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I am from Grandville, MI which is just outside of Grand Rapids. I have lived here all my life as well as my mother and grandmother who gave me the passion for sewing. She would make crazy quilts in the 1970’s using the beautiful velvet prints that you could find back then. I am married with 21 year old identical twin boys and have been driving school bus for our local school system going on 12 years. Started doing craft shows about 8 years ago to earn a little money during the summer break. I love to sew and you can find me doing this rather than cleaning house, laundry or any other chores.
I started my etsy shop on the information that I received from other etsy sellers that I would meet at craft shows. One of my sons and I were tossing around name ideas and somehow that one stuck (NewBagsByAnOldBag). At shows, even if people don’t buy anything from me at least they get a chuckle out of the business name. I’m glad it can bring a smile to them. My favorite item in my shop would have to be the sling bags. I love making them and love to look at the fabric with the vision of how it would look as a sling bag. One of the most memorable stories behind a sling bag is I was at our local Target store and as I walked out of the store there was a young mother that had one of my favorite sling bag prints on her shoulder. I asked her if she had recently gotten that at a certain craft show and she confirmed she had and told me it was her favorite bag. Then she recognized me as the seller and couldn’t compliment me enough on it. Gave me a warm fuzzy feeling that someone would like my product that much as you always wonder how well like it will be.
I love to sew so I guess that this medium is pretty much a no brainer decision. I wish I had the patience to quilt like my grandmother did but the smaller items are more gratifying as you can see the outcome in such a short time.
I would love to be able to paint. I had 2 aunts who would paint on various items and always envied
their creativity and ability.
I think people should buy handmade when they can. I know sometimes there are things that are just not feasible to make rather than buy. Cost can be a big factor in decisions I make as to whether I can make it for less than buying. With selling handmade, I just keep plugging along, doing what I love and hoping that I can generate some sales.
I’ve expanded into a supplies shop that I sell patterns, fabric and purse supplies that I no longer want or need. You can find my other shop at: www.sewcialdisorder.etsy.com
I belong to the etsywmi team which is a great team to be on that shares alot of networking, information and support for us Michigan crafters.
