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  Happy Okapi

Designer Spotlight - Swoon Edition

5/17/2017

35 Comments

 
What's this "Designer Spotlight" all about? Click here to read the intro post and take our poll.
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Today's featured designer is Alicia of Swoon Sewing Patterns. Alicia offers dozens of meticulously written bag patterns, for styles ranging from wallets and clutches, to duffel bags, and everything in between. Several of the patterns are even free! Alicia also takes part in the Bag of the Month Club, which features exclusive designs available only to members.
Swoon Sewing Patterns

Here's what Alicia had to say:

How long have you been sewing and what inspired you to start designing your own patterns?
I've been sewing for around 10-15 years. I'm not sure exactly when I started but my mom gave me a sewing machine for Christmas. I had no idea what to do with it! As far as pattern making goes, I used commercial patterns for years. I made clothing, curtains, bags. I got stuck on making bags for a long time and had the idea to make my own super simple pattern. I was a graphic designer so it wasn't too difficult. I drew the diagrams by hand, finished it, uploaded it for free on Craftsy.

What do you love most about your job?
Currently, the freedom. I had a baby a few weeks ago and it allows me stay home with him and work (when he lets me). 

What is the hardest part of the design process for you? 

The initial drawing of the pattern pieces is usually the most complicated. I often have to draw and then sew test bags at least three times before it's just right. 

What do you enjoy doing when you aren't working?

Napping. Or making soap. 

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Jalapeños. 

What is your favorite thing about bag making?

Bags are a lot of work, very time consuming. But you can use it every single day. And it always fits. 

What is your least favorite part of bag making?

Cutting pieces. Always.

Is there a pattern of yours that is your favorite? 

It changes too often to commit to one. I've been carrying a Pearl Wallet since the pattern was released and still love it just as much as when I made it.

What is your favorite pattern by another designer?

Necessary Clutch Wallet by Emmaline is brilliant. And all Amy Butler patterns!

What is your favorite snack?

Avocados! On anything.

What is your favorite piece of bag hardware?

Love zippers!

What machine do you sew on most often?

Juki 8700.

What advice would you give to someone who is new to bag making?

Take your time and read carefully.

Who is your favorite fabric designer?

Love Joel Dewberry, Melody Miller, Sarah Watts

What is the best compliment you've received as a designer?

I can't think of one at the moment. 

How organized is your sewing space? Are you a mess maker or everything in its place kind of person?

It's always a mess!

What is your favorite color?
Grey 

What is your favorite thing to listen to while working? 
We have three kids, silence is golden.

How do you make sure that your patterns are accessible to bagineers? How do you promote your work?
The Facebook group is a great resource for help! I try to keep promoting to a minimum outside the group. Word of mouth is best.

Enter to win a prize pack of PDFs from each of the designers featured in this series, check back each day for another entry!
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35 Comments
Sheila
5/17/2017 07:09:53 am

I started my bag making with Swoon patterns and 3 years later Swoon Patterns are still my favourite patterns. I love being part of the ever helpful and inspiring FB group too.

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Melissa link
5/17/2017 07:30:38 am

I love Swoon patterns! They were the first ones i stumbled upon when first sewing bags. I remember thinking wow this is great and way better than commercial patterns! I'm always anticipating the next pattern release!!

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Julie
5/17/2017 09:03:59 am

I love her patterns! The construction methods are amazing! I can't sew a straight line or around a curve well but these patterns make me look like a pro!

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Danette Stankovich link
5/17/2017 09:17:17 am

I have a few Swoon Patterns. They are fantastic! In fact, that makes me think, I've got to get one out and sew another bag!

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Abbe link
5/17/2017 10:08:48 am

I started with Swoon Patterns and never looked back! Every one is detailed, easy to follow, and comes together perfectly.

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Karen S
5/17/2017 10:13:10 am

Alicia has such great bags! I have been very tempted by the Weekender and the larger Brooklyn for short trips to visit my daughter. The weather is great, the sun is shining--NO MORE excuses :) And--Alicia--thank you for all the great free patterns, too!

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Donna W
5/17/2017 12:47:52 pm

Swoon has some great bag patterns.

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Jenn link
5/17/2017 05:17:31 pm

I love Swoon! I own them all!

