Episode 117—Bagmaking as a Business, From Patterns to Production
Our guest today is Cristina Phaneuf, owner of Bumbleroot Design. Cristina shares her creative journey—from learning to sew by hand at a young age to discovering her passion for designing and making beautifully functional bags. Along the way, she’s carved out a distinctive niche in the sewing world, where thoughtful construction meets eye-catching design. Cristina also talks about how her background as a technical writer shapes her approach to pattern design, resulting in clear, thorough instructions that empower makers at every skill level. She’s refreshingly candid about the challenges she faced when exploring factory-level bag production, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to scale a handmade business. Whether you’re a bagmaker, a pattern enthusiast, or simply curious about the business side of sewing, this episode is full of insight, honesty, and creative inspiration.
SHOW NOTES
Bumbleroot Design website and Instagram
Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festivals
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Janet Szabo’s website
Big Sky Knitting Designs website—Purchase digital copies of Janet’s knitting patterns and order copies of her books.
The ‘Suck It Up, Buttercup’ Blog—Janet’s commentary on life in Montana
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