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Pixie Messenger Camera Bag Giveaway

Aug 232010

I’m running way behind at the moment, but I promised a giveaway this month & I just have to squeeze this in before this month disappears. So I’ll make this quick & then get back to work! How did summer disappear so quickly??

And, now about the bag… I’ve been working on lots of various smaller bags lately & this one just really stands out. I like it because it’s cute & compact, but still functional & sturdy. It’s bears resemblance to the large Haylen bag available at the etsy store, but down sized considerably. Perfect little bag for carrying your extra lenses while working or carrying your camera and a spare lens or flash. The photos has the lens separate from the camera body, but you could carry it attached (just need to remove divider & rest camera on it’s side).

More photos of the bag on my flickr page…

Giveaway Details:

The winner will choose from any fabric on eQuilter.com (under $10/yd) for the body, along with a solid color for both the exterior bottom & interior (both of these fabrics are water repellent nylon). (All color options will be provided at the end of contest to the winner)

Details about the bag: Measures 7.5″H x 11″W x 3.5″ (exterior measurements), 1/4″ Thick Foam lines the front & back, 1/2″ Thick Foam lines the sides & bottom (provides great cushion to equipment stored inside), Magnetic Snap Closure, 1 Zipper Pocket along the exterior backside, 1 small open pocket on each exterior side (great for cell phone or business cards) & 1 larger open pocket under the front flap. The interior has two fully adjustable padded dividers.

**Important Note** Because of this bag’s compact size, I will be willing to go an inch or two taller or longer to better accommodate the winner’s needs if necessary.

To Enter:

Comment with the phrase “I WANT PIXIE” & why you like this bag.
Double you’re chances to win by linking this giveaway back on your own public blog or send out a link through Facebook or Twitter, then VERY IMPORTANT come back and comment that you’ve done so.
Triple your chances, by becoming a fan on the official Martilena facebook page or twitter (see sidebar), then VERY IMPORTANT come back and comment that you’ve done so. Already a fan? Just post a comment to let me know that & that will count as your entry.
Remember that you’ll need to leave your email address so that I can contact you for your info in the event that you WIN!

Be sure to have your entries in by 12:00am on Tuesday, August 31st!

Winner will be randomly selected and announced once confirmed.

Julia Pouch & Aggie Pouch Now Available on Etsy

Bags No Responses »

Aug 112010

Two great pouches now available at the Martilena Etsy store. Both are on the smaller size & perfect for toting around your smaller items like memory cards or lens caps. The little clip included on either pouch allows you to keep it within easy reach inside a larger bag.

The Julia Pouch is the smaller of the two, but is lightly padded to help protect the interior contents. It measures 4″ H x 5.75″ W & closes with a heavy duty zipper. Pouch is shown clipped to the side of a Maia Camera Bag.

The Aggie Pouch is slightly larger than Julia and has more depth. It does not include any padding, but can be added if requested. Aggie measures 4.25″ H x 6″ W x 2″ D & closes with a heavy duty zipper. It’s the depth that gives you all the extra storage area.

Fabric choices for either pouch are available on my Flickr site. I’ll be adding A LOT more fabrics as time allows. If you would like to add either pouch to a bag order, please let me know. The pouches do have to be ordered at the same time as the bag order is placed.

All you ever wanted to know about a Knox Camera Bag...and more

Bags, Updates 2 Responses »

Jul 302010

The Knox is one of the more popular bags for a several reasons. First, it’s very affordable, especially if you buy one of the special deal bags available on etsy. Second, it’s extremely practical. The pocket setup on this bag provide all the necessary room to store your camera, a few extra lenses & your personal belongings. No need to carry two bags! And, of course, you can create your own unique bag by choosing a print for your flap & the exterior & interior color choices. But being a popular bag leads to a lot of questions & my goal with this post is to answer all the usual questions & give you all the details on Knox from the basic size measurements down to the specifics on each & every pocket. So here we go…

Exterior Measurements: 7″ H x 8.5″ W x 6″ D

Flap: A cotton print (selected by you) is used to construct the front flap, center fabric panel & trim for back zipper pocket. This cotton print is lined with two layers of heavy duty interfacing to provide stability & durability. The flap itself is not waterproof or padded, but either of these options are available for a fee. The flap is approx. 10″ w to provide plenty of coverage along the top of the bag.

