Mrs. H

BAGS OF STYLE

We talk with Samantha Hussey, who’s mad about bag design!

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHY YOU DECIDED TO SHARE YOUR BAG MAKING WITH OTHERS?

I’m an independent bag sewing patterns designer, based in south Wales. I started my business in 2011, but it wasn't until 2014 that I began building my brand. I’m dyslexic and I found that I have a rather fun superpower that lets me picture 3D shapes as their 2D components – which is ideal for designing bag patterns! I feel lucky to be able to share my passion with other bagineers (people who love making bags!).

DO YOU DESIGN ALL MRS H BAG PATTERNS?

Yes I do and I love designing sewing patterns that help bag makers to develop new skills and use beautiful hardware! I love seeing my patterns I've designed coming to life, and it’s great to see bag makers earning a living from selling the bags that they've made using my patterns.

WHERE DOES YOUR INSPIRATION FOR NEW BAG DESIGNS COME FROM?

With every bag pattern I design, I try to teach a technique or concept, or show bagineers how to use an element of beautiful hardware. The Jangles Anchor Bag uses gorgeous strap anchors from Emmaline Bags and teaches how to create an internal divider pocket. The Ring Sling uses clever construction to reduce the amount of stabiliser you need. And my newest sewing pattern, The Bucket Tote, teaches how to add an oval base to your bag and gives practice sewing around curves.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PATTERN THAT YOU’VE DESIGNED SO FAR AND WHY?

Oh, that's a tough one! I usually find myself loving whatever pattern I’m currently working on. My customers' favourites are The Companion Carpet Bag, The Dainty Daytripper, and The Squiffy Sling. It helps to see so many gorgeous versions being made in the sewing groups on Facebook and it just makes me fall in love with my patterns even more!

TELL US ABOUT THE BAG RETREAT YOU ORGANISE EACH YEAR?

We typically run four Bag Retreats a year at an amazing hotel in the beautiful Welsh valleys – The Ramada Cwrt Bleddyn spa hotel near Usk. Each Bag Retreat runs for three days and involves a lot of sewing, socialising, and cake! Retreat tickets include two nights’ accommodation, meals, exclusive sewing patterns, skill-building sessions, on-hand support and advice from me and my team, as well as access to the hotel’s spa facilities (if you have time!). We even have our own pop-up haberdashery, provided by Sew Hot! We’ve sadly had to cancel our spring Bag Retreats this year, but we’re looking forward to seeing our retreaters again soon!

WHAT IS THE BAG OF THE MONTH CLUB?

The Bag of the Month Club is a sewing pattern subscription club where our members receive a mystery bag pattern at the start of each month of the club. Each pattern is exclusive to club members for the duration of the club, so you won’t find them anywhere else! We’ve just had the final pattern of the Rising Stars Edition of the club, which ran from January through to April. Our next season of The Bag of the Month Club will run from August to November, and our early-bird discounted sign up will start on 15th July!

TELL US THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF?

My daughter’s nickname is Elvis. My favourite saying is, ‘Safety never takes a day off.’ Unusually for a crafter, I’m also a minimalist! Though I’m sorely tempted to add to my stash every time Sew Hot or Emmaline post something new to their pages!

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEWS TO SHARE WITH US?

I have a book coming out later this year, which is very exciting! The Complete Bag Making Masterclass and is a comprehensive guide to modern bag making techniques. It’s due for release at the end of July but you can pre-order from the website. Contact Mrs H www.mrs-h.com