Hey there, bag makers! I'm Deb Jameson, and welcome back to another episode of the Bag Maker Society podcast. This episode is especially exciting as it's the second installment of our rebrand. I was thrilled to chat with Dan from Sewdangood.
Dan, who resides in Ramsgate, Kent, with his husband, their dog, and three adorable cats, embarked on his bag-making journey in January 2022. His story is a testament to the magic that can unfold from a simple New Year's resolution. Dan's decision to learn a new skill led him to a sewing lesson he found advertised on Facebook, and, well, the rest is history.
The Beginning of a Bag-Making Journey
Dan's adventure in bag making began somewhat serendipitously. It started with the humble domestic Brother sewing machine his husband owned. However, as Dan's skills and ambitions grew, he transitioned to a Jack H2 industrial machine. This leap was crucial, especially for handling the heavier fabrics Dan loves to work with, such as vinyl and waterproof canvas. We both share a fondness for these materials due to their durability and vibrant colours, perfect for creating standout bags.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing New Techniques
Dan was candid about the hurdles he's faced along the way. Stretchy fabrics presented a significant challenge initially, and he admitted to an early fear of working with leather. However, with practice and determination, Dan has managed to overcome these obstacles. It's a reminder to all of us that persistence is key, even when the going gets tough.
Admiring Fellow Designers and Community Support
We also dove into our favourite bag pattern designers. Spencer Ogg and Butter Bags came up in our conversation, mainly because of their clear instructions and helpful video tutorials. It's so important to have reliable resources when you're learning new techniques, and these designers certainly provide that.
Dan had some lovely words about our Facebook group, highlighting the sense of community and localized advice it offers. We also talked about another local group, Bag Makers of Kent, which provides a similar supportive environment. The online bag-making community is truly a treasure trove of inspiration, support, and knowledge sharing.
Sharing Personal Projects and Future Goals
Towards the end of our chat, we discussed some of my recent projects, including a Tribbiani bag I made for my mother. It was a delightful experience, and it emphasized the importance of trying new bag patterns to continually challenge and improve our skills. Dan agreed, sharing his excitement for future projects and the continuous growth that comes with exploring new designs.
FAQs
Who is Dan from SewDanGood? Dan is a bag maker from Ramsgate, Kent, who started his journey in January 2022 and has since developed a passion for creating bags using various materials and techniques.
What machines does Dan use for bag making? Dan began with a domestic Brother sewing machine and later transitioned to a Jack H2 industrial machine to handle heavier fabrics more efficiently.
What materials do Dan prefer for bag making? Dan prefers using vinyl and waterproof canvas due to their durability and vibrant colours.
How did Dan overcome his fear of working with leather? Through practice and determination, Dan gradually overcame his initial fear of working with leather, proving that persistence is key in mastering new skills.
What online communities does Dan find helpful for bag making? He appreciates the supportive and localized advice from their Facebook group and the Bag Makers of Kent, as well as the clear instructions and tutorials from designers like Spencer Ogg and Butter Bags.
Conclusion
This episode with Dan from Sewdangood was a wonderful exploration of the joy and creativity that bag making brings into our lives. From starting with a simple sewing lesson to mastering complex techniques and industrial machines, Dan's journey is truly inspiring. I hope you enjoyed listening to our conversation as much as I did hosting it.
Until next time, happy sewing and may your bobbin always be full
Deb x
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