Interview With Lisa Lam

We have been fortunate enough to interview Lisa Lam, bag maker extrodinaire!  She is the owner of the U Handbag website which stocks a huge range of bag making supplies.  She is also the author of The Bag Making Bible which we reviewed here.

Hi Lisa, first off can you tell us about your book?  How did the book come about? 

It all started with my craft blog, U-Handblog.  David & Charles wanted a comprehensive and technical bag making title to add to their ‘Bible’ series of craft books. A commissioning editor from D&C saw my blog, read my posts and my tutorials then decided that I would be the right person to write the Bag Making Bible.

How long did it take to write?

From research to final editing about 8 months.

What was the hardest bit of writing a book? And the best?  

The worst: being stuck indoors away from family and friends whilst you have write.  Also finding the words to explain an instruction in a simple but elegant way can sometimes hurt your brain!  The best thing by far has to be the feedback you get from readers and then seeing pics of items that they have made from your book is totally amazing (and the thing that makes the book process feel most real!) http://www.flickr.com/groups/the-bag-making-bible/

Are you amazed by the response to the book?

Like yeah!  I am completely taken aback by the response.  I was just hoping that the projects worked and that the reviews on Amazon were going to be kinda friendly.  The whole time I was writing the book I was really really hoping people would like it.  I think the pressure is on when you write your first book because you’re new to the whole writing thing. You worry that your first book might not be well received (and that might really affect your chances or writing another).  The lovely feedback I have received has given me the opportunity, confidence and motivation to write another book!

Does it feel odd that a while ago you were interviewing designers for Craft Boom and now people want to interview you?

Yes it does feel kind of surreal, but in the most delightful way.  I think I’m an ordinary person who loves her slippers as much as the next crafter. It just so happens that I am obsessed with something [bag making/sewing] that lots of other people enjoy. I’ve always thought the best way to enjoy something is to share that enjoyment with others.  A yummy cake, a tasty fabric find or sharing sewing tips.  All these things are more joyful when you share them with others.  I think the more you share; the more folks are likely to want to connect with you (because you have tried to connect with them).

Did you already have plenty of ideas ready or did it take a while to think up so many patterns and tips?

I am lucky enough to be able to ask my readers and customers what they’d like explained or what they feel is lacking in term of bag making techniques or patterns. I’m very fortunate in that my readers are a chatty bunch who are happy to let you know what they do and don’t like.  For the book I looked though my customer emails and my blog comments and then I wrote about the most commonly recurring themes.

The fabrics you used in the book were stunning; do you have a favourite fabric designer?

Thanks!  My fave fabric designer is Amy Butler not just because her designs are so fresh and alive, but also because her style is so distinctively hers (plus she’s a friend – hehe!)

I understand there is another book in the offing; can you tell me more about that?

Yes, the plan is that the new book will be published in 2012. I am doing the research for it now. All I can say is that it is another bag title (because a lot of people have requested it). This time it will be a book of my bag designs.  I’m very excited about the new book’s concept especially as it hasn’t been done before.  I have to keep the everything under wraps for now.

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

Pick a bag pattern that is achievable for your skill level, have fun and most importantly relax.  The great thing about bag making is that you can go to go to town with your fabric and trimmings yet you can pick a very simple bag shape to make. The bag will still look fab because the fabric will do a lot of the talking. Also spend a little time learning about interfacing because interfacing is so important in effective bag making.

When did you first start sewing and what got you into bag making?

I started sewing at about eight when my mum first threaded up her sewing machine for me.  According to my mum, my first piece of sewing was a simple sheath dress for my Sindy doll.  I also did cross stitch and knitting but neither of them was as fun as being allowed to run amok on my mum’s sewing machine.  I had made a few bags for my Mum and my Aunties when I was growing up, but I took up bag making on a bigger scale when I ran my own craft market stall in Greenwich.

Can you remember the first bag you ever made?

Yes, it was a simple tote for my Aunty when I was about 13. The fabric was a butterfly print onto which I stitched some glittery sequins. 

What made you decide to set up the U-handbag site?

During the time I ran my market stall my bags sold well so I had to greatly increase the amount of bag making supplies I was buying. I found it hard to find pretty supplies and I always had to buy from lots of different suppliers.  Other craft and bag makers in the market complained of the very same thing. So I thought ‘hmmm, perhaps there’s a gap in the market…’ 

What can people find on your site?

We stock everything you need to make your own bags and purses at home, but importantly we also provide lots of free help and advice (on the site and the blog) for bag making newbies and fanatics alike.  You’ll find wide selections of bag handles, purse frames, sewing patterns, bag metal accessories, fabrics and interfacings and interlinings.

What did you do prior to U-handbag?

Oh I have a very mixed-up work history – which in the end has been invaluable! In the past amongst other things I’ve owned a successful restaurant, completed a psychology degree, worked as a play therapist, I’ve completed an accessories course at London College of Fashion, then I set up my craft market stall. U-Handbag though is by far the best job I’ve ever had and I’m sure I’ll keep doing for as people want to make their own bags!

What plans do you have for the future?

Ohhh! I think it would be fair to say more of the same.  I want to keep my shop running and I also want to continue designing and book writing.  I’d like to increase my designing and writing activities.  I’ll be visiting the USA this year and next to market my book and my new book – which is unbelievably exciting.  I’m sure that will bring all sorts of new and fun craft adventures so who knows what the future holds?

Many of us out there are trying to make a business from our craft hobbies – as someone who has very successfully done that what advice could you pass on?

I know you will hear this again and again, but when it comes to running a business I think passion is the most essential ingredient. Because with passion comes: the stubbornness to keep going when things aren’t quite going your way; the drive to work the long hours, the will to educate yourself in business/craft techniques/websites/importing/social media/ or whatever and it helps greatly with your level of self-belief.  Running your own business is hard work, but it’s incredibly satisfying.  I’ve learned how to run my business on the fly and there’s something new to learn everyday.  Other advice; start small and grow in a controlled manner, try not to set-up with a bank loan (rather try to use savings or ask for help from family and friends), never be afraid to ask for help, research and marketing are essential and needs to be done throughout the life of your business.  Don’t let fear stop you from taking the plunge, yes it’s scary, but give yourself a chance to surprise yourself!

To visit Lisa's website please visit http://www.u-handbag.com/.  You can purchase her book through her website (signed copies) or on Amazon by clicking this link.