Biography

I have always 'made things', starting from when I was 18, and had nothing to wear to a job. My father said he would buy any fabric I liked as long as I finished the garment and wore it at least once. It started me down the road of exploring (and hoarding) fabric. 

My great-grandmother and grandmother were also makers – the first a pattern maker for a designer in NYC, and the second, a great seamstress. They had few resources; they made, made-do, used again, saved, and repurposed. I can hear my grandmother saying “that’s too good to throw out’ as she bundled up some piece of twine or paper. And they loved fabric. 

The Lazarus Tote Bag is so named for the idea of resurrecting something discarded. It combines my inherited love of fabric, a compulsion to make, and the “that might be good for something” outlook. They are constructed from discarded upholstery samples, seat belts salvaged from auto yards, and discarded web straps used to ship lumber 

They have two hand straps, one shoulder strap, are composed of three different upholstery samples, have an outside, contrasting pocket, and are lined, usually with colourful cotton. No two are alike. 

I like to think my great-grandmother and my grandma would be proud of me (and want a bag).