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 "Butterfly" ~ 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."


The red scarf that is prominent on all Rahab bags are symbolic of the crimson cord that Joshua told Rahab to hang from her window (Josh 2: 18). The crimson cord would be a sign to the Israelites not to attack anyone of that household when they sacked Jericho.








Most of the symbols of the Resurrection derived from nature are linked to spring, a season of new life. In Christian art, the butterfly represents the Resurrection. Its life cycle from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly symbolizes the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

The large flower fabric used here is taken from fabulous curtains Monyan had hanging in her house. The butterflies are cut from her dress, and stitched on.




The black lace trim around the top I cut from the bodice of Monyan's dress.












The buttons utilized on the handles are from the butterfly dress as well.












Pretty pockets and butterfly in flight add for an eye-popping surprise upon looking inside this vintage inspired handbag. The long pockets on the sides (in black) are cut from the bodice of Monyan's dress. The original pleats are still intact. These large pockets are perfect for big sunglasses.

Click on the images for a larger view.

The Naomi Clutch "Jewel" ~ 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."

"Jewel" is the theme for this handbag. Jewels often signify knowledge and spiritual truth. "There is gold, and abundance of costly stones; but the lips informed by knowledge are a precious jewel." Proverbs 20:15

The large flower I constructed by hand. The black lace is from the trim of Monyan's dress, and the brown fabric on the top of the clutch is taken from one of her skirts. The pleats on the fabric are original to the skirt design. The plum, chocolate and clear crystals were hand-sewn on.

I carried the scroll work of the lace over to the back of the clutch. Once again, I spare no expense on detail. This clutch is a stunning piece of craftsmanship.





A closer look will reveal the pleats detail that I salvaged from Monyan's brown skirt.

Click on image for a larger view.










Monyan had several pieces of lose fabric in petite floral prints, that of which I employed here in my signature cascade of fabrics on the back of the clutch flap, as well as the lining for inside the bag.





I like the surprise of pretty pockets, therefore always a staple in my work. A closer look will reveal that I incorporated another Union Made tag from one of Monyan's garments into the interior design of this bag.

Click on the image for a closer look.

The Naomi Clutch "Butterfly" ~ 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."

Most of the symbols of the Resurrection derived from nature are linked to spring, a season of new life. In Christian art, the butterfly represents the Resurrection. Its life cycle from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly symbolizes the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

Monyan had a beautiful dress made of the butterfly fabric. The indigo fabric on the flap and back of the clutch are also from one of her dresses. The gathering you see (and the seams on the back, in photo below) are original to the garment.



Click on the photos for a larger image. The seams on the fabric are original to the bodice of Monyan's dress.

The side panels are taken from an halter top that Monyan made for her daughter (my client's mother) when she was young.





The inside flap of the clutch exhibits my signature cascade of fabrics (although small). Delicate black lace was taken from trim on Monyan's butterfly dress. The retro fabric used for the pocket came from an halter top Monyan made for her daughter.

A closer look at the details.

Inside the clutch, I stitched in the Union Made tag that was original to one of Monyan's dresses. It is still intact to the fabric it was attached to during initial manufacturing.

The Naomi Clutch "Daisy" ~ Monyan Forevemore 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."

The playful black and white daisy print employed on the trim detail became the inspiration for my theme "Daisy." In Christian symbolism, the daisy represents "innocence." This sprightly blossom, which can be seen in paintings of the Adoration, opens at sunrise and closes at sunset (hence, "day's eye"). It derives its name because it sees things only by the pure light of day. Alva William Steffler, Symbols of the Chirstian Faith (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 2002), 115, Canon Edward N. West, Outward Signs: The Language of Christian Symbolism (New York: Walker & COo, 1989), 53.

The pleats on the left of the daisy trim are original to the bodice of Monyan's dress. The black and white daisy print was a flounce on a beautiful dress. The button is from my personal collection.





The inside of the flap exhibits my signature cascade of fabrics (although small). I spare no expense to detail. Even the inside of the pockets are pretty.








Naomi Clutch "Daisy" pictured here with The Rahab Bag "Butterfly", and Noami Clutch "Jewel" Monyan Forevermore Collection 2011.

The Rahab Bag "Compass" $175

I have for several years been drawn to the imagery from Psalm 103: 11-12 "For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us." I've pondered how to put these words to fabric and not lose the depth of the scriptural meaning. The symbol I thought best to represent this idea is the compass, as it serves as a navigating tool for our guidance and direction when lost, or finding our way blindly, if you will. Spiritually we can fall into that category as well....lost. Let Christ be your compass in times like these, and allow the wind of the Spirit fill your sails. His steadfast love for you will never fail you, and your transgressions will be wiped clean. North, South, East or West, you will then, for sure, be heading in the right direction! Steady as she goes!

"Compass" is classic elegance, reminiscent of days by the ocean, boardwalks, salty air, sunshine, and sandy beaches.











The red scarf that is prominent on all Rahab bags are symbolic of the crimson cord that Joshua told Rahab to hang from her window (Josh 2: 18). The crimson cord would be a sign to the Israelites not to attack anyone of that household when they sacked Jericho.







This bag is composed of bottomweight, men's suiting, cotton blends, and all hardware is nickle plated.











Would you just look at how pretty that is! Even inside the zipper pocket the fabric is pretty. The two elongated pockets on the left and right are perfect for your sunglasses and mobile phones. The slide pockets are designed to hold the nail file and writing pen, as well as the checkbook. A magnetic snap ensures the bags closure.

The Carpet Bag "Compass" $240

I have for several years been drawn to the imagery from Psalm 103: 11-12 "For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us." I've pondered how to put these words to fabric and not lose the depth of the scriptural meaning. The symbol I thought best to represent this idea is the compass, as it serves as a navigating tool for our guidance and direction when lost, or finding our way blindly, if you will. Spiritually we can fall into that category as well....lost. Let Christ be your compass in times like these, and allow the wind of the Spirit fill your sails. His steadfast love for you will never fail you, and your transgressions will be wiped clean. North, South, East or West, you will then, for sure, be heading in the right direction! Steady as she goes!

The scarlet clover is symbolic of the blood He shed for me and the blessed Trinity.

Two large pockets wrap around each side of this handbag to provide you with an ample supply of pocket room for your keys and mobile phone. This allows for quick and easy collection of those necessary items, as well as that lip gloss you'll need to put on your pout when you're meeting your "bo."




"Compass" is classic elegance, reminiscent of days by the ocean, boardwalks, salty air, sunshine, and sandy beaches.











This handbag is composed of linen, satin, cotton blends, bottomweight, and nickle plated hardware.











True to form, SCD handbags are always as pretty inside as they are out. The Carpet Bag works hard for you as it is equipped with three large compartments inside, along with two slip pockets, both designed to hold the writing pen and nail file, as well as the check book and your big sunglasses. This SCD handbag is the mack-daddy of organization!