Crystalyn Kae Blog

Crystalyn Kae bags are sewn on restored industrial machines built for durability and precision. From walking foot construction to double-needle strap reinforcement, the tools behind each bag determine seam strength, load distribution, and long-term performance.

Last Friday I had 3 of my beloved customers come to the workshop to play with the scraps!  A creative team event to make handbags It all started back in April when I decided to create an engaging event for my team. We landed...

“I ran across this Crystalyn Kae Baby Bag and that ding-ding-ding, light bulb flashing sort of deal went off in my head. Not only is this baby bag not the typical box shape, it is also washable!! Score!I think this … 

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...

What is the environmental impact of manufacturing the vegan bags? I have a hard time with people who say that buying a vegan bag is going to save the planet, because at the end of the day: buying fake leather...

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...

We couldn't be happier to have our best-selling Metier Tote included in a roundup of Vegan Handbags in Vegetarian Times Magazine! Check it out!    "Want to walk the talk, and look stylish too? You can with any of these handbags. The designers showcased...

What is the best gift of Valentine's Day? What should I get my girlfriend for Valentines? Looking for Valentine's day gift ideas? Want to support small businesses during this season of love? And all of 2023 for that matter? Check out...

Step inside my Seattle studio, where I make sustainable bags from reclaimed materials and vintage fabrics — each one crafted to be both beautiful and useful.

 

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.

Looking up from my cluttered desk, my thoughts kept wandering to the 1975 cult film / documentary 'Grey Gardens' about the eccentric women of the film, particularly 'Little' Edie. . . how she found a magical world in her seclusion, and her sense of creating her own version of 'fashion'.  

Little Edie Beale would pin sweaters over her head as a scarf, and wrap scarves around her legs as a 'skirt', to perform dance routines on her crumbling mansion porch in East Hampton. 

This film was the impetus for a whole collection - starting with making use of the 1970's era chevron skirt  that was far too narrow-waisted for any human to comfortably wear,  and finally mustered the bravery to cut into this exceptionally well-pieced skirt into some crossbody bags.

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.

Croc-embossed leather doesn’t come from crocodiles—but how it’s made might surprise you. Learn how this material is created, why it’s considered a more responsible option, and how our approach to reclaimed materials has evolved over time.

So often I hear people complain about that they can't fit their large iPhone in our smallest crossbody bag. That's why we created an inch BIGGER Cha Cha bag! Now all of our Cha Cha small crossbody bags are a little...

Guest post by our team member Tiina Here's the story, we call the XL Troubadour tote the perfect bag for a weekend trip. So, when my trip approached, there was no question - my high-end and sustainable handbag is coming with me. To...

  Let me tell you a story about how our Mother's day sale went! It all started with an idea to host a live Mother's Day sale! I've done it a few times before so I kinda knew what to expect....

  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,...

What pushed us to use psychedelic colors? So as we planned our new Summer collection the idea grew on us and we decided it was time for something outrageous and fun. Let's combine practical handmade bags made with the highest quality craftsmanship,...

Guest post by our team member Tiina How to pack light for a long trip? Beginning of February I was faced with an important question: what to take with me on a month-long trip to Dubai? The aim of this...

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.

Well, this is a new one – a clutch used as a itty-bitty diaper bag.  How clever! Tara sent me these cute photos of herself & her little guy Aiden with the pleated clutch:   “Here’s a photo of how … Continue reading →