Reconstruction Zone

How many handbags does one girl need? In my opinion, you can never have enough. As I look back through some of my older creations I realize I have really great fabrics, but maybe not the best embellishments. I have taught myself new techniques and developed new methods over the years. So . . .  the answer is . . . REFURBISHMENT. Keep the original body, and add new appliques. I love this argyle fabric, and I've never been able to find more. I got out my wool and felted some wonderful purple flowers. The result makes me very happy. And I was able to get a Sylvia-Louise label inside (since it was made before we had them).  My next refurbishing project was my key bag. Its a bit over the top, but the color combinations and the rosettes are fantastic!

Frances

I LOVE childrens books! They take me back to a simpler time. And they often teach profound lessons at a basic level. While I have discovered a few new childrens books to entertain me this past year, I always enjoy an old favorite. Last night my sister got me an early birthday gift. Best Friends For Frances. It probably wasn't meant as a present, but I was plenty excited. The author, Russell Hoban has written a series of books based on Frances, a badger child---Bedtime For Frances, A Baby Sister For Frances, and my two very favorites Bread and Jam For Frances, and A Birthday For Frances.  In my family we still joke about the Champo Bar. As I read it last night as a bedtime story to myself, I was taken back to my childhood. I used to beg my dad for "just one more story." Reading was a ritual in our house, so much so that it didn't take me very long to memorize my favorite books. I had varied taste. Anything from Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit to the epic poem The Highway Man. I haven't lost my love of reading.   I still read myself to sleep at night. There is nothing like a good book!

Sylvia-Louise Product Line

Large Signature Bag

Style price starting at $150

Sample price $200

Small Signature Bag

Style price starting at $100

Sample price $150

Large Bette Bag

Style price starting at $175

Sample price $250

Small Bette Bag

Style price starting at $150

Sample price $175

Reggie Messenger

Style price starting at $100

Sample price $100

Regina Messenger

Style price starting at $75

Sample price $75

Judy Tote

Style price starting at $50

Sample price $50

Headband

Price $14

Bracelet

Price $10

Please visit www.sylvialouise.etsy.com for more information or to make a purchase.

Shadowbrook

Twenty five years ago Grandmother Moody lived at Shadowbrook in Provo, Utah. We had so much fun visiting her there. Our favorite place in her house was up in the attic. She had a small chalkboard and we played school by the hour. I can still smell the chalk.

She lived in the house on the end with the most beautiful roses out front. DD and I built our first snowman under those trees. When weather was good we played on the swings. There was the most wonderful tire swing that we fought over and had to take turns.

Some years later we moved to Provo to go to school, long after Grandmother had relocated to Salt Lake City. Shadowbrook became our favorite photo shoot location. It became a tradition to take our roommates there to take our annual apartment photos. We were a little disappointed to see that the babbling brook was quiet and that the ducks were missing in action.

We stood on the bridge looking wistfully into the rocky bed. Then we took a few photos for old times sake. We didn't pack a tripod, so just a few individual shots.

Army Night at the Ravine

What do you do when Glendale is on fire? Go to the ballpark and breathe in all that smoke! Lucky for us  the wind was blowing all the ashes away from us and we couldn't even smell fire. Those of you who know me, know I am loyal through and through. That includes my hometown teams. Even when they don't win, or even play well---a reality I am used to, having grown up in San Diego. The Padres and the Chargers are still my boys. But since we have relocated to LA, I have to admit, the Dodgers have had an exciting season. They are currently leading the National League West and even though they lost tonight to Arizona, I think they have the talent to go all the way. I still love my Padres---even if they trade away all their good players. Baseball is baseball. And since I won't be seeing any games at Petco Park this year, I'll enjoy the nostalgia at Chavez Ravine.

Thank goodness for family

When is a boutique not a boutique? When the only sales you have come from family. Thanks to the Moodys for all your love and support. We had high hopes, and some of the best bags we've EVER made. For everyone who wasn't there, you really missed out.