midwest wedding, Middle of the Map Weddings

I often look on Etsy to find great wedding vendors to feature on the blog.  As we all know sometimes it can be a challenge to sift through all the shops and find unique, quality products, and that’s what really struck me about The Social Seam, today’s featured vendor.  Owner and designer Julie really puts a lot of craftsmanship and care into all of the bags she creates.  Her clutches make amazing bridesmaids gifts, her bow ties add a touch of charm to any groomsmen’s ensemble, and her bridal bags are the perfect accessory for any bride to be (my favorite is the Elle).  Here’s more about Julie, and The Social Seam (and p.s. I’m crazy jealous of her awesome in-home studio space):

Where to find her: Etsy shop/website, Facebook, Twitter

Where do you live, work, and play?

I live in Overland Park, Kansas, work in my pink and white home sewing studio and work part time at a local fabric and quilt shop.

When did you first become interested in sewing, and what sparked your interest?

My earliest sewing memory was as a child in my mom’s sewing room, probably around 8 years old. Mom sewed most of the girls clothes and some of my brother’s, and I remember sewing stuffed animals for my bed. Mom thinks she cut out most of my patterns for me.  In my junior high home ed. class for the sewing project I made a brushed denim wrap skirt.  Later, as a mother of young children, I got serious about perfecting my skills and took a class at Harper’s (a fabric store in Kansas) called Sewphisticates. I took that class for years before finally graduating.

When did you decide to start your business, The Social Seam?

The Social Seam began in 2008. I was sewing wedding gown alterations at a local bridal boutique and the owners were so gracious in allowing me to sew, display and sell clutches in their shop.  Then I found Etsy and opened an online store. The name of my business is just a play on words, as I am a seamstress envisioning my clutches, wraps and bow ties being out in the social scene.

Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?

Inspirations for my designs come in a few forms. I am from the Show-Me state, and a visual learner, so when I see a detail here or there, or see a luxurious fabric, I can take an idea and incorporate it into a clutch.  The Christine Clutch design comes from the back of an Alvina Valenta wedding gown, and the Elle Jane Clutch was inspired by a Valentino bag.  One little detail on a Michael Kors clutch inspired me to design the Norma Clutch. About 5 years ago I made a wool skirt with a strip of wool that was gathered up and hand sewn onto the front of the skirt in a swirly design. That’s my inspiration for the Kimberly Clutch.  I’ve named my designs after family members, friends and the people who have inspired me.

Brides can come to me with their wedding colors to have any clutch design sewn to match.  If a bride or bridesmaid is having their dress custom made for them, I can sew a matching clutch out of their fabric remnants.

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