Handcrafted in West Auckland by a 25- garment industry veteran, returning to a beautiful vintage Bernina sewing machine after a 25 -hiatus.
Maggs Bags fuses premium, upcycled soft furnishing samples with rugged canvas and sleek faux leather to create a one-of-kind wearable art.
The Nurture Companion Project.
Because I have been incredibly fortunate with gifts of beautiful fabrics from my community and businesses, I believe in weaving that generosity back into the world.
Every month, I handcraft and donate a special Nurture Companion Bag to a foundation to be passed along to a deserving parent or caregiver undergoing financial hardship. built for life’s meaningful journeys, driven by a mission to give back.
These bags are 42cm wide, 36cm deep, with two large zipped exterior pockets, one with a wipeable fabric. Inside there are deep pockets to fit large items, a small, zipped pocket to secure valuables. A key tab, so it’s easy to find your keys. Elastic bands to hold bottles, and a sturdy removeable base for easy cleaning.
So, when a family goes out, everything for their children can fit into this bag.
My Story : The face behind Maggs Bags
Behind the designs
Trend research and inspirations
I study international trends, styles, colours, and textures for fresh ideas. Some of my inspiration also comes from vintage bags styles as well.
Sketching & colouring
Every piece begins on paper, translating concepts into shapes, proportions and colour palettes
Fabric curation.
I hand select pair the fabrics. Like matching the bags exterior with a vibrant lining. - to ensure distinct contrast and durability. No black linings in sight.
Pattern drafting.
Many years back I was designing fashion garments, and I was taught the old school way, by a and incredible woman who lived it Titirangi. She taught me so much, I now apply the same techniques when I draft the bag patterns.
Iterative construction.
The construction is also a very creative process, making changes as I go. No two bags are the same, and they are all unique.
It’s been a learning curve for me, especially as a ‘very mature’ woman, and I am always wanting to improve. The design, pattern drafting, and construction.
Meet Mavis the Machine, and my cat Tassie.
Every single bag you see here is stitched on Mavis. My trusty vintage Bernina sewing machine, that was also gifted to me. She’s a classic powerhouse built to last, which means every seam is strong, every stitch deliberate, and every bag is made to handle real life.
Of course, I can’t take all the credit. No bag leaves my workspace without passing a rigorous inspection by Tassie, my resident Head of Quality Control. Whether she is supervising the cutting or napping on some fabric.