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Kathy
5/17/2017 05:23:00 pm

I started with Swoon ....just love,the patterns!

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Stephanie Elliott
5/17/2017 05:30:29 pm

I love the simplicity of Swoon Patterns, Alicia is a great designer. She is the very reason I started sewing purses.

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Maria link
5/17/2017 05:44:49 pm

Just started Swooning! I am hooked! Fan for life!

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Sue Reed
5/17/2017 05:42:58 pm

I love Swoon patterns, simple, creative and Alicia is super supportive and encouraging :)

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Rachelle link
5/17/2017 05:51:34 pm

I first heard of Swoon from Reece years ago, she's the one who inspired me to try a had at bag making. I'm currently using my latest bag, Ethel as my everyday purse, I love it.

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Ginny Tan
5/17/2017 06:03:28 pm

I love Alicia's (Swoon) patterns as her instructions are very clear and logical. Thanks Alicia!

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Ellen
5/17/2017 06:07:09 pm

Very new to bag masking but have a few of Alicia 's patterns to try out. They're beautiful!

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Melissa (Books and Things) link
5/17/2017 06:10:11 pm

I love her patterns and she is my goto when I want to make something. :)

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Rita Darlene Brown
5/17/2017 06:30:06 pm

I love Alicia's patterns! Well written, affordable, and always turn out well.

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Jenny
5/17/2017 06:38:27 pm

I have not used any Swoon patterns yet, but I have a few downloaded and am excited to try them. They look like they are really organized well and have great instructions.

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Kathy
5/17/2017 06:47:41 pm

Swoon patterns are some of my favorites!

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Lisa Garcia
5/17/2017 07:50:58 pm

Love Swoon patterns! I started making them about a year ago. I love how easy to follow Alicia's patterns are.

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Carol Adams
5/17/2017 08:00:25 pm

Love, love, love Swoon patterns. Tried a couple of other patterns first and just about gave up. Swoon is my very favorite.

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Lana Hancock
5/17/2017 08:01:12 pm

My first bag to sew was the NCW and then I went to Swoon, I haven't looked back from there

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Miluše
5/17/2017 09:52:08 pm

We have a group on Facebook that sew only Swoon handbags. We are Czech-Slovak fans.We have 6000 people! Alicia thank you very much and good luck :)

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matti may
5/17/2017 10:06:12 pm

I never knew that making a bag could be so easy! i love swoon!!!!

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Leanne Borland
5/17/2017 11:53:31 pm

Love Swoon patterns, they are so well thought out, brilliantly explained and laid out and work perfectly! I'm currently in the middle of making a Lola and I can't wait to see the end result, then will be onto my first pearl!

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Aurélie
5/18/2017 01:11:57 am

I just love Alicia's patterns: they look so professional and beautiful! I still have to find the time to make my first Swoon, but I have the patterns ready. I just love them!

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Kris
5/18/2017 04:46:24 am

Love Swoon Patterns and Alicia is kind and giving. My fave!

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Mary-Nell Cole link
5/18/2017 05:44:08 am

Swoon has so many wonderful patterns. Something for everyone. :)

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Jane Luxenberg
5/18/2017 07:00:32 am

Love Swoon Patterns- well written- FB group offers great advice

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Donna Brown
5/18/2017 08:47:10 am

Love Swoon!

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Holly Tolman
5/18/2017 08:47:49 am

I've been using Swoon patterns since they were Paco Bean, and I own all of them (except Louise yet) and have sewn most of them up. I love the clarity of instructions and the details put in to these patterns.

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Kelly
5/18/2017 09:09:11 am

I absolutely adore Swoon patterns, great bags to make!

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Mary M
5/18/2017 12:03:20 pm

My first bag was okay, but my second bag was a Swoon (Evelyn), the difference was phenomenal, it looked professional and polished. And it got me hooked on bag making.

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DeAnna
5/18/2017 04:56:02 pm

I love Swoon patterns!! Super easy to follow and there is so much help if you get hung up on something!

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Kayla Hautz
5/20/2017 10:33:22 am

I LOVE Swoon patterns. I recently got into bag making. I have been making clothing. I started with Swoon bags and I got hooked!! Her patterns are so well written, and they look amazing completed.

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    Hi! I'm Reece and I love to sew! I'm also a mom and a wife. I love being crafty and sharing tips.

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