This week on The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Diane Richards, a wonderfully talented bag maker whose journey from quilting to crafting beautiful, bespoke bags is nothing short of inspiring. Diane is a familiar name in online bag-making circles, known for her stunning designs, generous spirit, and love of experimenting with fabrics. Whether you're new to bag-making or a seasoned enthusiast, Diane’s story is packed with tips, inspiration, and a heartwarming reminder of the joy that comes from sewing something truly unique.
Diane started her bag-making journey during the pandemic, making the leap from quilting after discovering inspiring YouTube creators like Lauren Mormino and Jess Oklaroots. Her first-ever project? A Yasmota bag from Country Cow Designs, lovingly created for a friend. From there, Diane’s skills flourished, and her bags quickly caught the attention of online sewing communities.
One particularly delightful chapter of Diane’s story is her collaboration with artist Richard Skipworth. His charming greyhound-themed designs have found their way onto Diane’s handmade bags, which she’s donates to raise money for charities. It’s this sense of community and giving back that Diane finds most rewarding—and it’s also what makes her such a treasure in the bag-making world.
When it comes to fabrics, Diane lights up at the mention of quilt cotton. She loves its versatility, vibrant patterns, and premium brands like Liberty and Tula Pink. Of course, transitioning from quilting to bag-making wasn’t without its challenges. Diane candidly shared how she had to learn about interfacing, stabilizers, and other materials that were brand-new to her at the time. Her advice? Experiment! Bag-making, after all, is as much about learning as it is about creating.
Diane also shared her must-have tools for the craft. From a trusty rotary cutter with sharp blades to her go-to ¾-inch ruler, she’s a firm believer in having the right tools for the job. She also swears by her Juki Sumato 2300, which she describes as a powerhouse machine that handles anything she throws at it.
One of the highlights of our chat was Diane’s approach to customisation. She loves taking inspiration from different patterns and adding her own unique twist. Her advice to bag makers is simple yet profound: enjoy the process. Don’t feel constrained by patterns—experiment, adapt, and let your creativity shine.
If you’ve been struggling to make that leap into bag-making or want to find fresh inspiration for your next project, Diane’s story is the perfect place to start. Her passion is infectious, and her tips are invaluable for anyone looking to take their sewing to the next level. Diane’s journey into bag-making is truly one for the books. Her creativity, generosity, and love of the craft shine through in every bag she makes. If you want to hear more about her tips, tools, and the inspiring way she’s given back to her community, you won’t want to miss the full conversation on The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety Podcast. Join us for this episode—it’s packed with inspiration and practical advice to spark your own bag-making adventures!
Untill next time happy sewing and may your bobbin always be full.
Deb x
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