Have you ever wondered how someone goes from stitching small school projects to creating unique custom handbags? I recently had the pleasure of chatting to Amanda from Chamaeleonco, on The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety Podcast who shared her personal journey through the world of bag making. From her very first fabric basket to the thrill of working with custom orders, Amanda has built her craft through years of experimentation, trials, and a genuine love for creating. Her journey, though rooted in her early sewing days, truly blossomed once her children were older, giving her the space to turn her hobby into a full-blown passion.
When Amanda from Chamaeleonco began sewing, she never imagined it would grow into such a rewarding venture. Starting out with small school projects, Amanda’s sewing journey took a significant turn when her children grew older, allowing her to dive back into her passion. What began as an interest in making fabric baskets gradually transformed into a love for structured bags—her first handbag marked a pivotal moment, sparking a desire to explore this creative world more deeply.
Amanda’s approach to bag making is refreshingly down-to-earth. She’s a firm believer in the power of experimenting, often using trial and error as her guiding light. Like many of us who enjoy sewing, she’s learned that sometimes things don’t go to plan, but each “mistake” is a chance to understand materials and construction techniques better. Amanda’s current favourite? Faux leather. She finds it ideal for creating a luxe, sturdy finish—though she still mixes in tapestry fabrics or quilting cottons for a bit of variety.
One of Amanda’s most striking points was her dedication to uniqueness. Every bag she makes has its own flair, even when using the same pattern. She feels that each creation should have its own personality, so no two bags are alike. That unique touch is something that Amanda carries over into her custom orders, where she works closely with clients on fabric choices, colours, and hardware to capture their vision. Yet, as she shared, these custom pieces require careful communication to make sure the final product aligns with what the customer imagined.
The topic of materials sparked an interesting conversation about the availability of faux leather and other specialty fabrics here in the UK. Amanda’s perspective is one many UK sewists can relate to: finding unique materials can be quite a task, especially compared to the variety available overseas. This challenge has driven Amanda to seek out local fabric shops, though she noted that many have closed over the years, reducing access to quality, unique textiles. Supporting the remaining fabric shops is something Amanda encourages, as they offer a lifeline to local makers.
Fabric and colour choices are, unsurprisingly, the most time-consuming part of Amanda’s creative process. She shared that getting these details right is essential to making sure each bag turns out just as she envisions. A carefully chosen fabric combination can make all the difference in the look, feel, and practicality of a bag. Her love for this part of the process shines through, as she finds joy in playing with textures and hues until she gets the perfect balance.
Amanda’s story isn’t just about making bags; it’s about building a connection with her craft and her clients. It’s clear that she finds fulfilment in creating something one-of-a-kind for each person, which is no easy task in today’s world of mass production. Her journey is a reminder of why so many of us are drawn to sewing in the first place—because it’s a path we shape uniquely for ourselves. Whether you’re starting small or dreaming up your own creations, Amanda’s approach is sure to inspire you to keep stitching, exploring, and bringing your vision to life, one stitch at a time.
If Amanda’s journey and insights have sparked some inspiration for your own bag-making projects, I think you’ll love hearing the full story straight from her! In the episode, Amanda dives even deeper into her process, shares more about her favourite materials, and offers tips for creating truly unique bags. Don’t miss out on this chance to learn from her experience—grab a cuppa, settle in, and give the episode a watch!
Until next time, happy sewing and may your bobbin always be full
Deb x
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