Exterior Fabric: The entire body is constructed from waterproof nylon, available in black, brown, charcoal or khaki. The nylon has a twill texture to it & feels smooth to the touch. It has the appearance of twill & doesn’t stand out as a waterproof material.

Standard Closure: Side release plastic buckle closure. The buckle is hidden under the front flap (see photo above). It measure approx 1″ w x 2″ L. The buckle keeps the bag tightly closed but allows easy access, because it can be opened with one hand. Other closure options are available.

Shoulder Strap & Pad: Adjustable strap measures 1.5″ W x 60″ (fully extended). Straps are available in black or brown. The removable shoulder pad is constructed from the print selected (if enough available). The pad has a layer of fleece for comfort & can easily be attached or removed using the velcro strips sewn in.

Zipper Pocket: Large zipper pocket along the backside of the bag, measures approx. 5″ H x 14″ W. How is wider than the bag? It wraps around on each side, so it’s the entire width of the bag. A heavy duty zipper keeps everything tightly inside. Perfect pocket for carrying personal items. The fabric trim keeps the zipper hidden from view.

Front Open Pocket: The open pocket is perfect for cell phones or lens caps or even memory cards. The front of the pocket is constructed from the print selected, but the back is lined with the same waterproof nylon used on the rest of the exterior. This ensures no moisture leakage into the interior. It measures approx. 6″ H x 6″ W.

Interior Measurements: 6.5″ H x 7.5″ W x 5″ D – 1/2 foam surrounds the entire exterior of the bag. The 1/2 foam along with a thick cardboard support the bottom of the bag. Keep in mind this is foam, not batting, so it provides a good amount of structure & support without being bulky. Camera shown in the photos measures approx. 5.5″ W x 5″ D x 4″ H (for scale purposes)

Interior Pockets: The interior has two fully padded pockets. The pockets are padded with 1/4″ thick foam, so you have plenty of cushion without any bulk. Each pocket measures approx. 5.5″ H x 5″ W x 3.5″ D.

Interior Fabric: A waterproof nylon is also used for the interior. It is a thinner, smoother fabric than what is used for the exterior. The smoothness of the fabric will keep valuable equipment from being scratched. This material is incredibly durable & stain resistant. Click here to see available color options.

New Tote/Hobo Style Camera Bag in the Works

Bags, Updates 1 Response »

Jun 162010

Here’s a peek at the tote/hobo camera bag in the works. The interior size is very similar to that of the MAIA, except for the extra height. The simple snap closure allows you to keep the bag tightly closed, but allows for easy access when you want to be able to grab-n-shoot with your camera. No flap to slow things down. The bottom is Cordura to keep it waterproof & durable, while the interior is lined in waterproof nylon packcloth. The adjustable fabric strap is padded, so no need for a separate shoulder pad.

Oh, and notice the beautiful new teal color option! There will be several new interior color choices available very shortly & this beautiful blue is one of them. As the new color choices are brought in, a few will be discontinued. Silver, tan & possibly charcoal will be discontinued. The charcoal, although it has been popular, has become more difficult to obtain in the same color shade. Each time I receive an order it’s almost like opening a surprise birthday present, I never know what I’m going to get. More on the color changes as I finalize the new selections.

The tote will be ready to go within the next two weeks. Just a little more tweaking & it will be ready to go…

Memorial Day Sale - now through Monday - Save 20% off Everything

Giveaways or Sales No Responses »

May 282010

Everything is 20% off the website now through Monday! Use code ‘memorialday’ during checkout to receive your discount. If you would like to take advantage of the sale, but wish to purchase your item from the Etsy store please enter the ‘memorial day’ code in the notes box during checkout & the 20% will be refunded. Please note that Special Deals & Clearance Items are not available for additional discount.

Enjoy your Weekend!

Fabric, fabric, fabric...

