DIY City the mag |

smlbags.com

You probably wouldn’t think about turning an old curtain into a clutch, but that’s exactly what Shana Luther did with some vintage fabric that she was given. She cut it up and added some applique and it turned out to be a sort of pop-artcreation, and she was hooked! “It hurt a little when that bag was finallysold,” shared Shana, and we can see why - it is so distinctive.Shana began making bags as a hobby, but now she looks forward to when she can do it full-time. All of SML Bags bags are handmade by Shana in her Brooklyn studio. Shana loves to use vintage fabrics, but finds they often don’t hold up to some of her construction techniques. She finds all of her fabrics and leathers in and around “our fabulous garment district right here in NYC”. “I design for the woman who dresses around her accessories and isnot afraid of color. I’m inspired by classic, vintage lines but I loveusing unique, bold fabrics. ” “My favorite products right now for aiding me in the bag makingprocess - definitely my 2 heavy duty machines: A modern Singer and a1950’s steel Japanese Utility machine. That baby stitches through 5layers of leather!”Her advice for indie designers - “just follow your drive and what makes you happy. Be sure your craft of choice fulfills you because it’s a lot of hard work. People think I’m crazy for working on bags on the weekend, but I love it!”While she hopes to be selling to more stores this spring, you can find Shana’s bags and clutches online at her web site and at several stores in and around the NYC area: Rare Device in Park SlopeCaravan in ManhattanSubdivision in Queens.