraordinary handbag is based on a love story between Honora and Frank Wargo. While in Loraine, Ohio, the two met, found themselves in love, married and spent a lifetime together. It is thought that Frank learned of this lovely word "Monyan" (meaning 'my all') from a local of Lorain. From then on he referred to Honora, his beloved, as Monyan forevermore. The gorgeous rose, composed of lace from one of Monyan's dresses, is symbolic of love. This particular handbag, which was the first of five I designed, was an absolute joy to create, from the beginning of production, to the building of the piece, right down to the final stitching on of the vintage buttons.

The back side of the bag displays my signature cascade of fabric. The retro geometric print on the top sides of the handbag (silvery gray) is from the skirt that Monyan wore to her daughter's wedding (my client's mother). The pink and white retro daisy print was taken from a jumper that Monyan made for my clients mother. The black and white floral print, also seen on the large rose, was a flouncy ruffle on a dress.

Click on any of the images for a larger view.




The beauty of the Carpet Bag is that no matter what the fabric, the uniqueness of each textile shines through and reveals their beauty. With the exception of a few small pieces, every piece of fabric used on this bag belonged to Monyan.




The Hungarian print fabric I used for the lining is also drawn from Monyan's wonderful eclectic collection of fabrics.






"Monyan" ~ it means "my all." This eloquent term comes from the Michif language, which is a mixed language based on Cree. Cree is part of the Native American Algonquian language and also consists of the French language, that of which was spoken along the Canadian border and throughout the north central United States.

The Rahab Bag "Love" $175

The Rahab Bag truly represents one of my most favorite stories from scripture. Rahab, a prostitute, living in the city of Jerico, hides the Israelite spies in her home and protects them from the king of Jerico. In return for her protection, the Israelite spies promised to protect she and her family only if, on the night that they plan to sac Jericho, she tie a crimson cord from her window. This would be a sign to the Israelites not to touch the people dwelling inside that home (Joshua 2). Rahab ultimately became a married and respected woman later on. This story is a beautiful reminder of God's grace, forgiveness and steadfast love for all.



The red scarf, prominent on all of the Rahab Bags, is symbolic of the Crimson Cord.

Please click on any of the images for a more detailed view.










The materials used in that bag are satin, tweed, flannel, crocodile leatherette, suede cloth, and cotton blends. All hardware is brass.











Detail of the rose.












Once again my bags are just as pretty inside as they are out. Two long pockets (on left and right of photo) are perfect for stashing away your sunglasses or cell phones. Both sides of the lining have a center slip pocket (as shown). Only one side has a 7" zipper pocket.

The Carpet Bag "Love" ~ Monyan Forevermore Collection

"Monyan" ~ it means "my all." This eloquent term comes from the Michif language, which is a mixed language based on Cree. Cree is part of the Native American Algonquian language and also consists of the French language, that of which was spoken along the Canadian border and throughout the north central United States.






This extraordinary handbag is based on a love story between Honora and Frank Wargo. While in Loraine, Ohio, the two met, found themselves in love, married and spent a lifetime together. It is thought that Frank learned of this lovely word "Monyan" from a local of Lorain, as the usage of Michif was still a part of the local diction. From then on he referred to Honora, his beloved, as Monyan forevermore. The gorgeous rose, composed of lace from one of Monyan's dresses, is symbolic of love.

Click on any of the images to get a more detailed photograph.




I have the wonderful pleasure to create a series of handbags based solely on Monyan, the grandmother of my client. My client sent me a box chock full of material, all pieces that belonged to Monyan, one of which was the skirt that Monyan wore to her daughter's wedding (my client's mother). Given the charge and artistic liberties to do my "thing", I deconstructed several dresses, reworked some very old lace, employed the use of decorative pocket flaps on one dress as detail for the exterior pockets, cut up some major cool vintage curtains that Monyan had hanging in her house, and dipped into my massive vintage button collection. My-oh-my, this has been an exciting and invigorating project!