Updates No Responses »

Apr 282010

One of the disadvantages of sewing completely custom bags is the continuous pile-up of excess fabric. It usually happens when I’m forced to order a certain length without being able to customize the order to my needs. One of the reasons I’m partial to eQuilter is the ability to order in shorter lengths (1/2 yard min). Most online sites start with a minimum of a yard & in some cases it’s necessary, but most of the time I’m left with more than I need. Although I have found another that I would like to mention, it’s Hancock’s of Paducah. I am loving them right now. I’ve used them off and on when searching for a particular fabric, but they also allow for 1/2 yard purchases & their selection is amazing!

I had mentioned previously that I had added some special deals to Etsy, if you ordered one of the bags using an in-stock print. Those listings are now available for Moxy, Knox & Maia. The listings are for very specific color combos on the bags, but I’m always willing to mix things up if I can. Most importantly I’ve added A LOT of new prints to the in-stock section on flickr. Some of the prints are in very limited quantities & are no longer in print so when they go, they go.

As usual I’m always open to working up custom bags, so please don’t hesitate to contact me if you’d like something a little different than what is currently available on Etsy.

Moxy Camera Bag Giveaway...One Week Only to Enter

Giveaways or Sales 86 Responses »

Apr 072010

The Moxy. A great little bag with lots of pockets that create enough organizational space to store both your camera & personal items all in one spot. The 1/2 inch thick foam padding provides protection when your valuables are stored inside. The durable, waterproof fabrics used to construct bag will help keep the elements at bay & give you a long lasting bag. Please visit Moxy on the website to learn all the details about this awesome little bag.

Giveaway Details:

To find more photos of the bag, please visit my flickr site.

The winner will choose from any fabric on eQuilter.com (under $10/yd) for the flap, a solid color Cordura (waterproof fabric) color for the exterior & a solid color packcloth (waterproof nylon) for the interior. This bag offers you custom options inside & out. (All color options will be provided at the end of contest to the winner)

Details about the bag: Measures 8″ H x 9″ W x 5″ D (exterior measurements), 1/2″ Thick Foam lines the interior (provides great cushion to equipment stored inside), Magnetic Snaps for Closure, Zipper pocket under the front flap & 2 open pockets along the backside. The interior has 3 small padded pockets along the backside & 1 large open pocket along the front.

To Enter:

Comment below about your favorite bag on Martilena. ** New diaper bag coming soon – check it out here – love to hear feedback on this one.
Double you’re chances to win by linking this giveaway back on your own public blog or send out a link through Facebook or Twitter, then come back and comment that you’ve done it and you’ll be entered a second time into the drawing!
Triple your chances, by becoming a fan on the official Martilena facebook page or twitter (see sidebar). Become a fan (already fan? Just comment & get your third chance) and the come back and comment that you’ve done it and you’ll be entered a third time into the drawing!
Remember that you’ll need to leave your email address so that I can contact you for your info in the event that you WIN!

Be sure to have your entries in by 12:00am on Wednesday, April 14th!

Winner will be randomly selected and announced once the winner is confirmed.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Martilena blog to keep up with future giveaways & sales!

Shop Austin Show is Coming SOON!

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Mar 242010

Camera Bags - New Styles vs Old Styles

Bags No Responses »

Mar 132010

So many changes have taken place within the past several months my head is still spinning. Bags have changed, bags have been discontinued, new bags have been added, company name changed, website changed, etsy store moved, new blog created, new flickr and on & on. I went into the change knowing it would be a lot of work, but oh man it’s been A LOT of work.

Having said that I think it’s important for me to explain some of the more important changes with the bags. While the old flickr site is still up & running for the purpose of displaying a nice portion of my past work, I’m more than a little worried about the confusion it may cause with pics of old versions vs new versions of bags with the same name. So here is a little breakdown of the three bags that have been modified and how the new versions differ from the old versions…

KNOX CAMERA BAG -NEW VS OLD

Waterproof Fabrics for Body vs Cotton Twill
Waterproof Fabrics for Interior vs Cotton Print
1/2 Thick Foam Padding (including bottom) vs 1/4 Thick Fleece
Magnetic Snap Closure (options available for other closures) vs Plastic Buckle
Removable Adjustable Strap vs Strap Attached to Bag
Adjustable Divider in the Interior vs 2 Small Open Pockets
6″ Deep vs 5″ Deep
Large Zipper Pocket along Exterior Backside vs Large Open Pocket
Open Pocket under Front Flap vs No Pocket under Front Flap
Wider Flap Covers Edge to Edge vs Slightly more Narrow Flap

