Born Again Purses

Born Again Purses is a recycling shop I found on Etsy. They make the most amazing bags, coffee cozies, mittens, accessories etc. out of sweaters and ties. There are two people in Born Again Purses - Alisson and Mellissa, who live in Fredericton New Brunswick, Canada. Please check out their shop - there is an amazing selection of the coolest bags. I did notice that they have a listing for custom orders - they will make a bag for you using your favorite sweater or keepsake!! ( http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7324277 )


How did you decide on your shop name?

Our shop name was created by my co crafter's partner. He thought it would be a cute name since everything in our shop, unless it is destash, is recycled. Thus the items are Born Again.

How long have you been crafting?

We have been crafting since we were just young and I learned from my mother and went on to have a crafty mother in law who enjoyed creating items as well. It is in my blood and also in the environment.

What made you decide to use recycles materials?

We initially saw a pattern that we wanted to try in a magazine using a recycled sweater and I have to say it was far too difficult so we changed to suit our needs. Since then we have created mostly our own patterns and have increased the different items in our shop. We don't want to waste materials so we try to use every last scrap. Also my 7 year old is learning how to make things out of the wool and is using the scraps to create( it is just sweet).

What/who inspires you?

My mother was definitely an inspiration and I enjoyed doing things tremendously with my mother in law as well when she was alive. The extra money we have made from sales here and from other places is used for fun money. This past year we went on vacation with our children and part of the money came from the creation and selling of our purses so that is definitely inspiring for me. I love to travel and spend quality time with my family. They inspire me to get money saved so we can do fun things together!!!

Are there other crafts you would like to try?

I would really like to try to make a rag quilt and crochet a bit better but just have not had the time to do so. Previously I have tried knitting, stitching, and tole painting amoung other crafts.

What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?

The fun thing about what we are using right now is that I love working with the material so I really have not one favourite item. I made a his and her Christmas sock last year which was so much fun and it went really well at the craft shows.