Welcome back to another blog on The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety Podcast. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Kim, the talented designer behind K.Azcona Designs. If you're into unique and quirky bags, or if you're just curious about the art of bag making, you won't want to miss this episode!
From Theatrical Costuming to Bag Making
Kim's journey into the world of bag making is as colourful as the bags she designs. With a background in theatrical costuming, she brings a rich understanding of fabric and design to the table. Before diving into bag making, Kim dabbled in various artistic pursuits like painting, drawing, and pottery. But it was during the pandemic that she truly found her calling in creating bags. Frustrated by the lack of unique beginner patterns, she took matters into her own hands and started designing her own.
The Inspiration Behind the Designs
One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation was hearing about Kim's design inspirations. She often starts with the fabrics she receives, especially when working as a strike sewist. For those who don't know, a strike sewist promotes fabric designs by making sample bags. This allows her to play with different textures and colours, sparking ideas for new patterns.
Kim sees her bag designs as more than just functional items; to her, they are pieces of art. This artistic perspective shines through in every piece she creates. However, like many artists, she sometimes wrestles with perfectionism. It's a common struggle among bag makers, but Kim manages to balance her creative vision with the practicality needed to make her patterns accessible to all skill levels.
The Learning Curve of Digital Design
Designing patterns isn't just about creativity; it also involves technical skills. Kim, having no prior experience in graphic design, taught herself to use Affinity Designer, a cost-effective alternative to Adobe Illustrator. This learning curve wasn't easy, but it allowed her to create digital patterns that other sewists could easily follow.
During our chat, Kim shared some of the challenges she faces in making her designs simple enough for beginners while still reflecting her unique style. It's a delicate balance, but one she navigates with grace and a lot of hard work.
The Art of Testing and Feedback
A crucial part of Kim's design process is testing. She selects pattern testers based on their reliability and skill level, ensuring a mix from beginners to advanced sewists. This diversity in feedback helps her refine her patterns, making them user-friendly for everyone.
Kim emphasized the importance of honest feedback, not just the kind that praises but also the constructive criticism that helps improve her designs. This feedback loop is essential for any designer looking to grow and improve.
Staying True to Artistic Vision Amid Market Trends
We also delved into the topic of market trends. While some designers might chase trends, Kim prefers to stay true to what inspires her. She believes that genuine creativity can't be boxed into what's currently popular. Instead, she focuses on crafting designs that resonate with her personally. This authenticity is what makes K.Azcona Designs stand out in a crowded market.
Why You Should Tune In
This episode is a deep dive into the creative process behind bag making, from initial inspiration to the final product. Kim's journey is a testament to the power of following one's passion and the joy that comes from creating something unique. Whether you're a beginner looking for inspiration or an experienced sewist seeking new challenges, this episode has something for everyone.
So, grab your favourite fabric, settle in with a cup of coffee, and tune in to this episode of The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety Podcast. Kim's story will inspire you to pick up that sewing needle and start creating!
Final Thoughts
Kim's story is a beautiful reminder that creativity knows no bounds. Whether you're just starting your bag-making journey or have been at it for years, there's always something new to learn and create. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it. Don't forget to share your thoughts and creations with us!
Until next time, happy sewing and may your bobbin always be full.
Deb x
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