Follow your heart!
How does a former social worker that is studying to become a financial advisor, become a seamstress, designing and selling handbags? That is my story. Burnt out from social work in the inner city, my husband suggested I join him in finance. Although I never really loved the idea, I thought, “why not give it a try”. I can tell you, without question, it was not for me. However it lead me to this very moment. As all things in life, our paths lead us in the direction we are meant to go if we listen to our instincts. I’d always enjoyed sewing. In fact, I was gifted my first machine when I was thirteen, 41 years ago. That sewing machine sat in attics and basements for all that time and is still with me today.
I didn’t really begin sewing in earnest until the death of my mother-in-law. I come from a long line of seamstresses. My grandmother and aunt were both talented seamstresses. My grandmother was someone who could hand bead beautiful works of art (I haven’t tried this yet, not sure I have the patience). Gratefully, I’ve learned along the way from all of these wonderful women. When my mother-in-law, Betty Jane passed away 5 years ago, she left behind 2 trunks filled with fabric and two sewing tables filled with every color thread, every gadget you could every imagine-many of which I didn’t know how to use or even what they were (I’ve since learned) and two workhorse machines. Just before her death I took a sewing class that taught me how to read and use a pattern (highly suggest this for anyone who wants to start sewing). With all this fabric and fun colored thread at my disposal I decided to PLAY! And play I did. I made many things that were simply AWFUL! But it didn’t matter, I was having fun, enjoying putting together puzzles of fabric and learning to sew a straight line-not as easy as it sounds.
When Covid hit I was in my house with my two sons, my husband and three cats. At that time I decided I needed an escape room. I set up a sewing space in my basement. My brain loaded with stock market jargon, numbers, and other vile concepts I couldn’t grasp I’d escape to my sewing room to play. Somewhere in the process I became inspired to make myself a handbag. Before long I found myself dreaming of new designs, and spending 10-12 hours a day sewing. Needless to say I’d found my passion.
I hope you will enjoy using these handmade bags as much as I enjoy creating them. They are made with love, happiness, joy and much concentration.