Are you all getting excited about my mandala bags? I know you’ve been wondering what happened to them and what in the world is taking so long! Well, there were problems with one of the fabrics and they had to order another bolt to insure it was better quality. And they are in the middle of nowhere Tanzania for goodness sake, so it takes like 6 weeks to get new fabric. Where is the Joann Fabrics when you need one? Then we had some design details that took a little time to iron out, but we made it. They’re done! Yaaayyyyyyy!
Is this the most efficient way to launch a product? Well, no, probably not. It’s just part of doing business in this part of the world though and I’m ok with that. I’m grateful that J and I so serendipitously ran into Neema Crafts while traveling and that I had the opportunity to support their cause. I’m sure once we get the kinks worked out things will progress more smoothly in the future.
I’m not quite ready to take orders yet, but they’ll be shipping to the U.S. in the next week, so I’m expecting them to be available in early August, provided they don’t get stuck in customs (fingers crossed).
Here are a few pictures of Evelyn and Susanna who have been working every day on my special project. I love that they’re using the old Singer sewing machines that my grandmother once used. So beautiful!
If you think you will be interested in purchasing a bag, I’d love it if you’d send me an email, comment, text or something so I can have an idea if we need to begin producing more right away or not. No commitment, of course; I know I don’t have pricing for you yet, but just so I have an idea. There will be burlap, trendy casual bags and then linen, more refined bags in tan and cream colors.
I am so looking forward to launching these bags. Hopefully they will be the first of many products that will support special needs causes for my ‘conscious creations’ website. I’m hoping you will want to support my endeavors too!
Thanks to Neema Crafts and all their employees for all their hard work. I’m very excited to be collaborating with you!
This is the screen printing process that transfers the design onto the fabric.
It’s a tedious process to check the design, making sure all the details are showing through. There is limited time to correct this once the chemical reaction begins. 
This is Dhahabu. He’s their head tailor/sewer for new products.
Maria is there in the blue shirt and is my main contact. She has been instrumental in making this all happen and bringing it all together. She and I have been communicating regularly tweaking all the details since I last visited Neema Crafts in February. 
The Critical Path 
Oooh, me! I want one (or maybe more)! So beautiful!
Thanks for your support Wendy 🙂
Those are splendid, Eryn!!!!!!! Way to go!
Thanks Allison! Yes, I’m very excited about this little project. Just the beginning! 🙂 xo
I Love them & I want them! All of them! What a wonderful project, utilizing so much talent & joining creative souls around the world. Way to go, Eryn! Congratulations. And I love old sewing machines too… I have a special place in my heart for them. I emailed some pictures of my own collection. They never give up, they have serious integrity, they are strong, hmmmmm, coincidence of their use on this project? I think not. 😉 Lots of love to you! xoxoxox
Thanks for your ongoing support of all my creative endeavors and for your friendship. Even a traveling girl needs friends from back home. Miss you xxx
Eryn, Congratulations to you and your friends and co-creators!. I’ll look forward to being able to order a few bags as special gifts to support a very special endeavor. XO, AC
Hi Ann, thanks so much for your support. I’m hoping they will ship from Tanzania very soon…. Sigh… LOL Hope all is well with everyone there 🙂 xo
WAY WAY cool! I soooo love how creative & industrious you are! Very inspiring. Hopefully I can see all of this in person this month! Stay tuned by email 🙂 (Hoping to get out of this town alive this time LOL. Flying out Sunday to spend 3 days in ATL. Arriving BKK late Jul 10th. No.plans after that yet) 🙂
Hi there BArbara! So nice to hear from you and thanks for all the kudos! Yes, I’m very excited about this project and a few others I’m cookin’ up. Now if only I could get them shipped from Africa. Loonnnnng process it’s been since they began back in February! LOL Oh well, it will happen when it happens. Hope we get to meet soon and you’re enjoying Thailand 🙂 xo
Eryn, Awesome!! I would love a burlap bag! I have an old singer machine that was my grandmothers, I’ve been thinking about giving the desk area an updated look.