During this time, I also had at my workstation a photograph of Monyan, sitting there in a pretty frame ~ I truly felt like she has been there with me in spirit from the inception. This bag is the first of 5, and I pray that her spirit will continue to be with me.



"Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If one offered for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly scorned." Song of Solomon 8: 6-7

All is a term that we use day in and day out, giving it no afterthought. Frank however, used it for the intent of completion. She was his all, his everything, the air he breathed, the light in his life. Love can conquer all.


Even the fabric inside the bag is taken from Monyan's fabrics. This handbag is Vintage Chic all the way ~ just the way Monyan would like it.

The Day Bag "Love"

Throughout all seasons of our lives, one thing remains consistent, and that is God's steadfast love. Indeed we are all of us sinners, and it is by God's grace that we can find forgiveness, no matter how dirty or unworthy we may feel. In the NRSV Bible there are 171 occurences of God's "steadfast love" to be found. I am amazed that those 13 letters can come to mean so much. With this in mind, the theme "Love" has been carried on once again, as it wins over the hearts and minds of my patrons. The symbol for love is the rose, a tradition that has been passed down for many, many, many years.
The Day Bag "Love" $175

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. . .And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - excerpts from 1 Corinthians 13:4-13


This particular design is fantastic for the well-bred, ladylike suit. It's also possible to make this in greens, or browns (both with a red rose).



Click on any of the images for a larger view.





This new design is more along the lines of my traditional work, however I've given the look a bit more contemporary flair. The materials utilized here are nubby wool, a soft gray suiting, cotton blends, and died wool (for the knitted rose).








The back side reveals my signature cascade, the thin strips tightly tucked away with a crisp tailored look. Whether you wear this bag one way or the other, The Day Bag has refined, sophisticated appeal.





Simplicity is the best term to describe this interior design. The Day Bag is just big enough to carry all basic necessities. Two open pockets flank each side in coordinating colors.









The raw edges around the bag help to lend a modern feel.






A closer look reveals the clean cut lines of the designer crocodile skin print, in contrast to the soft woolly petals of the hand knitted rose. The neat silhouette of the gold turn lock complete the polished look.

The Travel Bag - "Love"

The Brick Hotel in Newtown, Pennsylvania is one of Bucks Counties most beautiful assets. It was quite a privelage to be given permission to take photos there today. Being that the newest addition to my line is a travel bag, I couldn't think of a better place to introduce my new baby.


Click on any of the images to get a larger picture.





"Love" is the theme for this bag (this is a VERY popular theme among my clients). The large red rose on the bottom corner of the bag, symbolic of love, is meant to remind us of the fruits of the Spirit. Love has pride of place in the fruits of the Spirit, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generocity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22).







Hat boxes in toe, everywhere I go! Yes, I do have an addiction. Last count, I think I have 41.










Always take a travel journal with you to record your memories!








The Travel Bag has six pockets on the exterior of the bag. Three across the front, and three across the back, each comprised of different, yet equally lovely fabrics. The exterior of the Travel Bag is covered in plastic so as to protect the fabric from inclemental weather, or spills from beverages. Don't worry about that lipstick smear from a lost cap, it will wipe right off! The pockets are the perfect size to hold Passports, plane tickets, local maps, tissues, and wallets. They are quite deep as well so to prevent anything from falling out.



This grand dame of a beauty had me smitten. To walk through her halls, softly run my hand on the rail of the grand staircase, express admiration for the handsome bar,......to feel a sense of bewilderment at the history that surrounds you, it is all consuming, yet in an old gentle way.









The fantastic Travel Bag is loaded with pockets and compartments. With three compartments inside the bag, each eqipped with two pockets per compartment, organization for a weekend trip, or a jaunt to the Italian coast is a breeze. This way you spend less time searching for what it is you are looking for, and spending more time enjoying the view (even if it is a handsome Italian!)


The Travel Bag can also serve as a diaper bag, with changing pad (the changing pad at no additional cost.) For those who are looking for a diaper bag that really doesn't look like a diaper bag, and can transition into a good looking bag when the baby stages are over, the Travel Bag is a great choice. Money well spent I say, money well spent.

