Hello, bag-making friends! In this episode of The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety Podcast, I had a fantastic chat with Laura from Specky Seamstress, the creative mind behind some of the boldest, quirkiest bias binding on the market. If you’ve ever struggled with bias binding or wondered how to bring more personality into your sewing, you’re going to love this conversation. We talked about her sewing journey, running a business, and her plans to make bias binding more accessible for bag makers!
How It All Began
Laura’s sewing journey started out of frustration—she struggled to find clothing that matched her bold, quirky style. After years of stop-start attempts, she finally committed to learning in 2018 and never looked back.
In 2020, she launched The Specky Seamstress, spotting a gap in the market for unique printed bias binding. Bias binding was already a huge part of her sewing, and she realised there was a lack of fun, colourful options for dressmakers. So, she created them herself!
A Love for Bias Binding
Laura is a firm believer in bias binding over facings when sewing garments, often adapting projects just to incorporate it. She’s on a mission to show people that bias binding isn’t scary—it’s just a matter of practice! She even sells remnant packs so sewists can experiment without pressure.
Balancing Business, Family & Work
Running a business while raising two little ones (a 10-month-old and a 2-year-old) is no easy feat! Laura works in small chunks of time, juggling family life, Specky Seamstress, and a day job. It’s not always easy, but she’s found a rhythm that works for her.
Building a Team & Growing the Business
By 2021, the business had grown beyond what she could handle alone. She brought on Ian as a business partner and later hired Cassie as an employee, making everything run more smoothly. Having a team has given her more flexibility, which is crucial when balancing work and family.
Finding Time for Creativity
With so much going on, Laura doesn’t always get time to sew, but she’s found ways to stay creative. Knitting has become her go-to portable hobby, allowing her to make things even when she’s busy with the kids.
Sewing for Herself vs. Sewing for Kids
While Laura occasionally sews for her children, she prioritises sewing as her own creative escape. Keeping personal sewing separate from business sewing helps her maintain a healthy balance and enjoy the process without pressure.
Exciting News for Bag Makers!
Now, for the bit bag makers will love—Laura is working on bias binding specifically for bag makers! She’s developing wider and double-fold bias binding, perfect for bags, but she’s taking her time to make sure it’s just right before launching.
Bias binding in bag making can be tricky, so she wants to ensure high-quality usability, making it easy to work with and durable for structured bags. If you’ve been waiting for something like this—stay tuned!
Bias Binding Doesn’t Have to Be Scary!
Many sewists are intimidated by bias binding, but Laura wants to change that perception. With the right techniques and a little practice, it can be a brilliant way to add personality and polish to a project. Her remnant packs are a great way for beginners to test it out and build confidence.
Final thoughts.
Talking with Laura from Specky Seamstress was such a joy! Her passion for bold, fun sewing and her love for bias binding is infectious. Whether you’re a dressmaker or a bag maker, her products add that extra special touch to any project.
If you missed the podcast episode, you can catch the full replay on The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety YouTube channel. Have you used bias binding in your sewing before? Love it or avoid it? Let’s chat in the comments! 😊
Until next time happy sewing and may your bobbin always be full
Deb x
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