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From Booties to Handbags

I’m not sure how I got into making handbags but somewhere between making slippers and booties I did! These have been so fun to work on because it has given me a creative outlet (even though I didn’t realize I needed one) and I have been able to try out different designs and sizes in an attempt to come up with the most practical totes.

Since starting these a few months ago, I have narrowed down my selection to my two favourites: The Little Everyday Tote and The Beach Tote.

I like a tote that can keep everyday essentials but one that doesn’t require an extra 20 minutes of digging to find that long lost item. The Little Everyday Tote is perfect for my day to day errands because I never carry more than a wallet, lip gloss, keys, phone and maybe a granola bar for my girl. As it turns out, the more I’ve displayed it the more ideas I’ve had (and have been given!) for its many uses. Crafts, diapers and wipes, books, and more. I love a cross-body strap and this one has that, and it’s even removable if you prefer just the hand held straps! It closes at the top with a magnet.

The other tote that is now available (and again, thanks to a dear friend for this idea!) is the Beach Tote. It’s big enough to carry two beach towels, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat and a snack or two. This is carried by two hand held straps and closes at the top (if you haven’t packed it too full!) with a metal magnet. I have one for myself and found it very useful for my summer excursions. I think the more inside pockets there are the better this bag will be!

All I need now is some sun, a beach and a little R&R!

  • The Beach Tote
  • The Little Everyday Tote
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New Products

It’s been hard to squeeze in time to create new products throughout the summer as we happily spend our days with playdates and outings. But, the little bit of sewing I HAVE done has made me look forward to the things I’ll create this fall.

If you follow us on social media you will have already seen our Sandhill Sling Backpacks. I bought this pattern after falling in love with it on a site I came across and have made several since. These are backpacks that are great for adults or kids and are compact for the small things you may need to carry around, that you don’t need a full backpack for. It’s been fun putting together colour and pattern combos to make unique and cute sling packs.

The other product we have started making comes as a result of a new serger I bought, and was looking for simple ways to get in in motion. As I’ve written about in our Etsy listings, and on our social platforms, I use all kinds of wallets and purses throughout the year. Sometimes I need a small space to hold a couple of cards and some change, and this wallet does just that. It’s simple canvas with a little zipper, made of a variety of fun canvas. I love these little wallets and look forward to making more!

We currently sell in one other retail location here in Calgary: Marketspot in Market Mall. There is another retail location opening in September (soon to be announced) where you will also find a small sample of what we make.

All the time, you can find us in our Etsy Shop: CheerfulThreadsShop and we’d be happy to have you place an order directly with us!

  • Cheerful Threads Sandhill Sling Backpack
    The Sandhill Sling in the golf cart!
  • Cheerful Threads Sandhill Sling
    Cheerful Threads Sandhill Sling
  • Cheerful Threads Canvas Wallet
    Cheerful Threads Canvas Wallet
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Add That to the List!

There are few things I love more than crossing off completed projects from my to do list. I find that as a stay @ home momma I have a constant notepad of lists accumulating at any one time. But, there is something I’ve slowly come to learn about those lists. They are never complete!  The moment that last load of laundry has gone in, I will always find a few straggling socks and underwear that missed their turn, then a few more days pass and the basket fills again, and I am right back to “finish the laundry” on that list. 

I just completed my first ever craft market and you can bet, I had lists. Then, I made lists of my lists.  And, you know what?  EVERYTHING got crossed off until the next market comes up on my calendar! How thrilling is that?? 🤗

I have found more joy in sewing these projects, and even to kind of start thinking like a small business owner, in the last several months than I imagined  I would. I went from “how fun is it to remember how to sew a few things” to imagining where I could take this. Never in a million years did I think any of that would fill my tank, but it really does. 

I am thankful I get to stay at home with my girl (my whole life I saw it as my dream job yet not always easy! 😩) and wouldn’t give that up. What I have also discovered, though, is that there were really meaningful elements to my “old” jobs that I loved and even miss a little bit. I got to set goals, brainstorm important topics, move forward with ideas, plan, problem solve, and yes, make lists. That may be part of why I find this so satisfying.  It allows me to do a bit of what I have done in the past and make it work with my current dream job of being a mom. 

I look forward to another craft market coming up in the next few weeks, and even adding a few new projects to my ever growing bins of fleece booties and slippers. I am loving dreaming up what I might need (or want!) to do. I love it.

For now, next on my to do list for this Family Day (aren’t Monday’s off the best?!):

  • Make bacon and eggs for my family and get outside to enjoy some time together!


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How Cheerful Threads Began!

If someone had asked me (not that long ago) what my hobbies were I’d have to sit and think, and probably draw a blank.  Typically my response would be:  drinking coffee and hanging out with friends.  About a year ago, after seeing some cute things my sister-in-law was making for my niece I was inspired to make a few things myself.  I took Home Ec. in high school (do they even offer that anymore?) but that was 20 *something* years ago and I didn’t even know if I’d remember how to do anything.  I borrowed my mom’s sewing machine, did one little sewing project, and loved it.  Thanks to my husband, what once was a spare bedroom is now a project room!  With a little “Les Nessman”  invisible tape down the middle, my husband can tie flies and I can sew.  (google WKRP to find out who Les Nessman is if necessary)

I find a lot of joy in this new-found “old” hobby and plan to sew basically anything I enjoy sewing.  I came across a pattern for sewing fleece booties and that’s how this little business began.  When my daughter was a baby I went  through a lot of shoes and boots to find some that fit (and actually stayed on) and she wore boots similar to these and I loved them.  So, I’ve found a pattern, altered it to make them the best fit I could and started selling them!

My greater joys than this, though, include some really important relationships:  Jesus, my amazing husband, and spunky and adorable daughter.  And parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, bestie…. so my ‘drinking coffee and hanging out with friends’ hobby hasn’t totally been replaced!