The Large Day Bag - "Love"

Ah, to be in "Love" again. I continue to be smitten by this handbag. Although my fabrics change every couple of months, I still keep to the same color scheme, and style with my materials. The look always remains, well ~ Lovely.

This handbag is composed of wool, twill, cordurory, silk, cotton, vintage lace, denim, taffeta, satin, and a variety of buttons (young and old). "Love" has a hard bottom, with antique brass feet.









The rose has a long tradition of symbolizing love. It has pride of place in the fruits of the spirit. "Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control." (Gal. 5:22-23)


(click on the images to get a larger, more detailed picture)






The signature SC clover comes with a heart charm on the "Love" handbags.






The inside of the Large Day Bag is full of pockets for organization. Three side pockets are sized just right for Blackberry's, big Positioned in the center of the bag is a compartment with a 12" zipper, great for holding medicines, papers, feminine products, etc.

The Diaper Bag - "Love"

Oh Baby, Baby, Baby! Look how beautiful that Diaper Bag is! Well, after many requests, I've finally designed a diaper bag that appeals to the discerning eye. The theme I chose for this bag is "Love". I had contemplated several different areas of interest for the Diaper Bag, but I kept coming back to "Love" for obvious reasons. Scripture is replete with stories and metaphors of children ~ perhaps I'll visit some of these themes in the future, but for me, love is the epitome of what becomes you when you hold your precious baby in your arms, when you meet eye to eye for the first time, embrace in the first kiss. My first Diaper Bag just had to be "Love". The rose has a long tradition of symbolizing love. It has pride of place in the fruits of the spirit, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness,and self-control" (Gal 5:22) The symbol of the rose can be found sporadically throughout the fabric on this bag. (By clicking on all of the photos, you can get a much larger detailed image)

Detail of the SC signature clover with heart. The heart is only available on the "Love" collection.

This side of the bag reveals blues and greens. A larger shoulder strap made of webbing is super convenient for when you have your baby on your hip and you want to carry your bag across your chest.

The Diaper Bag comes equiped with six large deep pockets to hold plenty of bottles, and the necessary small stuffed animals, rattlers, and teethers. Built on the Large Day Bag pattern, this bag has a soft bottom. I covered everything in plastic on the exterior of the diaper bag, so to make cleaning a breeze. Even the deep pockets are completely plastic lined so to protect the beautiful fabric from bottle drips, mushy Cheerios and Goldfish, and jam hands!

The "girly" side of the bag shows sage fabric with dragonflies, pink gingham, brambly yellow, and white with trailing yellow flowers and vines.

The changing pad is covered in plastic on both sides. A three way fold places it nicely into the bag.

I designed the Diaper Bag according to my preferances to when I had little ones. This inside is a basic catch all for blankets, diapers, changes of clothes, wipes, etc. Nothing fancy. Simple magnetic snap closure.

The Large Day Bag - "Love"

This Scarlet Clover bag is very special to me. I only made two, and will not make anymore like it. Melanie, who is pictured here with me, is one of my dearest friends. I met her while I was studying in Australia while in high school, some 19 years ago. We have remained very close ever since, along with another wonderful woman, named Rochelle, who lives about 40 minutes from Melanie. Although we are half a world apart, this distance has not and can not put a wedge between the three of us. We were inseperable when I lived there, and through emails, Facebook, and Skype, we are still inseperable!! I will always hold their friendships very close to my heart.

Melanie came to visit me in January for 10 days, and we had such a glorious time. The days simply went by too fast. As a gift to Mel, I made for her this handbag, and one for myself, as a token of our friendship. My other dearest friend, Rochelle, well, her bag is in the making. Once again, there will only be two of those. I simply can not wait to finish it! You can bet I'll post it as soon as I do.

This interior of this Large Day Bag is very colorful. Even the side pocket is lined in lavendar! Plenty of storage compartments for all of your girly needs, and the three side pockets are full enough to stowe away your blackberries, big ol' sunglasses, and anything else you fancy. Once again, an SC bag is just a pretty on the inside as it is out.