Just in case you thought it was prettier...

I've been getting questions on how my pieces are made and by who lately... Here's the scoop on the two most often asked questions.

One: Are Bari J. products handmade? Yes.

This is how I produce bags at this time:  After being professionally backed for durability, fabrics are sent back to me where the patterns are cut.  By me. All art work, appliques etc. are done personally by me. There are no templates or patterns for appliques. And no one ever helps me with that. After the bags are cut and marked, they are sewn either by me, or it is sent to a local seamstress. I can't do it all by myself, but they are NOT made in a factory. All belts, brooches and aprons are made by me. I had someone help with the ribbons brooches, but that turned out to be a mistake. (don't ask). I may eventually send the pieces to a more formal sewing room, but for the time being, my group of local sewers is working out just fine. We have guidelines for consistency and have set processes for which the bags are made.

Two: Are the fabrics vintage? Fabrics for handbags are vintage inspired. I don't use vintage fabrics on handbags for reasons of durability. I will throw in a vintage fabric here and there on belts and aprons though.

So that's the dealy. It's usually a mess in here. There's always the occasional dog to step over, kids come in and out and it's just not as neat and pretty as I'd want it to be. But despite the mess, the chaos, and the really hard work it is more fun and more fulfilling than I ever dreamed it could be.

Comments

[Bethany]

1.

Oh I loooove that cutting table :) And the sweet puppy too!

[kalurah]

2.

I am so impressed that you do everything practically by yourself.
you go, girl!