I have decided to concentrate on this range of bags because of the nature of this wonderful rich material. Kimono silk is produced in bolts which are only 14” wide – as you can imagine this can be restrictive when designing handbags. So, I decided that I would make evening / prom / party bags and pouches, which best suit this material, and also use the silk to line and enhance wool bags. The Japan
ese silk I purchase is usually sold in small length quantities and invariably one bag, lined in the same material, uses all the material available. If I am lucky enough to purchase the silk in meters, unusual as it may be, I will not describe the bag as ‘unique’ but explain that other items will be made out of that material. All of the Japanese silk I purchase is vintage material – this makes it no less expensive to purchase but does mean the designs are no longer in use. Consequently, when I say there is no more of any type of material, that means anywhere. These vintage bolts of materials can be up to 90-years old but the oldest I’ve worked with to date is 60-years old. I do, of course, design and make other types of handbags – sometimes using wool mixed with the Japanese silk and other times using oilcloth. Over the next few months some of these will also be available for sale. Should you see a bag you like but would prefer a different material, just email me at [email protected] and I will get back to you with some ideas and a price. For instance, if you would like a handbag for a wedding, (Mother of the Bride). Perhaps you would like something specific for the Bridesmaids or even the Bride, either to match dresses or to contrast with it. Just email me your phone number and I’m more than happy to discuss this with you. I do hope you enjoy looking at my handbags – please email me if you have any questions.
