The art of sewing was a big part of my world. It seems that someone dear to me was always creating with a needle.  My grandmother was an expert seamstress; my mother, on occasion, would make her own beaded evening gown. She made most of my childhood clothing; then I took over. 

I sewed my way through high school which I attended in Latin America due to my father's work. There I was introduced to exquisite fabrics. So, instead of running out to buy a new outfit for an upcoming event, like prom, I went out and bought the perfect fabric for the occasion. I was always fascinated by the fact that I could create a garment from a flat piece of fabric.

I stayed in store bought jeans during college, and resumed sewing while working as a young professional in San Francisco's financial district. There I fell l in love with a man whose mother's sewing I found inspiring. My bridesmaid's dresses were lovingly sewn by both our mothers. Our sons endured my creations; fortunately, only as toddlers. There were many late nights making crib bedding, Halloween costumes, hero capes and believe it or not, laundry bags for traveling. Oddly enough, each boy selected his own fabric for those bags which were packed, but rarely used. Once my fourth son was born, use of the machine slowed,

In June 2002, I needed a high school grad gift. My friend, Meg, suggested a personalized laundry bag but I could not find one I'd be proud to give as a gift. So, I created one. It was white canvas with a blue toile accent that perfectly matched the graduate's gorgeous toile duvet. I mentioned the bag to another friend, Michele, who happened to be selling her stationary at a gift boutique that evening. At her insistence, she took my bag for orders, sold one and invited me to join her at a popular charity league fundraiser. That fundraiser led to my manufacturing 250 bags for a local high school graduating class. In my second year, good fortune landed me in a national magazine and in this third year, my utility duffel was purchase for use in a movie with major film stars.

It has been a great three year venture that would not have been possible without the continuous support and encouragement from loving family, great friends and loyal customers.

Thank you for taking the time to visit Indigo Trade. I hope you saw something that will bring you back. My hope is to continually share new designs that are both attractive and useful.

With gratitude,

Ann

aturnbll@indigotrade.biz