Meet the maker behind Sew Helen Richardson
I’m Helen Richardson - maker of all Sew Helen Richardson creations.
Most of us carry a bag. The majority of these are mass produced in big factories, using all new materials.
As Sew Helen Richardson, I wanted to make bags that were different. Every bag I make is unique, a one-off, and each one incorporates some upcycled or reclaimed materials. I’m passionate about reducing the amount ‘rubbish’ that ends up in landfill.
Many of us have textiles that hold sentimental memories for us - dad’s old jacket, the trousers we bought on a special holiday, etc. These are often left unused in a cupboard. Or we have things that have damage and we know we can no longer wear. I can upcycle them into something useful and beautiful, and help us to keep those items with special memories in daily use.
However I know my makes won’t last forever, but Sew Helen Richardson bags are made from leather, denim, cotton – so once they do eventually reach the end of their life, they will mostly biodegrade unlike the thousands currently available to buy made from faux leather.
Oh and what do I do with my leather and fabric scraps? Well, I give them away to fellow creatives - such as leather jewellery makers.
The wonderfully generous Deb, owner of Me Made Makes in the UK, wrote a blog about me last year- and I was just blown away. Here is the link if you wanted to read it. Or why not visit her website if you want to buy lovely hardware ….or attend one of her bag making events.
sustainable materials
As Sew Helen Richardson, I love making bags, accessories and clothing from industrial waste or materials that are heading to landfill. This could be an old leather jacket with a broken zip or a tear, leather sofas that aren’t good enough to rehome, old denim jeans with holes, dated curtains and bedding…or whatever I pick up on my travels or find donated on my porch. And by using these materials I am guaranteed to be making totally unique items.
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Sew Helen Richardson best sellers
How people feel when they receive their Sew Helen Richardson make
Hello Helen, just wanted to say thank you for the most beautiful purse I received from you today. It is absolutely perfect and my Mum, who it’s for, is going to love it! I love the whole idea of you making such beautiful unique items from retired items of clothing.
Faultless item and service and I wish you all the best in the future. I hope your business succeeds as you and it, truly deserve it to. Thank you so much…..Jane, Cambridge
“Thank you to the wonderful Sew Helen Richardson x My old leather trousers transformed with love into a shoulder bag & clutch bag! Absolutely Fabulous 💗💗💗 Don’t hide your treasures away - use reuse repair recycle!” ….. Jayne, Brough
Hi Helen. I just wanted to say my sister in law loved her bag and really loved having her name in it so thanks for doing that extra bit. I have to restrain myself from buying everything you put on Insta! ….. Amanda, London
I absolutely love it 😍 Helen. Another gorgeous bag to add to my collection. For anyone who is thinking of getting one of Helen’s creations they are gorgeous and unique. The quality of the craftsmanship is superb, Helen has an eye for style and gets all the small details spot on. Thank you the very talented Sew Helen Richardson ……..Laura, Hull
I love everything about this bag!! The quality is fantastic and I appreciate that it's made with reclaimed leather. I love the unique shape and the lining is adorable. On top of that - Helen is amazing!!! She went above and beyond to get the bag to me and even included an extra surprise in the package. I am so pleased with this purchase. Thank you Helen, you are the best!! …..Vee, Saskatoon, Canada
The bag was exactly as described - excellent workmanship and extremely high-quality finish - even down to the beautiful packaging. Helen was also very quick to respond to queries and dispatch the bag once I placed my order ….. Jessica, Coventry
