JOIN USA bolt of fabric, a spool of thread
It was Susan John’s passion for bags that made the 28-year-old start her own venture ‘A Sunny Disposition’, which offers bags, clutches and wallets. An architect by profession, she decided to be a little more creative with her skills.
‘A Sunny Disposition’ is a home studio where each and every piece is lovingly crafted by her. “I stumbled upon sewing while exploring my
options in the US, four years ago. Ever since learning how to sew in a straight line, I have been hooked to it! I have taught myself since then and I’m always looking to learn more,” she says.
When Susan visits the local fabric stores in the City, she looks for fabric that appeals to her instantly. Then she tries to figure out what each of those fabrics has to be turned into — a tote, clutch, wallet or maybe even a diaper bag. Each piece is then sewn up, which she says is her favourite part. “This is when I submerge myself in the rhythm of the sewing machine paddle and forget the world around me. Once the final stitch is sewn and all the seams are pressed crisp, it is the best feeling in the world. The bags are then photographed by me or a few of my friends with fancy cameras,” she says.
Making bags was a natural progression because of her obsession for fine handbags and her love for sewing. “‘A Sunny Disposition’ is a happy place because I’m able to make something so lovely out of a bolt of fabric and a spool of thread. I want to extend that feeling of happiness to everyone who picks up my products. From the time the idea for a bag is conceived to carefully selecting fabrics, colours and finally coming up with a well-crafted product, each and every bag is made with so much of love and happiness,” she says.
Susan is mother to a two-year-old, and as much as working from home is a luxury, chalking out the exact amount of time to make the bags is not easy. But she takes roughly between one to two days per bag.
She sources fabrics from across the country and internationally. According to her, the biggest challenge is that there still isn’t appreciation for handmade products. “Marketing and advertising your brand while making time for do what you love is painstaking,” she ends.