Working on a new idea.

On a pretty regular basis I get requests or ideas from my local customers. One is that the inside of the bag be waterproof. I have had a problem with figuring out a design that keeps with the wash ability of my products, but allows them to have a water barrier. Everything that I have looked into can be wiped off or thrown into the washer, but you cannot put the plastic in the drier or it will fuse together.

I do not have the kind of time to sit around and wait for a bag to dry. However....I do have time to wait for the inside of a bag to dry...thinking...more thinking.....buttons!!!!

That is all you get! Gonna try a mock up this week and will share if it works. Given that pool and beach season is coming (I hope soon)and that I have a ton of double sided quilted fabric....ideas are forming!

My kids said that I was too "wordy" in my blog (?!?!). So I hope you have a sunny weekend where you are.

Being able to see the road!

Strange title to start out with , I know. I am from Pittsburgh PA where we had over 40" of snow in February. Seeing the road from my front window has not been possible due to the mounds of snow. Finally, I am seeing that the snow is melting and hopefully giving way to spring : )

I want to say first that I have a wonderful life. A husband who I have been with over half of my life and I love more than anything. I have three kids that amaze me with their energy, kindness and heart everyday. It is a safe, warm, wonderful place to land.

For the first time in my life, I have a clear vision of where I want to go. Up until now, my life has been about caring and taking care of other people. Somewhere along the way, I lost what I wanted and who I wanted to be. Of course, I still want to care for others and always will, but now I realize that I need to do things for me too. And that is okay. It is okay to follow my road too.

"Mama Mahoney" is a nickname that a friend gave me when she found out that I don't like being called Mrs. Mahoney (sounds like I am 100 years old!). Anyway, when it came time to come up with a name for my company, it seemed like a good fit. I am mom first (always), but now I am also Mama Mahoney who designs and creates quilted bags with the mom of the family in mind.

All of my bags are totally washable and most can be dried in the dryer. I strive to find materials that while totally beautiful, can be easily cared for and used again and again. I personally carry my designs and with three kids (one, a rambunctious three year old), they have been through alot. They have gotten juice and cookies smooshed in them and yes, once even peed on (don't ask!). I throw them in the washer and then in the dryer and "voila!" they are ready to go. No worrying about getting them messed up or ruined, they fit perfectly into my crazy life.

Speaking of the washer and dryer, I need to get to it and get some Mom stuff done. Working on a beautiful springlike bag today and hopefully can get it finished. L8R!