One of the things I love most about what I do is that I never really know where my next idea is going to come from.
It might start with a fabric I discover while traveling, a conversation with a customer, something I see while I’m out and about, or even a simple question like, “Could you make something like this?”
And that’s exactly what keeps creating so much fun for me.
I Have a Little Fabric Problem...
Okay, maybe it’s not such a little problem! 😊
Over the years, I have collected a LOT of fabric.
Whenever I discover a new fabric store, you can pretty much guarantee I’m going inside. And when I go back to one of my favorite shops, I rarely—okay, never—leave without at least a few new fabrics.
I love walking through the aisles and seeing all the different colors and patterns. I’m always imagining what each fabric could become.
Would this make a great tote?
Would that print be fun on a crossbody?
Would someone love this as a water bottle bag?
Sometimes I buy a fabric without having any idea what I’m going to make with it. I simply love it and know that eventually, the right project will find it.
And Then There's Spoonflower...
Another place I love exploring for fabric inspiration is Spoonflower.
What makes Spoonflower especially fun is the incredible variety of designs available. Many of the patterns are created by independent artists and designers, so choosing one of their fabrics is also a way of supporting someone else’s creativity.
I can spend a lot of time browsing all those designs!
There are fabrics for practically every personality, hobby, destination, interest, color palette, and occasion you can imagine. That opens up so many possibilities—especially when I'm working on a custom creation.
If you're looking for something very specific and I don't already have the perfect fabric in my collection, you can browse Spoonflower yourself. When you find a design you love, simply send me the design ID number or a picture of it, and we can talk about turning it into something made especially for you.
Some of My Favorite Ideas Come From You
As much as I enjoy dreaming up new designs on my own, I also love getting ideas and input from my customers.
Sometimes someone needs a bag in a different size. Maybe they want an extra pocket, a longer or shorter strap, a particular closure, or a fabric that represents somewhere they've traveled or something they love.
Other times, someone will describe an idea I've never made before—and that's when my creative wheels really start turning.
“Can you make this?”
My first thought is usually, Let's see how we can do it!
That's one of my favorite parts of custom work. You're not simply choosing something I've already created. You're becoming part of the creative process.
We can talk about how you'll use it, what size you need, which features would make it work better for you, and, of course, which fabric makes you smile.
What Should I Make Next?
Here's where I'd love your help.
What would you like to see me create?
Is there a type of bag or accessory you've been searching for but can't quite find?
Is there something you already use that you'd love to see made differently?
Maybe there's a pocket you've always wished your bag had, a size that would work better for you, or a completely new accessory you'd love to see me try.
Tell me!
Some of my best ideas have come from simply listening to what people need and then heading into my sewing room to figure out how to make it happen.
After all, creating something unique is what Betsy Platt Originals is all about.
There are plenty of ordinary accessories in the world.
I'd much rather make something that's colorful, useful, personal—and maybe just a little unexpected.
And you never know...your idea might just inspire my next creation. ❤️
Because life is too short to carry a boring bag.
— Betsy
Betsy Platt Originals