Hey everyone! I’m thrilled to bring you another exciting episode of the Bag Makers Sew-ciety Podcast. This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with Ewa from Meve Bags, In this episode, Ewa opens up about her journey into the world of bag making, which started during her pregnancy. With some free time on her hands and a nudge from her husband, Ewa bought her first sewing machine and dove headfirst into this new craft. Growing up with an upholsterer grandfather, sewing was always in her blood, but it wasn't until later in life that she truly embraced it.
Ewa's Background and Early Influences.
Ewa’s journey is deeply rooted in her family history. She shares how her grandfather, an upholsterer, influenced her early interest in sewing. However, her mother’s dislike of sewing kept her from pursuing it sooner. It wasn’t until Ewa found herself with more time and her husband’s encouragement that she decided to explore the craft.
Learning the Craft.
Ewa's initial foray into bag making was guided by a group of talented Polish ladies and the Creative Bug Makers group on Facebook. These communities provided her with invaluable knowledge and tutorials, helping her hone her skills and develop her unique style.
Balancing Passion and Family.
One of the most relatable parts of our conversation was hearing Ewa talk about balancing her passion for bag making with her busy household. With two young boys and several pets, time management is a challenge. Ewa candidly discusses how she juggles her responsibilities while still finding time to create.
Favourite Materials and Techniques.
Ewa has a keen eye for materials, and she loves working with structured fabrics like vinyl's and waterproof canvases. These materials not only offer durability but also provide the structure her bags need without excessive interfacing. Her preference for certain construction techniques, like avoiding binding when possible, highlights her practical approach to design.
Designing and Prototyping.
The design process for Ewa is both meticulous and collaborative. She creates multiple prototypes and seeks feedback from testers to refine her patterns. This iterative process ensures that each design meets her high standards before it's released to the public.
Challenges with Technology.
No creative journey is without its frustrations. Ewa shares her struggles with technology, from printer issues to software glitches, and how these challenges can complicate the design process. Despite these hurdles, her passion for creating beautiful bags keeps her motivated.
Showcasing Favourite Designs.
During our chat, Ewa showcased a few of her favourite bag designs. She walked us through the materials and techniques used for each one, and it was clear how much joy she gets from seeing others bring her patterns to life.
Future Plans.
Exciting times are ahead for Ewa as she works on new bag patterns. She plans to release them in stages, catering to different skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced bag maker, there’s something in the pipeline for you.
Conclusion.
Our conversation with Ewa from Meve Bags was truly inspiring. Her dedication to her craft, her creative process, and her ability to balance family life with her passion for bag making left me in awe. If you haven’t listened to the episode yet, make sure to check it out—you won’t want to miss it!
Remember to check out the full episode for more insights and stories from Ewa’s incredible journey. Until next time, happy sewing and may your bobbin always be full
Deb x
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