Handmade Bags, Baby Bibs and Accessories - Meet 144 Collection
Last month, I decided to take the meet the makers challenge given by Joanne Hawker on Instagram. I honestly did not think I would be able to stick through the month-long challenge. As I posted every day, it gave me a chance to talk about my successes, failures and how I started this handmade life. It has been far from easy but definitely worth every stress filled moment. I thought it would great to share those stories here and bit more about who we are.
My Sewing Work Space
Hello, I am Lesia (pronounced Lisa) Griffin I design, sew, create, photograph, blog, etc. for 144 Collection. I was born, raised and live in New York City (Queens to be exact). I started sewing years ago to help me de-stress from my day job. I had no idea that I would love it as much I did. I was drawn in by the fact that I could make unique one-of-a-kind pieces that no one else had. I could also make bags the exact way that I wanted to with things like extra pockets or certain fabrics. The possibilities are endless when you’re sewing. The name 144 Collection came from my address where I first started sewing (as did our logo). The original collection started in 2006 with five handbags and 2 wristlets (see below). It has grown from handbags and wristlets to leather makeup bags, crossbody bags, baby accessories and even quilts.
The GreenLee Bag
The Jessica Bag
The Valerie Hobo Bag
The Ali Bag
The Tracy Tote Bag
The Dorothy Wristlet
Denim Wristlets
In 2006, I placed an advertisement on a sewing site and was lucky to come across Mary Sue Lee who became my seamstress. Mary Sue or “Susie” is a universal maker, quilter and crafter of just about anything and everything. She runs a handmade business called Susie by George based in her hometown of Hastings, Michigan. Besides sewing, Susie spends her time traveling with her husband Randy. I can tell you first hand she also makes some to die for jams from her garden. Over the years, Susie’s has helped 144 Collection grow with her top-notch sewing skills and attention to detail. I honestly don’t know what I would do without her.
Susie at Work on 144 Collection Handbags
As we continue our handmade journey, we stay committed to providing our customers with high quality, rich colorful prints for all types of occasions and events. We appreciate you not only buy our products but support our handmade business with your comments and posts on social media.
144 Collection at the NY Handmade Collective - Ready, Set Summer at the Grand Bazaar NYC
144 Collection at the NY Handmade Collective - Ready, Set Summer at the Grand Bazaar NYC
144 Collection at Boutiqueloo in Astoria, New York
144 Collection at Boutiqueloo in Astoria, New York
144 Collection at Boutiqueloo in Astoria, New York
144 Collection at Boutiqueloo in Astoria, New York
If you are new to our handmade blog, follow along us at 144 Collection on Instagram and Facebook to see what new and exciting things we are working on.
#handmadehandbags #babybib #meetthemakers #supportingsmallbusiness #handmadebusiness #crafters #makers #designers #oneofakindgifts
