It’s official! Size doesn’t matter! Oooohhh no, no, no! You might need to shed a few pounds when looking to invest in a vintage frock (they can be tiny)! However, size is no issue when sourcing out a beautiful accessory. In addition, find me a girl that doesn’t LOVE a handbag! If you can find one, I will eat my increasingly large collection of vintage bags. Actually, on second thoughts I will have to eat something else, I’m NOT losing the bags, ok!
From Rags to Bags: Vintage 1930’s Embroidered and Beaded Purse
Now, regular readers will know that I’m forever harping on about recycling and buying vintage. I don’t need to tell you the benefits but I do want to bring to your attention, some of the best online retailers that inspire me with their drive and determination, not to mention their talent!
Enter my next interviewee! Her name is Alison and it’s her business to create wonderful accessories using vintage fabrics, buttons and trims. From Rags to Bags is the name of her business and with Mothers Day just around the corner I guarantee your loved one will be delighted with any one of Alison’s vintage and recycled lovelies. They’re all incredible value too! Don’t forget, you’re buying a little piece of history so Alison’s creations are complete one-offs and oh so beautiful.
Alison’s Rose Petal Scent Bags
Alison’s a charming girl and a great inspiration. I’m incredibly honoured that she’s taken time out to answer my questions and hope you enjoy reading about her business, From Rags to Bags. I know I did!
JUST FOR FUN:
What is your earliest fashion memory?
When I was about 4, my mother used to dress me up for smart occasions in a little white suit. As far as I can remember, the skirt had two front pleats and the jacket had cropped sleeves. I wore a mauve blouse and socks plus white shoes with it. She used to put my hair in a bun on the top of my head. I absolutely loved that suit. I could have given Jackie O a run for her money.
When I was about 7, I remember getting my first pair of jeans. They were flared with flowers embroidered up the side of the legs. I was so chuffed with them. It was the mid 70’s, so flares were all the rage.
What is your most treasured possession?
Without a doubt, my wedding ring. How could I ever replace that?
What kind of music are you listening to right now?
Pink Floyd, definitely one of my desert island discs. No matter what is going on in my world, listening to Pink Floyd makes me realise that it will all be OK in the end.
Top three films:
“Far From The Madding Crowd” with Julie Christie, Terence Stamp and Alan Bates – fabulous and my most watched film ever! “The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of The Desert” and “Muriel’s Wedding” for the other two both hilarious yet poignant..
Favourite vintage era and why?
Probably the 1950’s. All those gorgeous tailored skirts and jackets, twin sets and great handbags. What more could you want? It was all so stylish.
What makes you happy?
Spending time with my husband and two cats. Also having the time to create things. It can be drawing with chalk pastels, sewing, working with clay, writing, photography or my latest love – felt making.
How would your friends describe you?
Definitely creative and hopefully as honest, reliable, generous, warm, kind and fun.
ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS:
Have you always been creative or had hobbies that involved crafts before going into business?
Ever since I can remember I have been making things. My mother kept a lot of my creations, so I still have a whole heap of pictures, poems, Christmas decorations, from a really early age. From my teens I started sewing, using my mother’s old treadle Singer sewing machine. I bought a second hand electric Singer 20 years ago, which I still use.
About 15 years ago I started going to craft fairs selling a variety of items that I made, jewellery, soft toys, beanbag frogs (which I am still making!), hair ties. Anything that took my interest really. I gave up about 10 years ago following surgery on my hand which made it hard to hold a needle and do fiddly work.
Alison’s Tangerine Dream Bean Bag Frog (right)
I took up ceramics about 8 years ago or so and still go once a week to the West Street Potters in Farnham, Surrey. I am a member of the local art society and exhibit my ceramics in their autumn show each year. I usually sell a couple of pieces.
Autumn Leaves Felted Vessel
When did you start your business?
I came up with the idea for my website in November 2006 when I was recovering from more hand surgery. Luckily the surgery that time actually proved beneficial to holding a needle again rather than being detrimental.
Tell us about your business and what type of merchandise you sell?
My business, From From Rags To Bags, is currently quite small. I create handbags and homeware using recycled fabric from old clothes, curtains, fabric remnants, reclaimed ribbons, vintage buttons and any other odd items I can put to good use. I also stock a range of vintage handbags, together with a range of unbleached cotton shopping bags.
What makes your business unique or sets it apart from the rest?
