This was originally published in Watch The Skies, March 2024.
The Bag Lady
Continuing to dig into the wealth of talent that lives among our members, I had the opportunity to chat with Pam about her fabulous bags! Dame Dahlia Creations is the real showcase of her work, but I wanted to get more detail, so we did an interview!
How would you describe what you do? I mean, you’re essentially a handbag/tote creator, right? You do all the material cutting and sewing?
Pam: While I don’t design my own patterns, I do everything else. I select the fabric/material based on what the individual wants or somethings if I just find some really cool fabric and get inspired. I cut everything out and sew it all together. It can take anywhere from 10 – 60 hours to make depends on the pattern. Certainly a labor of love.
How did you get started doing this?
Pam: I started sewing about 7-8 years ago making costumes and fun stuff like that. Then I started making retro inspired dresses. 40s, 50s, 60s styles. I was having a hard time finding handbags to match the outfits. So I looked for some patterns and found some and just started making them. I’d post on my personal Facebook page the different bags I was making. My friends kept commenting asking if I made them to sell. When my husband was going through cancer treatment, it gave me something to focus on instead of just taking care of him.
[do you want me to include that last bit?]
Pam: Sure you can. When going through something like cancer the caretaker has to take care of themselves as well. Having a hobby or something to focus on instead of the ick that is cancer is important
Do you have a favorite piece that you’ve done? Or, one that you really didn’t want to let go of?
Pam: I have several but the one that really sticks out is a sugar skull one. I just loved how that one came out. The woman who bought it was so excited because she just loves sugar skulls and well skulls in general. In fact the dress she was wearing matched the pattern on that bag pretty well so it went to the right home but part of me was sad to see it go.
What is your favorite part of the whole process?
Pam: Seeing it really start to come together. That particular bag has 45 individual pieces. It’s difficult to see how it will actually come together. Finding all the little fun things – like zipper pulls to match. Then seeing the person’s face when they see it done. Seeing the person’s face when they see their custom bag makes all the work rewarding.
A very big thank you to Pam for sharing her creations with us! Be sure to head over to her site and check out all the fabulous things she makes!