Trendy and Cool - How I make a Handibag

Where do you get the ideas?

I often get asked how I make a Handbag, the basics are simple. Fabric and trimmings which are all recycled, thread, a fastener and the magic ingredient - inspiration! It goes like this....

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In the Beginning - a pile of this and that

I start with an interesting piece of fabric which may have started its life as a pair of trousers or skirt or some curtains, look through my bags of fabric for a suitable lining material, perhaps some silk from a blouse the cut out a pattern to fit the fabric. I then search through my many tins of old buttons and beads (from broken necklaces, belts and the like), then make up a design. Each design is random, I don't sketch or plan ahead, each bag is deigned as I go along according to what I have to hand at the time.

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Why do I make Handbags?

I studied Art Foundation when I left school and particularly enjoyed working with textiles of all kinds. I worked in a florist shop for a couple of years before setting up my own florist business which I enjoyed for a few years until the supermarkets started selling cut price flowers. I decided to change career and went to catering college and trained as a chef one again enjoying the creative challenges cooking allows until my son was born. I wanted to stay at home so needed to find something I could do at any time, pick up, do a bit and drop it if I needed to attend to my son. Cooking wasn't an option. I have always enjoyed sewing so that seemed an a good idea.

Note To Self

I need a new handbag! Check out all the great designs at Handibags

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After the first one - I was hooked

Having decided sewing was a practical choice I started messing with scraps of fabric I had in my sewing box and so the first handbag was born. After I had used all my scraps I went through my wardrobe looking for clothes that didn't fit anymore looking for inspiration for the next bag. I was hooked. My friends were interested in what I was doing and wanted to buy my bags, soon I was making bags for other people too. Then more and more people seemed to want the special style that is a Handibag. I hope you like them too.