Crystalyn Kae Blog

I’ve tried many versions of this business—retail, studios, employees, contractors, wholesale, and markets. What I’ve learned is that success doesn’t come from constant expansion or overwork. It comes from building something that supports a full, well-lived life.

A rare discovery from a Boeing pilot’s estate inspired a special collaboration with Seattle’s Museum of Flight. Crafted from genuine mid-century airplane upholstery, this limited run of 96 one-of-a-kind bags connects aviation history with sustainable design.

A coated canvas bag begins with a strong woven fabric that’s treated with a permanent protective glaze. Unlike faux leather or polyurethane, coated canvas won’t peel or crack—and at Crystalyn Kae, ours are even machine washable. For nearly 25 years, this eco-conscious material has been the backbone of our most-loved, long-lasting bags

Ever wonder why your 'same size' jeans fit differently each time you order them? It comes down to one thing most brands skip: the tech pack. Here's how a handwritten note to my mom taught me that consistency isn't magic—it's communication, and why the details you never see matter more than you think.

The Crafts(wo)manship Behind Every Crystalyn Kae Bag When you carry a Crystalyn Kae bag, you’re not just wearing something pretty—you’re holding a piece of thoughtful, deliberate craftsmanship. Every curve, stitch, and choice of material is guided by care: for quality, for...

This is the first sewing machine I ever used—a 1951 Singer Featherweight. Just like the name suggests, it’s tiny, light (only 11 pounds!), and folds neatly into a petite black suitcase.⁠ It belonged to my Grandma Nancy and was also...

Last fall, after the broken sewing machine debacle, I vowed to never be reliant on one sewing machine ever again. (And if I'm really being honest, witnessing firsthand the mass exodus of factories in New York's Garment Center during the height...

For young designers just starting out these are the skills and methodologies to keep you in the game for the long-haul   Do as much as you can to get your business off the ground before leaving your day job. Think...

After having tinkered with and restored over a dozen sewing machines this year, many folks have asked how to get started fixing up their own vintage sewing machine. Recently I wrote an in depth overview about where to find reliable...

All too often, we forget the stories behind the things we use everyday. But when we take a moment to learn about where something comes from, it can add a whole new layer of meaning to our experience. 

Have you ever had one of those moments where you see something and it just clicks? That's how I felt when I saw Lee Krasner's Icarus painting. The bold colors, the punctuated bursts of reds and pinks ...it was like nothing I had ever seen before. And it inspired me to create a collection of vintage fabric bags and sustainable recycled leather purses.

Pony hair, as luxurious and intriguing as it sounds, doesn't actually come from ponies. Love it or hate it, pony hair has captivated fashion enthusiasts for decades. Its luxurious feel, combined with its ability to be transformed into stunning patterns and colors, has made it a perennial favorite. From the glamorous Hollywood Golden Age to modern-day runways, pony hair has maintained its allure.

Does Croc-embossed leather come from crocodiles? Let's start from the beginning, when we say we use crocodile-embossed recycled leather, it does not mean we use the skin of crocodiles. Rather it is cowhide, which is a byproduct of the meat industry.  It probably didn't...

  Patchwork bags are here!  We've collaged buttery-soft lambskin remnants from our own collection, and then Crystalyn lovingly zig-zag stitched each together, on our 1930's era Zig Zag sewing machine. Not only does it give a textural interest,  it's also makes your bag super secure,...

Every Crystalyn Kae bag is designed and sewn in Seattle using reclaimed textiles chosen for durability and character. Made in small batches since 2001, these bags are built for real life — including the washing machine.

With 2021 coming to a close, and 2022 finally here, it is so important to take time to reflect on what success and highs got me to this point and the new year. So let’s get into it!   Expanded my...

Here at Crystalyn Kae we outsource our fabrics in a variety of different ways. And, quite frankly ways you wouldn't even think of, or (expect)! So here is the FULL rundown you all should hear, especially with holidays creeping up,...

  Why do we need to invent new fabrics, if we have so much waste? Having more than 20 years of experience in the bag-making industry, I've found myself thinking the following: Why do we need to invent new fabrics,...

Crystalyn Kae meets Dave Clark, CEO Worldwide Consumer. It was a normal, average day in the office… (or should I say workshop) until I get an email regarding a visit with Dave Clark of amazon to MY workshop. Mind blown....

From grandma’s couch to a timeless handbag — see how we transformed stacks of midcentury vintage upholstery swatches into one-of-a-kind floral bags. A behind-the-scenes look at our process, from washing the fabrics to cutting them into new life

"Avoid these 10 common mistakes and turn your next craft show into a success! Learn how to prepare, set up your booth, and interact with customers to boost sales. Craft shows are a fantastic way for handmade businesses to connect with customers and make sales. However, navigating the world of craft shows can be tricky, especially for newcomers. This guide explores 10 common mistakes crafters make at shows and offers practical tips to transform your booth into a customer magnet.

Once relegated as an upholstery fabric until made fashionable by Coco Chanel in the 1950's this textural fabric called Boucle has become a classic staple of French style. Popularized further in the 1960's by Jackie Kennedy, boucle has become a mainstay of today's fashion.

 

While thrift shopping in Seattle, Crystalyn discovered an entire roll of unused boucle fabric that just begged to be made into bags.