Congrats, can’t wait for my bag!
Hi honey, thanks so much for checking in. I love the singer sewing machines. I have two of the singer iron bases in my storage unit in Florida if you can believe that! LOL I think of you often when I see your posts on facebook and hope and pray you are doing well and finding peace. So much love to you from afar my dear friend… xxx
Good AM its 210AM and Im up, cant sleep thinking about work. I want time off and thinking about quiting. Not all at once, just taking off a week or two and seeing how I feel about it. I havent taken a day off in 14 months and other things going on there I think its time for me to leave. Im asking God to lead me in this. I want one of your bags to take to Evermans with your story and pic of them making them. Maybe we can get them in the store.
WordPress.com | edonnalley posted: “Are you all getting excited about my mandala bags? I know you’ve been wondering what happened to them and what in the world is taking so long! Well, there were problems with one of the fabrics and they had to order another bolt to insure it was better q” | | Respond to this post by replying above this line |
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| | | | Mandala Bags! 7-2-15 by edonnalley |
Are you all getting excited about my mandala bags? I know you’ve been wondering what happened to them and what in the world is taking so long! Well, there were problems with one of the fabrics and they had to order another bolt to insure it was better quality. And they are in the middle of nowhere Tanzania for goodness sake, so it takes like 6 weeks to get new fabric. Where is the Joann Fabrics when you need one? Then we had some design details that took a little time to iron out, but we made it. They’re done! Yaaayyyyyyy!Is this the most efficient way to launch a product? Well, no, probably not. It’s just part of doing business in this part of the world though and I’m ok with that. I am grateful that J and I so serendipitously ran into them when traveling and that I had the opportunity to support their cause. I’m sure once we get the kinks worked out things will progress more smoothly in the future.I’m not quite ready to take orders yet, but they’ll be shipping to the U.S. in the next week, so I’m expecting them to be available in early August, provided they don’t get stuck in customs (fingers crossed).Here are a few pictures of Evelyn and Susanna who have been working every day on my special project. I love that they’re using the old Singer sewing machines that my grandmother once used. So beautiful!If you think you will be interested in purchasing a bag, I’d love it if you’d send me an email, comment, text or something so I can have an idea if we need to begin producing more right away or not. No commitment, of course; I know I don’t have pricing for you yet, but just so I have an idea. There will be burlap, trendy casual bags and then linen, more refined bags in tan and cream colors.I am so looking forward to launching these bags. Hopefully they will be the first of many products that will support special needs causes for my ‘conscious creations’ website. I’m hoping you will want to support my endeavors too!Thanks to Neema Crafts and all their employees for all their hard work. I’m very excited to be collaborating with you! This is the screen printing process that transfers the design onto the fabric. It’s a tedious process to check the design, making sure all the details are showing through. There is limited time to correct this once the chemical reaction begins. This is Dhahabu. He’s their head tailor/sewer for new products. Maria is there in the blue shirt and is my main contact. She has been instrumental in making this all happen and bringing it all together. She and I have been communicating regularly tweaking all the details since I last visited Neema Crafts in February. edonnalley | July 2, 2015 at 2:26 am | Categories: consciouscreations, Iringa, Mandala, Neema Crafts, Tanzania | URL: http://wp.me/p4kYFO-MR | Comment | See all comments |
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Hi Gail, thanks so much for your continued support. Our reconnected friendship has been a beautiful thing for me, even from far away. Much love to you!!! xxxx
hey, Eryn-I want at least 3.Glad to see you were able to get them going, and it has got to be satisfying to be part of the process
Hi Kris! Yes, this is a satisfying project and I’m very excited to be supporting their cause. Now if only I could get them actually finished and shipped from Africa. LOL Sometime soon, I hope. Hope all is well with you guys.. xxx
Great concept, Eryn. I would love to purchase these lovely bags!. Good luck and LUV!
Jeanne C
Hi honey! Ok, will keep everyone posted when they’re ready to go. Still haven’t left AFrica yet.. sigh 😦 soon, soon
Hope all is well with you and yours…xo