Fabric to fabulous

It all started with a piece of gorgeous fabric, begging to be made into something beautiful.

My lucky find went into my trusty yet tired-looking handbag. And that’s when it hit me – I’d make a new one myself!

From that first bag sprang many more, every one perfect for the girl who wants to stand out from the crowd.

Bags are individually named and
come with cool details including pockets, vintage buttons and recycled buckles, with all patterns and designs created by me.

All bags are unique, one-off
and all handmade!

My fabrics

All bags are 100% vintage & retro fabric, picked for head-turning appeal. Usually handwashed (unless they are so vintage or have a lovely aged quality about them) and prepared, then transformed into a unique fashion accessory – just for you!

Buttons and buckles (collected with an eye for the odd, delightful and the cute) add a charming touch.

As I create all the bags myself, and there is so many different fabrics, please enquire if you have some specific in mind.

Where do you find the fabrics?

I get this question all the time. I source in Sydney including outer suburbs as well as via a network of fab fabric collectors and 2nd hand specialists.

This takes a lot of time and effort, as even the linings of the bags are recycled fabric.

Recycled, salvaged or vintage?

All of the above! Some of the fabrics are good vintage fabric that was never used by its 1st owner.

Some are scraps of fabric that someone has discarded as there isn't enough to make a bigger item.

Some are true salvaged pieces.
Buttons and fabrics from a vintage moth-eaten coat that was destined for the bin... or offcuts that I've rescued that has a new life.

Handmade magic

These bags are designed by me - not someone elses patterns.

I handmake them and am just at a stage where someone else is helping me. This is very exciting as its getting too much to do everything! I hope to one day employ people in my community in the Blue Mountains (where we have high unemployment).

I would also like to have a studio and my own store in the Blue Mountains one day.

What some lovely customers have said...

The 10tote bag landed and was a hit. Thanks so much for getting it to me so promptly. I'm a convert.

Matt, Brookvale, NSW

Picked up my bags from the post office today - LOVE them!!  Ceremoniously dumped handbag contents from old bag into new swisho green number and am set to go!! Thanks so much for making it for me and for the way which you deal with customers, the whole experience was very pleasant.

Kath, Whyalla, SA

Just wanted to say again that you are really
on the path to a brilliant business. You truly have all aspects of the business sorted. The products are wonderful, the website and marketing is fantastic and the customer service is incredible too. I just want to sing the praises of your business!!!

I will happily tell friends all about you when asked about the bag and I can see myself continuing to purchase in the future because I really do love the product and this experience has just sealed that!

Anyway am probably starting to ramble on now - just really wanting to encourage you as this kind of service is hard to come by and you are really doing a great job.

Kirsten, Auckland, NZ

I am not a whirly-girly type by any means, but I completely adore my new bag. It's the perfect size and shape and has perfectly-sized and shaped straps (a must for the practical types amongst us), plus a gorgeous pattern and color scheme, and the best thing about it is its uniqueness.

Several people at work, both men and women, have remarked on it (and i've sent them the link to your webpage). As soon as she saw it, my five-year-old daughter said, "Oh, that is a beautiful princess bag. I wish i could have a bag like that."  You may have a new, slightly smaller customer soon...;)

Thanks again, and i wish you every success with your terrific business.

Gigi, Adelaide

My tote, Mikka, has been a big hit here in Townsville... it's amazing how many strangers come up and talk to me now courtesy of your bags... it's great fun.

Emma, Townsville

I JUST GOT THE BAG !!!

Kara... it is absolutely absolutely just stunningly beautifully gorgeous!!!!  I am just so thrilled!! I cant wait to give it to my french sister in law... and I will make sure she takes lots of photos with it when they next travel to Paris!! Thank you so much Kara, it really is just perfect!

Alison, Sydney