Today we're chatting with handbag designer Sidney Brand. Sidney has been a pattern designer for 26 years (if you're the crafty type, you can find her handbag patterns here). She also offers one of a kind handmade purses, totes, and handbags on her site, Sid's In Stitches.


How did you get started as a designer? I've been a pattern designer for years, and first started "designing" since I could sew (at age 10). I started out designing cross-stitch, then went on to quilt and accessory patterns. Now I'm enjoying giving the purse and handbag collector unique, humorous, and functional everyday bags!

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? Work hard at developing your own look – that may seem a given, but too many beginning designers are derivative. Be an original, learn from others, but stick to your own vision!

What inspires your work? Fabric 9 - prints, colors, combinations.

Who are your favorite designers? Jay McCarroll, Jonathan Adler, Brini Maxwell (Ben Sanders).

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? A good moisturizer and the biggest earring collection (dangly ones)
possible!

Where can people find your work? sidquilts.etsy.com

We love all of the amazing independent designers out there and we wanted to find out more about what makes these creative types tick. If you do too, check out more of our Indie Designer Interviews.