Are you a bag-making enthusiast or someone who loves getting inspired by the stories behind creative ventures? Well, this episode of The Bag Makers Sewciety Podcast is tailor-made for you! Meet Erica, the brilliant mind behind Lavender and Twine, a beloved bag pattern designer known for her unique designs and intricate detailing.
Who is Erica from Lavender and Twine?
Erica is the owner and designer behind Lavender and Twine, a bag pattern company that has become synonymous with quality and creativity in the bag-making world. Starting her bag-making journey in 2015, Erica quickly realized her passion for designing patterns and officially launched her business in 2016. Her patterns, like the popular *Janine* and many others, have become a go-to for makers looking for unique, functional, and stylish bag designs.
But what makes Erica's story so compelling? Well, like many creatives, her journey started with a simple request from a friend, leading her to deconstruct a custom bag and turn that into her very first pattern, the *Janine*, which was released in 2019. Talk about turning a passion into a thriving business, right?
Leaving the Corporate World for Full-Time Designing
Erica’s leap from her corporate job in 2018 to focus entirely on her bag-making business is something many creatives dream of, but few take the plunge. What’s even more inspiring is that by 2020, she transitioned fully to designing patterns, leaving custom orders behind. This is a moment that many entrepreneurs can relate to—the decision to go all-in on your passion project. In the podcast, Erica shares what it felt like to take that leap, the challenges she faced, and how this transition allowed her to pour all her energy into perfecting her patterns.
The Creative Process Behind Lavender and Twine Patterns
If you've ever wondered how bag designers come up with those intricate patterns, Erica gives you an inside look into her design process. Spoiler alert: It’s not as glamorous as you might think! She begins by creating prototypes with paper before moving on to fabric, often going through multiple iterations to ensure that the pattern is not just visually appealing but also functional.
Her process is meticulous, and you can hear the passion in her voice as she talks about the trial and error that goes into making sure every bag pattern is just right. So, if you’ve ever struggled with your own creative process, this part of the episode is sure to resonate with you. Erica’s attention to detail and her willingness to work through challenges are what set her designs apart from the crowd.
Favourite Materials: Why Mora Vinyl is a Game Changer
During the episode, Erica shares her love for Mora vinyl from Emmaline Bags. If you're new to bag making, this material is soft, drapey, and oh-so-forgiving, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned makers. Erica explains why she uses Mora as her baseline material for designing and testing, while also experimenting with cotton and other fabrics.
If you’ve been curious about what materials to use for your next project or which ones the pros swear by, Erica’s insight will definitely help you make more informed decisions!
Inspiration from High-End Fashion to Pinterest
It’s always fascinating to hear where creatives draw their inspiration, and Erica’s sources are as diverse as her patterns. From high-end retail brands like Michael Kors and Coach to the endless rabbit hole of Pinterest, she pulls ideas from all corners. She even takes requests from sewing groups, making her patterns not only creative but also community-driven.
If you’ve been looking for fresh ideas or a way to spark your own creativity, this episode will give you plenty of avenues to explore!
The Challenges of Being a Bag Designer
Designing bags isn’t all fun and games, and Erica doesn’t shy away from discussing the challenges of the job. One of the biggest hurdles she faces is how designing 3D shapes from flat fabric pieces requires a deep understanding of geometry and a lot of trial and error. It's a reminder that behind every beautiful bag pattern, there’s a ton of hard work, testing, and problem-solving.
Another challenge? Since she’s focused so much on pattern development, Erica admits she doesn’t sew as often as she used to. Both of us lament how the creative side can sometimes take a backseat when you’re running a business.
The Importance of Feedback and Testing
For any aspiring designers out there, Erica emphasizes the importance of feedback from testers. She looks for a diverse group of testers, from beginners to experienced bag makers, and places a lot of value on testers who have a strong social media presence. Why? Because high-quality photos and clear communication can make all the difference in bringing a pattern to life.
This episode sheds light on the behind-the-scenes work that goes into each pattern release, and if you're someone who’s interested in joining the world of pattern testing, Erica’s advice is golden.
Why Erica’s Patterns Are Empowering Makers
What truly sets Erica apart is her passion for empowering bag makers of all skill levels. She loves hearing from makers who’ve used her patterns and feel a sense of accomplishment after completing a project. This is the kind of positive feedback that keeps her motivated to continue designing, and it’s a great reminder of the impact creativity can have on a community.
Ready to Watch? Don’t Miss Out!
Whether you're already a fan of Lavender and Twine or just discovering Erica’s work, this episode of The Bag Makers Sewciety Podcast is a must-watch. Erica’s story, from her first pattern design to becoming a full-time pattern designer, is both inspiring and informative. Plus, her insights into the creative process, favourite materials, and challenges make this episode a treasure trove for anyone interested in bag making or creative entrepreneurship.
So, what are you waiting for? Tune in, get inspired, and don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on our channel so you never miss an episode!
Now that you know the highlights, don’t forget to watch the full episode of The Bag Makers Sewciety Podcast featuring Erica from Lavender and Twine. It’s packed with even more details and tips that you won’t want to miss!
Until next time, Happy sewing and may your bobbin always be full
Deb x
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