Woven.

Time weaves stories.  Stories with beginnings so boisterous you simply cannot wait for the middle to get here.  Time weaves people, too.  Intertwined like the threads of friendship bracelets made on the playground at recess.  Little fingers twirling colors as safety pins secure the start.  This precious and most beautiful soul you see here has been woven into the lives of so many. Woven by a Maker who loves her immensely.  I am honored to be counted a thread in the story of my sweet friend, Brooke.  

When I think of Brooke, I think of a strength peaceful & gentle.  My mind rests upon her smile.  She has the ability to listen with a heart fully intent on making yours stronger.  She has a kindness that so many people cannot even begin to muster.  When she loves you, she loves you forever.  

      

God crafted a woman rock solid in the foundation of Him.  Her storybook tells of a faithful soul in search of realness in people and in the hope of Him.  Her book covers chapters on love and on diligence.  On heartache and hiccups.  On giving and getting on, too.  And today, her life awaits the penmanship of a new chapter.  This chapter is entitled Stella Grace.  

My hands took great delight in writing the fabric prologue to Stella Grace's chapter.  Brooke chose crisp, bright colors for Stella Grace's nursery.  Colors that transcend vibrance and radiate a happy light.  I wanted this quilt to honor this sweet little girl's story of life.  The pursuit of her place in this world has had many twists and turns.  Not all the pieces seemed to fit at times.  The pursuit for her place in Brooke's arms never faltered through it all.  With that same sweet smile, Brooke rested in Him.  She held onto His hand of hope.  And, when that happens, pieces find a way of fitting together.  Even better, they create something spontaneously beautiful and magnificently profound.  In Him, through Him, Brooke and Russ await the birth of their Stella Grace.  

Through a friendship forged on some ferociously good times & unforgettable memories together, we have watched this miracle unfold.  Stella Grace is loved.  She is loved by an entire slew of sisters who have been in prayer and in praise of her makings.  She is loved by a Mama devoutly defined by the hope He provides.  She has a Daddy jonesin' to protect her from now until infinity.  And, she has a Creator who knows just how to weave.  Stories and people make beautiful things. He twirls all us together for a reason.  We cannot wait to meet you, Stella Grace Hardy.

.mac :)

{foreseen}

When it comes to creating, some things are unscheduled and yet very foreseen to me.  I don't know how to really explain it. There's just this ignorant bliss of being present as art unfolds.  And, this creation of something unforeseen by others into being is yet another testament to God's brilliance in each of us.

God's brilliance.  Yes.  Overstatement, Meghan?  Nope.  Brilliance.  Are you really going to write a post about God with fabric?  Yes, I am.  God is how I best explain my gifts and talents.  I am a self taught seamstress in my 6th year of business.  I design/draw on paper taking MY one dimensional swiftly into a 3 dimensional world.  I do not use patterns.  I do not use exact measurements per say even.  By and large, my creative efforts happen because of Him.  Him and a lot of practice, you see.

My mother-in-law has asked me several times:

"Meghan, how do you see these fabrics together?  How are you so confident in your selections and designs?  They always turn out beautifully.  I just don't know how you 'just know' what will look nicely together."

I know.  

I get a feeling.  It's a strange one to put into words, but it's worth doing so.  Upon each piece I create, I begin with offering up my best to the design.  I spend some time thinking about the client and the intent of their custom services requested by me.  And, then I dive in.  I don't second guess myself.  It's almost as if I'm on autopilot.  My hands are His filter and my labor, His love.  I lose myself in the conviction of the piece filling my hands.  My mantra throughout the creative process is simply "give your best".

I have a long time client that requested I personalize a blank duck cloth apron for her.  She just asked that I "make it hers".  Apron embellishing is not on my regular design schedule nor will you find it on my website of services for that matter.  This sweet client has a husband, son and daughter.  She loves nature and color and individuality.

Creating this custom work for her is the perfect example of His brilliance.  I had no plan.  I had no color scheme penciled down.  I just created.  

