RookieRags was launched in 2004 while recovering from breast cancer surgery. The impending arrival of my first grandchild kept me busy making diapers and clothes for Simone while my body healed.

The breast cancer and first grandchild (along with a simultaneous corporate layoff!) were life-changing events that prompted a self reinvention. Several serendipitous encounters and encouragement from family found me exploring the benefits of working exclusively with repurposed materials.

Sewing has been an important part of my life since childhood, although it was previously a means to an end rather than a creative outlet. Without the demands of a 9-5 routine and raising children, I was finally able to redirect my innate nature to look at what is and transform it into something better.

Since I had never worked with leather nor made handbags prior to opening my shop, a lot of research and practice were required. Patterns and dismantling old handbags helped me understand the basics, and from there my imagination took over. None of my handbags are currently made using pre-existing guidelines. Each piece of recycled leather, primarily from used clothing, will only allow limited designs. A skirt might have just enough leather for a clutch purse, but a large coat can sometimes be morphed into more than one item.

In an ongoing effort to minimize waste, I introduced crib shoes into my shop. And my relationship with several local boutiques led me to working with felted wool and cashmere. To thoroughly embrace a wasteless environment, my fabric remnants are transformed into hats and bibs. I feel fortunate to live in an area where people tire regularly from their wardrobes.

What I design and create was never intended to start an empire. Every item I offer is made one at a time, and with tremendous care and attention to detail, style and durability. I never offer anything in my shop that I wouldn't either use personally or give as a gift. When my label is placed on an item, I know someone will be extremely pleased with the outcome. My designs are all unique, just like every person on the planet.

For a long time, I had one sewing machine that went back in a closet after each project, along with one large sewing basket. My current workroom is overflowing with bins of treasures to be translated into something more useful, along with eight machines that are in constant use. Ask anyone who loves to create with a sewing machine as much as I do, and you'll find another person who is always looking for another relic to add to his or her collection. With two machines in storage, any day now I will welcome number 11 into my life, a vintage machine I've had my eye on for a few years. I'm so thrilled with the possibilities she'll provide.

More than a decade ago, a new box of chocolates started with several bitter tasting samples. But what followed were sweet morsels that allowed me to reclaim my life while I reclaimed what others no longer found useful. Whenever I'm out in public, I find my eyes drifting toward the handbags women carry, and often remark about what a great lining someone's shirt would make. Creativity is a never ending journey, and I feel so honored and humbled every time I make a sale. A part of me goes into everything I make, and I'm pleased to be a part of a number of lives around our fragile planet.