5 Questions for Those Who Make

In 25 words or less describe who you are, where you’re located and what you make.

I’m Martina of Swift Industries, a pannier and bicycle bag company located in downtown Seattle, WA. Along with Jason, Sonia and Ilana - we handcraft bags for the adventuring bicyclist. 

What made you want to be a maker?

We are makers because the process of designing and building is a dialogue between inspiration, tools, and our environment that strengthens our sense of place. 

Why should people support your business/products?

The Big Picture for Swift is to rethink the values that our cultures assign manufacturing and work. The Little Big Picture is to inspire folks to use their bicycles to travel. If that fuels you too, then welcome to the family!

Favorite product that you make?

We’re really excited by the Ozette Rando Bag and Trunk Saddle Bag combination. From our end, the two are very complex to create, and we offer a new aesthetic to very classical randonneuring luggage. 

List five of your favorite tools.

1) Sewing machine 
2) Rotary Cutter
3) Snips
4) Tailoring Chalk 
5) Coffee Maker  

(photographs from Swift Industries)

5 Questions for Those Who Make

In 25 words or less describe who you are, where you’re located and what you make.

Hello! I’m Lissa of Barnacle Bags. I make waxed canvas rucksacks and totes in my cabin on Lopez Island, WA.

What made you want to be a maker?

It all happened quite suddenly. I arrived home from a trip to Nicaragua about 5 years ago with a desire to learn to sew. My first project was to make a rucksack to carry my groceries home in. I fell in love with the process of creating an item from scratch. I spent time learning my craft, receiving tips from others and teaching myself. I began selling my products on the internet and it opened up a whole new world. I am able to create my bags at home, sell them to wonderful people all around the world and become self employed. Being a maker is a ton of work but I don’t think I will ever leave it.

I believe in creating a durable good that can last for many years and be with you on many adventures. I spend time reaserching my materials. I use organic cotton whenever possible, it is very important to me. All my bags are lined with organic cotton.  I think it is a small step in the right direction on helping save this beautiful world we live in. I spend time and put love into each bag. Not very often these days you can say that one person made an item from the designing, sewing and packaging process. Support handmade, it feels good! 

Favorite product that you make?

The striped waxed canvas rucksack. It is a classic and timeless design. I love the colors and use of organic / waxed fibers. It was my first waxed canvas rucksack and will be here to stay. This spring I am releasing a new collection and this color combination will be on at least one of the new designs. Stripes, I just love them! 

List five of your favorite tools.

1) Consew 226: My industrial sewing machine which I was lucky enough to find right here on Lopez Island. 
2) Osborne Revolving hole punch
3) Thread Cutter
4) Wooden Ruler 
5) Notebook + Pen  

(photographs from Barnacle Bags)