My favourite manufacturers include: Art Gallery Fabrics, Dear Stella, Riley Blake Designs, Cotton + Steel
I brought a few kimono, obi and furoshiki back from Japan with me that I've used in bags but also found two great sources for kimono silk online: The Button Bird and YokoDana Kimono
I love putting unique combinations and colours together and working with different materials. As a result, my fabric stash has grown considerably as I collect what catches my eye.
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]]>Here is a little about me and a few of the people I want to thank...
I live in Alberta Canada although I'm originally from Ontario. I love the mountains but miss the autumn reds. Autumn is my favourite season.
I am a self taught sewist and love to create unique and custom items from clothes to bags to accessories. My first sewing project was a pair of pj's from a Blank Slate pattern by Melly Sews. I owe a lot of my skill development and confidence to Melissa and her tutorials; from these I learned so many techniques that I have been able to apply to other projects.
I have wanted to make handbags and purses for many years. My inspiration came from a small purse made from old kimono that I bought in Japan --I lived there for 5 years. What finally got me started was the success I had making clothes. I also owe a big thank you to SotakCo where I purchased the Juniper Basket pattern that I modified for the Tiny Tote bags -- my first products. I have since found other cool patterns and made new items to sell.
Besides sewing, you can find me climbing and enjoying a long walk in the great outdoors. In fact, my dogs are named after two of my favourite parks: Jasper and Algonquin (Quin for short).
My husband, Michael, is a huge support and the best belay and life partner! Sewing wouldn't be possible if my mother-in-law hadn't lent me a machine - thanks Barb! Thanks also to my father, Carl, for website and tech assistance, and early bag testers, my sister Joscelyn and friend Jen.
And thank you for your support of my small business. I hope you enjoy my bags and other products as much as I enjoyed making them!
Justine
My sewing endeavours wouldn't be possible without my wonderful sewing machine, a Janome Memory Craft 7000, lent to me by my mother-in-law, Barb. I am also the proud owner of a Singer Profinish Serger.
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