Javeriya is a college student from Malaysia. She is the author of the Blog Sew Some Stuff and she sell bag patterns on her website and on Etsy.
Her Busy Bee Wristlet is on my to sew list 🙂
A big thanks to Javeriya for sharing her story!
How and when did you start sewing bags?
I started sewing bags when I was 17 right after finishing high school. I was so frustrated with the lack of super cool bag options for teens like me with skulls and studs all over them, something that would match my personality that I decided to make them on my own 🙂
What Sewing Machine(s) do you have? Do you recommend it for bag making?
I use a very basic domestic sewing machine as that’s what I could afford on my student budget. And no, I do not recommend this machine if you want to really get into bag making as domestic machines are not designed to handle heavy weight sewing. I would recommend going for a used or new industrial machine if you are really passionate about bag making.
What’s your favorite pattern?
Obviously, I love all my bag patterns… haha as they’re like my babies. But, I really like Trendy Trapeze and Busy Bee Wristlet. From other designers, I love Turnabout Pouch by Little Moo, Harriet and Annette by Swoon.
Why did you start your bag pattern business? What’s special about it?
I started the business because I just LOVE designing bags and bag patterns seemed like the right product to offer to my blog audience.
Where do you sew?
I usually sew in my dorm room on my desk which is like a temporary area as I use it for studying as well. Nothing fancy here, haha.
Is there any tool or trick which you’ve found especially useful?
Oh, there are a LOT of them, I swear. But the most useful thing I found out recently is sewing in bulk really saves time when you are making 10 bags together of the same design.
What is your favorite fabric for bag making? Any favorite line/designer?
Oh, I just LOVE designer quilting cottons as well as canvas with bold and colorful prints. I think my favorite designer is Sarah Jane.
What do you now know about bag making which you wish you knew when you started out?
A heavy weight interfacing or felt is what gives a bag a structure. This was a complete mystery to me and took me very long to figure out. Lol
What would your readers be surprised to know about you?
I grew up in Saudi Arabia, haha.
Any parting words?
Don’t be afraid of hard work to fulfill your dreams.
Take a look of her FREE bag making course. It is always good to learn bag making techniques from different designers.
Learn more about Javeriya and her bag patterns on:
