How I fell in love with the art of making handbags
As a theater major in college, I was required to take sewing as part of the costume curriculum. I loved it. I wanted to start making my own clothes, but as a college student with several roommates and no personal sewing machine, that got put on the back burner. Then the real world came and I had to get a big girl job. I worked in a wine and cheese shop for 9 years and I loved every minute of it. After my kids were born I thought I'd get back into sewing, my intention being that I would make quilts and burp cloths and bibs. And I did. But then one day I made a purse and it was all over. I loved that I had created this cute little clutch and I started receiving compliments on it so I switched gears and started making foldover clutches with cotton and vegan leather. My husband kept insisting I use real leather instead of fake and even though I was quite intimidated, I went to the leather store and bought a small piece of leather and made my foldover style in all leather. Again, it was all over. I would only work with real leather from now on, the smell and look and feel was 100 times better! It's been challenging to work with but I have figured some things out. I love when customers ask for a custom design, I'm always amazed at what others come up with and it is always inspiring. I try to incorporate a little leather detail, even in my canvas tote backs, to create that cohesion. If you ever have a question or would like to discuss something custom, I would love to hear from you!