The new version of Knox replaces the old versions of both Knox & Milly. Milly will not be added to the new website. I have had several inquiries about Milly, since it’s removal & will gladly offer a smaller version of the new Knox, if requested. Also, if the old interior pocket configuration is preferred that is an option too. I haven’t decided how this will be added to the website, but please feel free to contact me if interested. The pricing will remain the same for any of the above mentioned changes.

MERIDIAN CAMERA BAG – NEW VS OLD

Waterproof Fabrics for Body vs Cotton Twill
Waterproof Fabrics for Interior vs Cotton Print
1/2 Thick Foam Padding (including bottom) vs 1/4 Thick Fleece
Magnetic Snap Closure (options available for other closures) vs Plastic Buckle
Removable Adjustable Strap vs Strap Attached to Bag
7″ Deep vs 5″ Deep
Large Zipper Pocket along Exterior Backside vs Large Open Pocket
Open Pocket under Front Flap vs No Pocket under Front Flap
Wider Flap Covers Edge to Edge vs Slightly more Narrow Flap
2 Interior Side Pockets & 1 Large Open Pocket vs 2 Open Pockets
Larger Overall Bag vs Less Height and Width

The new Meridian is larger mainly to accommodate the thicker foam & still provide plenty of interior storage space. This bag is definitely large enough to carry as both a purse & camera bag, especially if you don’t carry a large amount of extra equipment for your camera.

BERTA CAMERA BAG – NEW VS OLD

Waterproof Fabrics for Body vs Cotton Twill
Waterproof Fabrics for Interior vs Cotton Print
1/2 Thick Foam Padding (including bottom) vs 1/4 Thick Fleece
Heavy Duty Snap Closure (options available for other closures) vs Plastic Buckle
Removable Adjustable Strap vs Strap Attached to Bag
7″ Deep vs 5″ Deep
Wider Flap Covers Edge to Edge vs Slightly More Narrow Flap
Overall Larger Bag vs Less Height & Width
3 Deep Vertical Interior Pockets along Backside & 1 Large Open Pocket along the Front side vs 2 Open Pockets along Each side
2 Open Pockets along Back side vs Large Open Pocket
Large Zipper Pocket under Front flap vs No Pocket Under Front Flap

Berta is just BIG now. The depth & height increase create a bag large enough to haul around a lot of equipment & all the pockets provide enough room to properly store everything. The new bag is grouped under X-Large because of it’s standard size, but also with the dimension modifications available it can be even bigger if desired.

I am almost content with all the camera bags at the moment. There will be a few more additions to the camera bag group as I add the Point & Shoot bag back into the mix & replace the shooting bag Haylen (only a few of you may know of that one) with a newer version. Haylen was a long, narrow bag designed specifically for the purpose of being used as a shooting bag. A rework is in process & I hope to have the last few camera bags up and available within the next couple of weeks.

With so many bags to choose from, you may come across an interior you like, but the exterior doesn’t appeal to you. Please feel free to contact me about a custom bag. The charge is usually minimal to change out an interior from one bag to another.

Berta Camera Bag FINALLY available on website...

Bags No Responses »

Mar 122010

Berta is now on the website. FINALLY. Every time it made it to the top of the to do list something else found a way to become a higher priority. Isn’t that how it always works? Now more about the bag… Berta is a large bag & it’s been grouped in the X-Large Section on the website, due to it’s overall size. The bag allows for almost 11 inches in vertical storage & 7 inches in depth. With this much vertical storage you can store almost any of your longer lenses. The cargo area is very roomy with plenty of room for your camera and other accessories. The padding is the standard 1/2 thick foam found on all the camera bags, along with a chipboard bottom for additional protection (bottom is lined in foam too). Lots of pockets provide plenty of organization possibilities even in a bag this large.