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Writer's pictureDeb Me Made Makes

Bag Makers Sew-Ciety Podcast - A Chat with Leanne from Crafted by Leanne



Hey there, sewing enthusiasts, in this episode of the Bag Makers Sew-Ciety Podcast, I had the chance to sit down with the incredibly talented Leanne from Crafted by Leanne. This episode is packed with inspiration, stories, and some seriously useful tips for anyone interested in bag making, whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been in the sewing game for years.

Leanne’s story is so relatable, and her journey from hobbyist to a professional pattern designer is one that many of us in the sewing community can connect with. If you’ve ever struggled to balance your passion for sewing with the demands of everyday life, Leanne’s experiences will resonate with you in a big way!


How It All Began: Leanne’s bag-making journey started unintentionally. After her daughter was born, she started crafting as a hobby, and from there, she slowly transitioned into designing and selling her own bag patterns. Isn’t it amazing how a hobby can blossom into a business?


The Story Behind the Percy Bag: Leanne’s latest release, the Percy bag, has a really meaningful backstory. It represents perseverance, which Leanne believes is so important when life gets challenging and your motivation starts to wane. I love how personal and inspiring this bag is – it's more than just a bag, it’s a reminder to keep going!


Her Evolution as a Designer: Leanne’s been at this for eight years, teaching herself how to sew and write patterns. It wasn’t until five years ago that she launched her first design, and since then, she’s built a thriving business. Hearing her talk about that journey was such a reminder that success takes time, patience, and a lot of perseverance.


The Importance of Pattern Testers: We talked a lot about Leanne’s testing process and how vital her testers are. Honest feedback is crucial for refining designs, and Leanne is looking forward to including guest testers in her next release. It was really insightful to hear how much effort goes into making sure each pattern is just right before it hits the market.


Leanne’s Support System: Behind every successful creator is a strong support system. Leanne gave a lot of credit to her husband and family for helping her manage her business, especially after losing her full-time job back in May. Her ability to balance family life and a growing business is seriously inspiring – and it’s not without its challenges.


Work-Life Balance Struggles: I think a lot of us can relate to the struggle of separating work from leisure when your hobby turns into a business. Leanne and I had a great conversation about how hard it can be to switch off, especially when your passion is also your job.


Leanne’s Favourite Design: Every designer has that one pattern that holds a special place in their heart, and for Leanne, it’s the Harlequin Tote. This was her first big seller, and the success of that design even allowed her to buy a climbing frame for her kids. It was such a heart-warming story and a real testament to how rewarding this journey can be.


Craft Fair-Friendly Patterns: Leanne has designed several patterns, like the Percy and Sophia bags, that are perfect for craft fairs. They’re quick, easy to sew, and cost-effective, making them ideal for makers who are selling their bags at fairs or markets. If you’re looking for something you can whip up quickly and sell, these are definitely worth checking out!


Accessibility of Her Patterns: One of the things I really admire about Leanne’s designs is how accessible they are. She focuses on using basic hardware, which is perfect for those who might not have access to specialized materials. It’s clear she’s passionate about making her patterns available to as many people as possible, regardless of where they are or what resources they have.


Customization Options: We also touched on how Leanne encourages people to modify and personalize her patterns. She’s all about creativity and giving makers the freedom to tweak things as they see fit. Funny enough, she’s even received criticism for offering too many options, but I think it’s one of the best things about her designs – the versatility is endless!


Why You Need to Tune In

Leanne’s journey from hobbyist to business owner is such an inspiring one, especially for anyone who’s thought about turning their passion for sewing into something more. Whether you’re a bag-making beginner or a seasoned sewist, there’s so much to take away from this conversation.


From designing the Percy bag, which is all about perseverance, to balancing the demands of family and a growing business, Leanne’s story is full of relatable moments and valuable insights. Plus, if you’re looking for patterns that are quick to make and great for selling at craft fairs, this episode will definitely point you in the right direction.


Until next time, happy sewing and may your bobbin always be full.


Deb x

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