cha cha

Agatha 1970- Recycled Leather Clutch

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:35:00 +0000

I call this version 1970 because it was made from a jacket that looked straight out of that decade. It was trench coat style, exaggerated collar, large leather covered buttons and bright orange silk-ish lining. It was ready for a reincarnation. I had enough leather to make just one of these.

New Clutch- As Yummy as Spicy Cinnamon Hearts

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:52:00 +0000

I'm loving this brass right now. This clutch is made of a mix of red and brown recycled leather and lined with screen printed canvas. This is the only one made. I could say "its red, great for Valentines day" but really, I don't care about Valentines day. Except for those spicy little cinnamon hearts, those are good.

What I am EATING.

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:08:00 +0000

In my on going attempt to eat out less and cook more I have been trying some new recipes. This month has been full of a lot of Mexican flavours and soups. Soups are perfect for winter and a great way to get tons of veggies in.

While waiting in line at the grocery store one day last month in I got sucked into the magazine rack. Usually I flip through cheap tabloids that can be read in their entirety while you wait to check out but this time food caught my eye. I love Mexican food so I thought I would give it a try. I ended up making my entire New Years Eve Dinner out of it.

I couldn't find Poblano peppers in my local store so I used jalapeno peppers. A little spicy but great. Next time I will replace the black beans with some shredded chicken.

I was most skeptical about this one. Was it a corn bread a pudding? I didn't get it. But it turned out to be one of my favorites. It was the prefect mix of sweet and spicy, a great side dish.

Super simple, quick and tasty.

This recipe is a little cut off here, but its not missing anything too important. I replaced the chorizo with shredded chicken in this because not everyone in my house eats pork, but to be honest the chorizo probably would have added quite a bit of flavour. It was still good, I would make it again but would just pump up the spices a little.

LOVE THIS SOUP. Easy, tasty and affordable. I increase the spices, I actually double them and add some chilli flakes for a bit more spice. This recipe is from the Looney Spoons Series. I make a big batch of this soup and put some in the freezer. It's always nice to have a plan B on hand for days when I feel too lazy to cook.

Elizabeth Wrap Belts- Recycled Leather

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:10:00 +0000

Elizabeth Wrap Belt. Same pattern as the wrap belts I have made in the past, the difference is that these ones are made of 100% recycled leather!!

New Handbag- Arizona

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:43:00 +0000

Check out this bright lady- ARIZONA. 100% recycled suede inside and out.

What I am Reading...

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:28:00 +0000

1Q84- by Haruki Murakami

I still have about 200 pages left of this book so I can't give my full opinion, but I do know that I love it so far. I am almost savouring this one like a rich dessert, reading only so much at a time because I don't want it to be over.

Many years ago picked up The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle also by Haruki Murakami at a garage sale for 25 cents. I enjoyed it at the time but think I wasn't ready for his style of writing and didn't appreciate it the way I would now. I will be re-reading that one soon.

Murakami has the most beautiful style of writing, like nothing I have read before. His words evoke such vivid visuals that without effort I can go back to scenes in my head and feel like I watched them take place right in front of me. I highly recommend.

Paris Times Eight- by Deirdre Kelly
To be honest I like almost any book that reminds me of Paris. But following Deirdre's journey through the city was light and fun. A casual book you could easily finish in a weekend.

Letters To A Young Feminist- by Phyllis Chesler PH.D.
In school I never took a Women's Studies course and didn't spend a whole lot of time wondering if I considered myself a feminist or not, but lately I have found myself more and more interested in Women's lives and experiences all over the world, past and present. I enjoyed this one. Phyllis talks a lot about her experiences growing up in the 50's, 60's and 70's which makes it clear how many things have changed and how many sadly have not.

What have you been reading???

Pretty Handbags - In Need of New Home.

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:40:00 +0000

Happy New Year!!
Hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing break over the last few weeks with friends and family. I sure did, but I am ready to get back into things!!
Cleaning out the CHA CHA closet this week, great deals on bags & belts.

Would you wear it??

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:21:00 +0000

All the women in my life get stuff I have made for Birthdays & Christmas. They may actually be getting tired of handbags and scarves, but who could get tired of handbags and scarves????
This week I am working on the last of my Christmas gifts and trying out some new things. This is the first time I have used this print on a scarf.
I think it works, what do you think??? Would you wear it or is it too much?

Somethings I just can't live without.

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 03:08:00 +0000

I have been without Photoshop for 2 weeks now. I didn't realize how often I use it. I use it for everything, probably more things then I really should. I'm not a natural computer whiz, so when I find a program I am comfortable with I use the hell out of it. Anyways, me an Photoshop are together again so I will be posting new bags soon.

Join me at Crafternoon Tea!

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:46:00 +0000

Normally at this time of year I would be getting ready for the Toronto One of a Kind Show but I have decided to sit this season out. Since I recently made the decision to switch from working with new leather to recycled leather I wanted to make sure I had the new line just right before I made the huge investment into such a large show.
So this Saturday I am looking forward to taking part in Crafternoon Tea. This is the 7th edition of the Indie Craft/Fashion Market. There will be 25 local vendors and the admission fee is either a donation of toiletries or stocking stuffing or a $2 donation to the target charity.
I will be bringing along scarves, recycled clutches, pouches and small bags. Stop by and say hi this Saturday!

When: November 26th 11am to 5pm
Where: 947 Queen St. East at Carlaw ( Queen East Pres. Church), Leslieville

A Little DIY- Hand Dyed Cotton Scarves

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:09:00 +0000

1. I like to use a nice light weight cotton. Something soft, but still durable.
2. I get my fabric ready cutting it to the size and tying some loose knots. This will give the fabric that marbled sort of look after its dyed.
3. Next I put on some huger rubber gloves. This is a MUST, I learned this the hard way.
4. I chose the colours I want and dilute them in some water. I use a vegetable base pigments.
5. Then I soak my fabric in the dye. Not for very long, just enough time to get it really covered.
6. I ring them out and let the knotted canvas sit on a drying rack for a few hours to ensure the dye has taken.
7. Now I rinse them. I like to do this to give the scarves a subtle look. I don't want the colour to be to intense. After they are rinsed they are ready to be silkscreened.
8. I pick out my favourite image that I have had made into a silk screen, lately I have been loving these zig- zags.
9. Once the fabric has dried I go over the whole scarf with a hot iron to set the ink. You could probably get away with just that step, but i like to then wash the fabric. This softens it up as well as insures that NO DYE WILL TRANSFER TO YOUR CLOTHES. Worth the extra step.
10. The very last step is carefully sewing the edges so you have a nice clean look. I keep the ends raw, but you could sew around the entire scarf if you would like.

All in all, not to difficult to make, just a little time consuming. Worth it in the end.
I think these will make great gifts for the holiday season!

Thrift Store Finds

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 17:59:00 +0000

Once or twice a week I make my rounds to the local thrift stores to see if I find any garments that can be turned into beautiful leather bags. While I am there I usually venture into a few other sections, home goods and books. This week I found a pair of the sweetest little espresso cups. Hand painted with 24k gold. These little cups will make a wonderful addition to my morning routine. Second hand stores are a great place to find books. Its nice to go in without a title or author in mind and pick up something you may not otherwise read. This week I will be reading Papillon by Henri Charriere.
Total Spent: $4.89

11/11/11

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:38:00 +0000

In honour of those who have fought, as well as those who continue to fight for our freedoms. Thank- You.

Entourage City Tote- Meant to Be

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:36:00 +0000

Mixing leathers isn't always easy. You need to make sure the weight is similar, the textures compliment each other and of course, that the colours work together. I lucked out with this one. These two garments (a previous jacket and skirt) seem to be made for each other. Entourage City Tote.

The Perfect Party Bag-Diaz Baguette in Brown

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:30:00 +0000

I am a big fan of small bags like the Diaz Baguette. Maybe not for toting things to and from work, but for evenings out, afternoons shopping and even trips to the grocery store. Sometimes we just carry too much stuff.
I recently went through one of the large bags I use and I found....
- 2 spoons
- 2 lip balms
- 2 lip sticks
- 2 markers
- 1 high lighter
- more year old receipts then I care to admit
Really, all this stuff isn't necessary, sometimes it's nice to travel light.

What would make your handbag better???

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 23:25:00 +0000

A lovely customer recently mentioned that she was liking the new recycled leather clutches, but would like them even more if they had a removable strap so she could have another option for carrying it.
Such a simple little addition makes this bag much more functional.
If you ladies have any suggestions on features you would like to see in a handbag please let me know!!

In Love.

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:59:00 +0000

I try and love everything equally, but sometimes I just can't. I found the leather for this skirt at a second hand store this weekend and knew it would be perfect for this style. The skirt was mid length and pretty worn at the bottom, you can tell from the wear that the previous owner had loved it as well.
As soon as I got home I took it apart and it fit the pattern perfectly! The only scraps I had left over was the one small area with damage. I love when things just work out. As per usual, only one made.

Softest Leather Ever.

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:46:00 +0000

I just added this beautiful bag to my Samples Shop. There are 2 of these bags left and I have priced them to go. I have recently starting to produced handbags made of ONLY RECYCLED LEATHER, so I am listing the last of the "new leather" bags at a nice discount.

Nothing Lasts Forever.

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:31:00 +0000

After 6 hard working years, my laptop has died. I knew it was coming, but was hoping to make it to the New Year. So all week I have been without a computer. I did't realize how much I depended on it! It will take me a few days to get everything up and running, but as soon as I do I have some new bags and scarves to add to the shop. A week without a computer = me doing a lot of sewing without distractions!

Before I Go To Bed

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 03:13:00 +0000

Before I go to bed I will add this last bag.
This shoulder bag is made from a selection of soft black reclaimed leather, has a zipper closure and two carrying options. A perfect mid size tote.
I'm sleepy, off to bed I go.

Working In Pajamas.

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:21:00 +0000

It's sunday; I slept for 11 hrs last night. I have been working all day in my pajamas, it's been great.
At this moment I'm searching for scary movies on T.V while adding new handbags to the CHA CHA SAMPLES Shop. I found a stash of some samples I have made over the last year.
Grab one of these pretty ladies while you can, there was only 1 made of each of them.

Canvas and Leather Bucket Bag Last One. This one will age really nicely.

I love this one. It was an experiment, I only made one. Its a clutch or a wristlet and doubles as a really great iPad case.

This leather came from a rocking 80's jacket. I love the blueberry colour, it compliments this simple design of this fold over style.

Introducing CHA CHA Scarves!

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 21:31:00 +0000

I'm pretty excited to be making hand dyed, light weight, cotton scarves. I love any thing that can double as a emergency blanket, so I really can't believe it has taken me this long to make these!
All 3 colors are now available in the shop, so take a look and let me know what you think.
Have a great weekend!

Need a Date for the Party?

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:31:00 +0000

How about Ms. Diaz. She's cute, quite and will carry all your stuff; the perfect date!

Clutch, Pouch, Make Up Bag, Fancy Pencil Case...

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:45:00 +0000

The list of uses could go on a and on for these cute pouches. Made of recycled leather in a variety of colors.

Fresh off the Sewing Machine

noreply@blogger.com (cha cha) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:10:00 +0000

I just added a new clutch. I'm really liking this one. I don't find quality vintage brass hardware very often but I love the way it looks on black. Agatha with Brass.