Alicia Wietholter

I’m a graphic designer by trade and fell in love with sewing many years ago. I think it was a natural path for me to mesh the two and start drafting my own sewing patterns. There’s nothing I like sewing together more than bags, so that’s mostly what I do! I am not much for frills, ruffles, or an obvious “homemade” look (much to the dismay of my 7 year old), so my patterns create bags that are simple, clean and easily modified by the advanced bag-maker.

Find Alicia online:
Website — Blog — Facebook — Pinterest — Instagram — Flickr

Meet Alicia

Pellon®: Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Alicia Wietholter: I find a lot of ideas at the store, I note what’s trendy yet classic enough to not go out of style tomorrow and implement similar details using techniques I learn mostly by trial and error. The ladies who sew Swoon patterns provide a lot of inspiration, they have so many great ideas.

P: What does your creative process entail?
AW: A lot of coffee.

P: Why do you enjoy sewing?
AW: It’s the one artistic outlet that anybody can learn how to do.

P: Do you create mainly for satisfaction, gifts, art or another reason?
AW: Having something to show for doing what you enjoy in invaluable. As for writing sewing patterns, providing the know-how for someone, anyone, to create something with their hands that he/she is proud of is truly amazing and deeply fulfilling.

P: What tips or tricks learned through experience can you share?
AW: Press EVERYTHING. And fabric glue is a fast and easy shortcut alternative to machine basting.

P: When did you start sewing?
AW: About 10 years ago when my mom randomly bought me a sewing machine. I had no idea what I was going to do with it, but I figured it out. 🙂

Alicia`s Projects:

Mabel Vintage Handbag

Mabel is an adorable little handbag inspired by vintage box purses of the 40’s. This bag is roomy enough to carry your everyday essentials while still looking sleek and retro-stylish. It’s also the perfect size for a lunch bag with Pellon® Insul-fleece™ basted or quilted to the lining pieces, or as a cosmetics bag by using laminated or nylon fabric as the lining. 

Featured bag sewn by Laurette Chandler

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Laney Hobo Bag

Whether you’re new to handbag construction or a seasoned expert, the Laney Hobo Bag may just be your new go-to pattern! Designed and patterned by Alicia Wietholter of Swoon Patterns, the step-by-step instructions are clear, concise, and easy to follow. Make one for yourself and one for a friend! Finished bag measures at 15″ wide, 10″ tall & 6″ deep. 

Pellon tip: If you’re planning to make multiples, try transferring the pattern pieces onto 810 Tru-Grid™ or 830 Easy-Pattern®.

Featured image: Sewn and photographed by Alicia Wietholter.
Secondary image: Sewn and photographed by Holly Jakob. 

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