Mid-Shore Life

Sailing is nothing new to St. Michaels couple Andrew & Christine Parish.  In their free time they like to brainstorm, seeking new and different challenges.  In the summer of 2008 these parents of two decided to “save” some sailcloth that friends were taking to the landfill.  They quickly used their sewing skills to turn out a wine carry-bag and almost before they knew it, their company, bay bags, was created.

As it says on their website, www.baybagsonline.com:

From its early days as a shipbuilding town through its twentieth century transformation into a tourist and sailing haven, St. Michaels and its citizens have maintained a way of life that is renowned for its beauty, tranquility and craftsmanship.

In keeping with that tradition, all of our bags are made from recycled sailcloth, from boats that have sailed on the Chesapeake Bay.  Some are traditional vessels that are over 100 years old; others are fast race boats that dot the Bay in the summer.  But one thing is true; every bag that we make honors the true sailors of the Chesapeake Bay!

It is with great pride that we started this company and we will continue to sew until the sails "dry-up". Each bag made is a one-of-a-kind! No bag will be the same, there are no patterns...we sew the way the wind blows...whatever inspires us.

According to owner Christine Parish: We have grown to offer about 10 bags styles, all different! We sew the way the sail is; sails are not made square, so it is a challenge, but it makes every bag unique.  We have had a wonderful response this holiday season! We offer a unique one of a kind gift! As well as saving our earth!!

We have two children who are actively involved in the business.  They are our little promoters! They both have bags named after them, and proud to say so.  We sew all of our bags ourselves.  We do not farm anything out! Juggling a family life and business is hard, but our children deal with sails all over the floor and house quite well, and just play around it all! We are very lucky! They desperately want to sew, but we tell them they have to be a bit older! (they do have input on the styles!)

By Erin Mawn

Mistletoe Christmas Shop (Cecil County)
As a dollhouse enthusiast ( I have 14 of them!), I am constantly on the watch for stores and shops that cater especially to miniaturists. Stores such as AC Moore and Michael’s are good for general craft needs, but when you’re looking for the perfect finishing touch to a room-box or a dollhouse that you’ve been laboring on for months, the same-old-same-old stuff won’t do. Having only been an Eastern Shore-er for a little over a year now, when I first moved here I was (and still am) anxious to explore my new area and I always enjoy finding new haunts. When I first drove by the Mistletoe Christmas Shop over a year ago, I noticed that it said “dollhouses” on the sign, but it was closed. Not too long afterwards, I drove by again and it was open, so I turned into the tree-lined drive that leads up to the shop.