Virtually all of the items I make are one off pieces as the materials are in limited supply. All of the photos on the cotton bags are ones I have taken, a lot of the paper patterns I use are my own designs. Also stocking handmade items alongside vintage ones is something not very many people seem to do.
What is your working background? What did you do before going into business for yourself?
I spent two years at agricultural college studying business and finance together with agriculture. I spent 10 year working on a couple of farming estates, as well as for a watercress producer. I became a self-employed bookkeeper 10 years ago and now work for a variety of farming and non-farming clients. It is a far cry from my creative side which has to be shoe horned into my spare time.
How do you promote your business?
As well as a Facebook page, I have shops on Etsy, Dawanda, Folksy and You Crafty Lot. I have also recently opened one on Mintd which needs stocking. I am listed on Top Listed Handmade Bags, The Internet Craft Fair, Craft Links and Twitter. Whenever I sell anything on Etsy I pop a leaflet into the parcel too. So you can’t say I don’t try!
Currently, where do you find you’re getting most of your sales?
It is probably a bit more on my own website than Etsy. I have also had sales on Dawanda and Folksy which is great.
Rags to Bags: Gold Beaded Clutch Bag (above)
Your website is really pretty and eye-catching. How long has that been up and running and how did you find the whole process of setting up your own website?
The site went live on 1 January 2008, so just over a year now. I used the Mr Site package, which I have to say was remarkably easy. I had absolutely no clue about building websites and Mr Site offers you lots of templates to use. There are 3 levels of the programme, I opted for the standard which included an online shop, gallery feature and blog. Everything I needed to be honest. I could probably do with upgrading to the professional version now as it offers the option to have more than one product photo which would be useful. I keep wondering if I should overhaul the layout but I am worried I will corrupt it all and cause havoc!
Where do you get your design inspirations from?
For the handbags, inspiration definitely comes from the fabric itself. I look at a really gorgeous piece of fabric and just try to imagine what it lends itself to best. I quite often say a particular fabric would make a really good frog belly!
How do you go about sourcing your fabrics/textiles/buttons?
I look anywhere and everywhere. A lot of the fabric I have just amassed over the last 25 years or so. When I was a teenager I had a Saturday job in the linens and soft furnishings department of a large store. I used to buy up the furnishing remnants, particularly the velvet. I buy clothing in jumble sales and charity shops for the fabric, I pinch my husband’s jumpers, I buy tins of buttons at car boot sales. I even scrutinise nuts, bolts, washers and curtain rings in the hardware store. Nothing is sacred!
Do you make custom orders?
I have made some custom items. I made three doorstops for a customer last year. They bought a triangular one from me which I had made as an experiment and then ordered another plus two cube shaped ones. I have just got an order for two more following the photos on my website’s gallery. Also my sunflower shopping bags were another custom order. I really liked the one I made, so have continued to make them. I am quite happy to make customised shopping bags – I made one as a 40th birthday present with a photo of the birthday boy’s face on it.
How long does it take to make one of your recycled bags?
My fabric bags and felt bags take about 5 hours to make, which is a fair amount of time. I don’t always plan my bags, they develop as I go along, so I do spend time deliberating how to construct them and what materials to use. The felt ones you really have to set aside a day to make one as it is not something you can really put down and come back to days later.
What are your top three favourite bags?
So many bags, how can I decide?! I did like a 1920’s scallop edged one I sold as it was an unusual shape. I’m rather partial to the green velvet sari bag I have on my site for sale. I also really like my sunflower, poppy and rose shopping bags, I use them all the time.
Have you any projects lined up or new designs in the making?
I have got some design ideas lurking in my head for handmade bags as well as more homeware items.
Where can your merchandise be purchased from?
My website – http://fromragstobags.com, Etsy or Dawanda which have pretty much the full range of items listed.
You can also find Alison’s blog on her website. Check out one of her latest entries “Everything Except The Kitchen Sink!” and tell me she’s not a girl after your own heart!
If you have a custom order or general enquiry, please contact Alison via the Contact Form on her website. Thank you!
If you love to fill your home with beautiful retro pieces, look no further than retropolitan. It’s one of my all time favourite online destinations! You’ll find lots of newly listed items including a wonderful selection of goodies from their ‘vintage vacations‘ section. This moves slightly away from the home with a range of vintage picnic and outdoor ware, luggage, toys and accessories. I promise you’ll have so much fun looking around this marvellous collection of retro loveliness!
