bio: I’m Kumi Middleton and based in Northants, UK. I have produced one-off handcrafted bags and corsages since 2005 after a career break (bringing up my family). I was trained as knitted textile designer.
My career after the art college includes working for fashion prediction company as well as producing one-off garment and length. Since I started family, however, I change the direction and decided to create something more accessible to wider audience.
My inspiration comes from nature around us and the nature of the materials I use. I create the fabric for my bags by dying, stitching, starching and embroidering. I use a range of materials, including genuine kimono fabric – I buy them in Japan at second-hand shops or kimono shops which sell remnants ,or sometimes make use of those inherited from my family.
I am committed to reducing the amount of waste in general and I am very careful when I produce my work. I am a strong believer of “art for everyone” hence the reasonable prices and the promotion of “handmade/crafted” products. I am an associate member of Design Factory (based in the East Midlands), and my work is also available at various galleries around the UK.
Erika Jurney
Erika Jurney is the founder of Try Handmade. She loves the handmade and wants you to love it too.you might also like...
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
wow, these are incredibly fascinating. I really like the one with the purple base (then again, I'm a total sucker for anything purple).
I really really like the feeling of your blog…discovered it through blog catalog.
I'm right with you on purple — it's my favorite color :) And thanks for the kind words!
Gorgeous! Thanks for the introduction to this fabulous designer!
They're so pretty that they give me hope I can make it until Spring ;)
Thank you for featuring my work here. What a lovely surprise!
Stunning product and beautiful photography!
{ 1 trackback }