Welcome back, makers and dream-weavers! Settle in with a fresh bobbin and a mug of something delicious, because today we’re unspooling a story that’s equal parts inspiration, innovation, and pure sewing joy. Our latest Bag Maker’s Club spotlight turns a bright studio light on Celine of Blue Calla Designs, the Montreal designer whose patterns slip effortlessly between practical everyday carry-all's and fashion-forward showstoppers. If you’ve ever wondered how a single idea blossoms into a bestseller like her new Zabelia bag, Celine’s journey is the creative pep-talk you didn’t know you needed.
We kicked off our chat in true maker style—surrounded by stacks of floral cottons, rolls of vegan leather, and that unmistakable hum of a well-loved domestic machine. Celine revealed that Blue Calla’s signature curves come from her obsession with the way petals fold around the heart of a flower; every dart and seam line in Zabelia mimics that gentle, organic motion. She laughed when she told us she sketches most of her ideas at midnight, when the house is quiet enough to hear fabric calling her name. “There’s magic in silence,” she said, tracing an imaginary pattern piece in the air. “That’s when the shapes start talking.”
Tucked among the rolls of faux leather and blooming cottons, we captured an exclusive sit-down with Celine that’s bursting with light-bulb moments, construction hacks, and a behind-the-scenes peek at her pattern-drafting process.
Tucked among the rolls of faux leather and blooming cottons, we captured an exclusive sit-down with Celine that’s bursting with light-bulb moments, construction hacks, and a behind-the-scenes peek at her pattern-drafting process. During filming, Celine walked us through her favorite materials—she’s smitten with Sallie Tomato’s Solar Shimmer faux leather for the contrast panels—and demonstrated a riveting trick that keeps hardware perfectly aligned without a single wonky hole. Watching her work is like witnessing slight-of-hand; one moment you’re staring at a flat rectangle, the next it’s a fully lined pocket with crisp topstitching that would make any tailor tip their thimble.
For our members who love a good skill stretch, the Zabelia pattern delivers in spades. You’ll tackle curved gussets, zipper-overlay magic, and that all-important base support that lets your bag stand tall even when empty. Celine insists that confidence is the best interfacing, but she’s generous with practical tips too: keep your iron a whisper below cotton-setting when fusing woven interfacing to cork and always punch hardware holes through a scrap first to feel the resistance. “Practice is the slow dance between fear and mastery,” she mused, and honestly, we felt that in our seam-ripper-scarred souls.
Looking ahead, our sewing calendar reads like a star-studded runway. March ushers in the rustic-modern flair of Country Cow Designs, April struts the sleek cosmopolitan lines of Bagstock Designs, and May promises playful textural surprises from Knotted Threads. Every month adds a new dimension to your maker’s toolbox, transforming techniques that once felt intimidating into second nature. By the time summer rolls around, you’ll glance at your handcrafted collection and realize you’ve quietly built a capsule wardrobe of bags that would make even the most seasoned craft-fair veteran do a double-take.
So, dear stitcher, thread that needle, queue our Blue Calla interview, and let the rhythmic dance of feed dogs and presser feet guide you into your next great make. The Bag Maker’s Club isn’t just a subscription; it’s an ever-evolving masterclass wrapped in brown paper packages tied up with measuring tape. We’re saving you a seat at the cutting table—and maybe a pastel macaron on the side—because creativity is always sweeter when shared.
Become a part of our exclusive Bag Maker’s Club and unlock a new creative journey each month with a surprise kit delivered right to your doorstep.
Thoughtfully curated by the Sallie Tomato team, each kit includes premium materials—coordinating hardware, vibrant zippers, contrast fabrics, and more—designed to pair beautifully with that month’s featured pattern.
As a member, you’ll enjoy access to exclusive content including expert tutorials, designer interviews, and tips to elevate your skills. Whether you're a seasoned sewist or just beginning your bag-making adventure, the Bag Maker’s Club offers the perfect balance of inspiration, education, and creative delight.
Join today and experience the joy of crafting something truly special—one beautifully wrapped project at a time. Until next time, may your topstitching be straight, your bobbin always full, and your imagination forever in bloom. We can’t wait to watch your Zabelia blossom.
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