Patti O'Day designs and makes all of the One Foot Up Handbags and Accessories featured in this website. She invents the styles, draws the patterns and chooses the fabrics. Each item is individually cut, stitched and decorated by her as well.

Thirty years ago, Patti started making handbags and small luggage out of upholstery fabrics and jeans to sell in craft fairs while her son was young. Then, as he grew, he started wanting expensive designer clothing and sneakers, so she stopped sewing and got into a "real" job. She completed a BS degree in Business, and spent 20 years in the advertising business. Upon retiring, she restarted the concept; although the designs and fabrics had to be updated.

In the photo above, you only see a small amount of the fabric Patti has collected. The combination of various fabric textures and colors inspire many different creations. One of her sources has a sign that reads: "She who dies with the most fabric WINS!" Patti is definitely in the running for that award.

If the name seems unusual, there's a funny story connected with that. When Patti was young, she often stayed with her grandparents. Her grandfather used to get up earlier than the rest of the family, and would wander through the house shouting, "Rise and shine! Daylight in the swamp! One foot in the air!" We all assumed it had something to do with the war. He was such a likeable, lively fellow, and brought sunshine into everyone's lives. During the sale of her advertising agency, it was determined that any payments to her name would constitute a "conflict of interest," so came the necessity to invent a company name. Only thing is, Patti didn't know what the company would produce. But, the name stuck; it still reminds her of her beloved grandfather.

Patti and her husband live in Pinehurst, North Carolina, and visit their son, daughter-in-law and five grandchildren as often as they can. They are both avid golfers, and she enjoys other outdoor sports. The name, One Foot Up, also parallels of her love for hiking.

Most people who purchase Patti's bags have found them comfortable and durable. If there is any problem, she stands by her products and will fix them. Above all, she understands the need to carry lighter pocketbooks, as she has two bone spurs in her neck. So give up those heavy leather bags and go One Foot Up!