Interview with Sarah, a crafty young bag lady, in Sydney.

What types of handbags do make and what are they are made with?

I make one of a kind handbags made with vintage and hard to find fabrics. I like to use bamboo handles in my creations and use magnetic snap closures to add a professional touch to my bags.

How and when did you become interested in handbag making?

I first became interested in making handbags when I was 23. I found that there was not a lot of funky, unique handbags out there and decided to make my own bag. I bought myself a second hand machine, cut out some patterns on newspaper and away I went.

What attracted you to starting this as a craft?

I love bright, bold colours and unique fashion and thought it would be cool to start creating my own style.

Where do you look for inspiration when you are about to start something new?

I look to the women’s mags! Somewhere around the back section they’ll always have a section called “what the stars are wearing”. They’re always carrying these great little handbags that I’m sure they’ve paid hundreds for but I know I can make for as much as $20!

Petite Purse by Sarah

If you had to choose a favourite handbag you have made what would it be?

A lovely avocado green Chinese brocade hobo bag.

What was the most difficult piece you have created and why?

A cute little handbag that I made that consisted of a silk lining. Very difficult to keep it from slipping but managed to get there in the end!

What would be your favourite part of the process of handbag making?

Sounds silly but ironing the fabric is the best part. I love looking at fabrics, the colours and the texture and it gives me a good feeling when I’m ironing it.

What else do you like to do aside from creating handbags?

When I am not sewing I am busy with my craft supplies business (Tall Poppy Craft Products). We provide home sewers and retail stores with unique hand bag making products (yes, I am lucky I get all the supplies I like!). Now and then I also have time for a bit of gardening – for some reason I love to prune!

How did you go about learning how to do your craft?

I took some lessons in sewing and bought some books. Believe it or not, my partner also helped me a little along the way too by offering common sense advice on how to achieve a particular look.

Was there anything that you had a particular trouble with when you started?

Patience! I am not a particularly patient person so I really had to learn that with some fabrics you need to take it slow. Also, I do find it difficult to finish a project. There is always another design that I want to try out and I tend to get a bit distracted. I’ve found it helps to keep a “to do list” and number each one and stick to it!

Why would you suggest this as a craft for someone looking for a new hobby?

When you create something for yourself that you know is a true one-off there is an immense feeling of satisfaction. When you finish your first bag you have a great sense of pride.

Have you got any advice for people that are considering doing this?

Petite basket style purse

Go for it! You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a machine or tools. Start with some lessons first so that you know the basics. From there you can achieve just about anything.

Is there any particular piece of advice you’ve been given that you would like to share?

Well I haven’t been given any particular information but I can tell that you do need to be patient!

Handbag craft interview continued on next page
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