It is important for me to make big over a simple apron embellishment.  The presence of my writing in this space serves so many purposes.  I want my letters-turned-words to be a place where my boys can eventually go to be reminded of their childhood. This place is where I keep memories. I also hope this space is helpful for people to learn more about me not only as a designer, but as a human should they choose k.Mac for couture services.  I use this space for just me too.    To be better. To be honest. To grow.  And, most importantly, I use the space to remind and to be reminded of God's light and goodness.  His hope and his brilliance in each of us. There are far too many of us out there second guessing God's strength and glory by belittling who we are as His creations.  

God's brilliance.  Yes.  Overstatement, Meghan?  Nope.  Brilliance.

 Are you really going to write a post about God with fabric? 

I just did.

We all have brilliance within.  He put it there.

Find your {foreseen} and let the world see,

.mac :)

The Rearrangement

I have a job that is so very rewarding.  Yes, it is a small business. It is not Vera Bradley or Thirty One.   It never will be.  Even with the beautiful blessings of my businesses' growth,  I will always want it to be original and one-of-a-kind.  I will never want my products to be made anywhere other than America.  I will never want my products to be made any other way than by hand.

There is reward and beauty in that.  And, hopefully success somewhere too.

Being a designer is what I feel like I was always meant to be. Even as a little girl, I had to make sure that my bedroom could be re-created at least 2 different ways with the existing furniture and decor. I can remember being 7 years old and up at the crack of dawn shifting my dresser and doll house around all by myself only to then proceed in rearranging the pictures on my walls.  Creating and re-thinking is my go-to goodness.

Above is this fabric collection:

I was so excited when a new client of mine chose this collection for her very first k.Mac custom design.  She was actually the winner of this contest I posted on k.Mac's Facebook page.  

She opted for the medium Tenpenny with the coordinating Pretty Ditty tri-fold wallet.

She asked for an add-on full length back panel zippered pocket which was a great idea if you ask me.

And, perhaps my most favorite detail is that she added the tiniest touch of personalization on the sash end of the bow.  I love this subtle and so very southern sweetness.

All of my designs come with a minimum of 4 interior pockets.  The Tenpenny is such a great bag for moms with growing toddlers as it can house so much almost doubling as a handbag and toddler necessity bag too.  Diapers may be out of the way and long since gone the bottles, but Matchbox cars and Polly Pockets with snacks and sippys find their home with ease in this design.  So do journals or coloring books and a nice set of crayons.  No worries!  You're handbag necessities will fit too!

The colors in this collection are so swell.  They make me happy just looking at them.  Wouldn't you agree?

This client chose "party time" for her monogram font.  This is one of k.Mac's most popular selections from clients.

And, well, would you look at that?  It would appear I have successfully re-arranged my bedroom, huh? This is k.Mac's medium Roadster.  You would think that with being the owner and designer of k.Mac that I would always have the trendiest of handbags made in the latest fabric collections.  Um, no.  I rarely have time to make for myself.  Fortunately, I had begun this handbag awhile back and was able to carve out the time needed to complete this new k.Mac bag for myself.  I altered the handbag straps and went with a single adjustable strap for cross body wear.  I also used aqua leather strings in lieu of taffeta bows for a more hippie vibe.

Add a matching Pretty Ditty wallet for me and the words of my client regarding her first k.Mac experience:

Hi Meghan!!

Just wanted to let you know I received my Tenpenny and Pretty Ditty today. What a cheerful collection of fabric! I don't think I'll have any problem handing out your business cards. Thank you again for doing such a great job! I'll be a returning customer for sure.

                                                                                                    Amy

                                                                                                             {Tennessee}

 ...and you have one happy k.Mac designer.  

.mac :)

k.Mac's Easter Eggstravaganza!

Cosmetic bags filled with Easter egg surprises...

k.Mac happily presents an Easter Eggstravaganza!

From now until Easter purchase a cosmetic bag and receive a FREE monogram AND FREE SHIPPING!

NORMAL RETAIL PRICE + SHIPPING = $40.00

PROMOTIONAL SALE PRICE + SHIPPING + MONOGRAM:  $30.00

And, that's not even the best part!

Inside each cosmetic bag will be an Easter egg filled with a k.Mac coupon. 

