Today I'm pleased to share with you the studio space of bag maker extraordinaire, Nadine from The Sea Within! Let's take a peek at where she creates her pretty purses and totes, shall we?
What do you create in this space?
I mainly make handbags. I make some smaller items such as tissue holders and coasters, but 90% of the stuff I make are bags. I'd also like to start making hats. I have a million ideas but just not enough time to make everything I think of!
Where is it located?
My handmade space is actually in my bedroom! I live by myself in a small one bedroom apartment. I have incredibly high ceilings, so my machines are located underneath my loft bed.
What sort of tools/equipment do you use?
My main tools are my sewing machines. I have an incredible Elna Supermatic sewing machine from the 1960s. I also bought a new Bernina serger about 1.5 years ago. I wouldn't be able to do what I do without my serger. I love it dearly.
What inspirations do you keep nearby?
Magazines, my mantle with all my great animals and other quirky items.
What do you like to listen to/watch while creating?
When I'm cutting fabric I listen to This American Life. Not only is it great listening, but it makes me want to cut fabric (one of my least favourite parts) and will make me do it in one hour segments. When I'm sewing I usually have my iTunes on shuffle which would include Manu Chao, Leonard Cohen, the Stars, Feist, Billie Holiday, Cyndi Lauper, Bright Eyes, Edith Piaf...
How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?
I really like my space. I don't feel too different because it is shared with my bedroom and I have to walk through it to get to my bathroom!
Be sure to check out all the wonderful bags that Nadine creates here in her shop, The Sea Within! Thanks for giving us a little glimpse, Nadine!