Coupons are randomly stuffed by Eli and Casey into Easter eggs and can range from any of the following surprises:

• FREE personalization
• 10% off your next purchase
• FREE shipping on your next order
• 20% off your next purchase
• 30% off your next purchase
• 40% off your next purchase
• 50% off your next purchase

Can you imagine the fun you will have opening up your very own custom designed cosmetic bag in the mail?

Only to unzip it and find your next surprise!

I can hardly wait to see what you are gonna win!

k.Mac cosmetic bags must be purchased in one of the following fabric collections:

* Now is a swell time to shop for Mother's Day.  

• A cosmetic bag filled with fun goodies makes a great Mother's Day gift.

* Now is also a wonderful time to take care of your child's teacher.

• A k.Mac monogrammed cosmetic bag makes an awesome end-of-the-year thank you gift.

* k.Mac coupons are good for 6 months.

• A September expiration date makes a perfect time to order something handmade for a Christmas gift.

*  Complete your set!

• Order your cosmetic bag and then use your k.Mac coupon to purchase a matching handbag for a discounted price!

It's an egg-cellent deal!

Contact meghan@kmaccreations.com to place your order.

Information needed:

1. monogram:  first initial-LAST initial-middle initial
2. font choice:  Go here to view fonts.
3. fabric collection for cosmetic bag
4. Address for shipping 

Bows are in my bunny ears just waiting on your email, 

.mac :)

*Want a chance to win one of the cosmetic bags you see in the advertisement?

Here's what you do:

1.  Copy/paste the Easter Eggstravaganza advertisement picture in an email to 10 of your friends.  Make sure to "Cc" (meghan@kmaccreations.com) in your email.  I will gladly put your name in the rabbit's hat for a chance at winning your choice of the cosmetic bags you see in the promotional!  
2. Winner of the cosmetic bag giveaway will be announced next Friday, March 16th.

2 hearts.

The role of mother is quite different from the role of the aunt.

Aunt Meghan can worry less about the rights-n-wrongs and focus more on the spoilings-n-sillys of adoring.  And, I've got a new niece on the way.  Remember my excitement here and here?

Miss Mallory Alaine Casey will be here soon!  You can only imagine my excitement when I made these matching outfits for next year's Valentine's Day for the sisters.

It's like yesterday I can remember Mollye joining us in this world.  I am reminded of my unbridled anticipation and my intense love for her the moment my eyes met her face.  

Now, it's so hard to believe that these are the size clothes I make for Mollye Addison!  

I cannot tell you the amount of fun I had with constructing this ribbon looped initial heart.  The picture really does not do justice to the shirt's cute factor.  It's all bubbly and fluffy and 3D.  I make it a point with handmade items to encourage a client to order a size up in tees.  I do this only so that the client will be able to potentially get 2 years use out of a custom order.  This shirt is a 4/5.  

Now to these SUPER DUPER DREAMY pants!  Oh, how I heart these!  Mollye looks so adorable in the large ruffle look.  I love the double ruffle heart-dot combo.  I'm even kinda drooling as I stare at these   now.  And, for a one louder for practicality's sake, I have enough extra fabric in the waistline so that next year all I will have to do is unstitch the band, remeasure Mollye's height and re-install the elastic so that she will be set for one more Valentine's only this time with her little sister!

I opted to showcase k.Mac's newest Hair Happies in Mollye's platinum locks.  These are called Florets.  They are not yet on the website, but I am thinking they are gonna be a popular addition.  These come in your choice of clasp. {aligator with no teeth, alligator with tiny teeth or lobster clasp} Coordinating fabric mixed with ribbon sprouts...um, that's a party I wanna go to!

And, may I officially introduce to you the very first outfit I have made for my new niece, Mallory Alaine!  Kim opted for a jumper as Mallory will be about 8-9 months next Valentine's Day.  At that age, easy diaper access is key.  I can just see her now with some black leggings and platinum peach fuzz with her Nanny T's blue eyes!  EEK!  I cannot wait!  

Along with the double heart-dot ruffle, I wanted to capitalize on the crisp, clean white hue of Mollye's shirt in Mallory's jumper.  I opted to use a dainty tea cup pocket with her monogram trimmed in the same ribbon used in Mollye's shirt.  I enjoy the whimsy-ness this pocket has to offer the overall jumper aesthetically.

And, there you have it.  My one heart is FULL of the 2 MAC hearts God has entrusted to me as their Aunt Meghan.  I have no doubt I will aDoRe every second of loving on these girlies.

How fitting that my first big sister/little sister ensemble is for Valentine's Day.  

.mac :)

p.s.  These designs have premiered already on my Facebook page.  For those blog readers who want just one more avenue of k.Mac goodness, I would be honored to have you!

Tasting the Rainbow

When I eat Skittles I always get hyped up.

My mother-in-law would say I'm "like a rat on acid".

Skittles do this to me. 

I hate the orange ones.

I'm eating them now as I type.  
Not the orange ones, of course.
I just make an orange pile and give them to the boys.
Aren't I the sweetest mom?

I've just ripped the top off of my 5th mini-pack and there's no turning back people.  

 I could choose now to share with you a story of how Heather, my best friend in junior high, and I can make a complete set of false fingernails with a package of Skittles.  This was our sleepover ritual. 

But, I won't go into detail as rat-like as I am typing this post, we would never get to the fun of what I'm here to share with you.

I AM GOING TO BE AN AUNT AGAIN!

I know I've already told you all about this here.

BUT, I CAN'T WAIT!

I think it's one of the things I love most about designing.  I am able to share my God given talent with the ones I love so very much. 

And, it's time to get the ball rolling for my niece's diaper bag!

I thought it would be fun to post this bag design process and make it a bit interactive so that you are able to see just how a design session works.

1st

• I always see what I can learn about my client.
• I ask them questions and find out about their personality.  
• I ask about their favorite colors.
• I ask what necessities are required for their bag design.

Kim, my niece-to-be's mama:

• She is very organized and timely.
• She knows what she likes when she sees it.
• She is sentimental and loves traditions.
• She is patient.
• For colors, she loves blues and pinks.
• She decorates with khaki and earth tones in her home.
• For a bag necessity, she enjoys several compartments for storage.
• She definitely would like a name embroidery.

2nd

I ask specifically what types of fabric hues and color schemes a client would like to see.

Kim, my niece-to-be's mama:

"I don't know.  I don't want the bag to look like pink and purple GIRL everywhere.  I like softer colors, but I want to do something different and maybe brighter than the nursery colors. I am more into pinks than purples."

3rd

After taking all of this information into account, I send fabric collections to the client to peruse and see what speaks to them if you will.

Below are the collections I have for Kim.  She's my niece-to-be's mama if you didn't know that already.

And, this is where I want you to be all cyber-spacey & interactive and VOTE!  The votes are anonymous and take nothing more than a click of your mouse.  So, which of the fabric collections above do you like most?

Vote here:

And, since you did such a superfly job on that click-n-vote, I need one more from you and I promise I won't ever eat Skittles and blog at the same time.

You see, I asked for a little bag help here in this post just last week, and well, readers' mouses must've been on strike.  I only received 7 votes on which bag Kim should carry.  I had 124 visits by readers on that specific post. In the words of my step father-in-law, Larry, "that don't add up".

So, I thought I'd try once more only this time I would add visuals aids {cause who doesn't love a good visual aid?} and informational links to help you out with your decision making.

Like before, I am only showcasing k.Mac's top 5 diaper bag designs based solely on past purchased quantities and then I am including the newest Antebellum design.

First up, the Antebellum.  It is k.Mac's newest diaper bag and does not even have a place on my website yet.  Go here to read all about the details for more information.

Next up is the Miss Merry Mac Pack.  Go here to read all about it.

Then we have our ever famous Classic Tote.  Go here for information.

Then there's k.Mac's sweet Ruby.  Here is where you can read all about it.

And, the Regency!  Here's where to go to read all about her bells & whistles.

Last, but not least, is k.Mac's Hipster.  Details here.

Now let's do this vote thing one more time for good measure, shall we?  You're visually full and your informationally equipped:

How fun was that?  You virtually designed, bought a k.Mac bag AND didn't pay a thing!

Thanks for the votes.  I'll do an update post to let you know the results as well as what bag and fabric collection Kim, my niece-to-be's mama, selects.

 Overdosing on Tasting the rainbow, 

.mac :)