Herefordshire and Wye Valley life interviews Hergest Handmade Handbags designer 'Elinor Fielder' at her Log Cabin Studio. 

Artisan's at Hay.

And We'll be in Hay on Wye on the first Saturday of Hay on Wye's Book festival.  Yippeeeeeeeeeeee

 Publishes on the front page of The Business Times section of the Hereford Times.

A Kington woman has been making it big in the world of high fashion.

Elinor Fielder, who runs Hergest Handmade Handbags, has recently been featured in both Vogue and Tatler magazines for her bags made from Vintage and reclaimed fabrics.

" I think what they're picking up on is that my bags are fun, unique and bright" Said Elinor " I don't go to normal fabric shops. I get my fabrics from Auction Houses and shops that specialise in Vintage materials"

"The bags appeal to people who are environmentally friendly but also those who are fashion conscious" 

But it's not just the materials Elinor uses which are Vintage. " I didn't go to college to learn how to do this. I was taught to sew by my Grandmother on her sewing machine, which is the one I still  use" she said.

" You can tell how old a singer is because they have a serial number on them. Mine was made in 1911 and I do everything on it."

Elinor also believes the rural location of her business has been a benefit.

"People link the rural angle of it. I do a lot of Arts Markets and I think people want to buy something that is locally made.

Elinor's work will be on show at market

Elinor Fielder is a regular at the Malvern arts and crafts markets, which takes place eight times a year. The markets sell a wide range of goods, all created and sold by the artists themselves.

Elinor’s handbags are handmade on an old vintage sewing machine using mainly British-made fabrics and each one is a one-off.

“I love coming to the Malvern market. Malvern is such a friendly place and the customers are always so nice,” said Elinor, who lives in Herefordshire.

UNIQUE and colourful handbags will be among the items on sale at an arts market taking place in Great Malvern tomorrow (Saturday, July 2).

 Many Thanks to Andrew Easton from BBC Hereford & Worcester Radio For the interview on the live stage at the Three Counties Show 2011. 

WoW. What a successful event.

During this event I was interviewed by BBC Hereford & Worcester Radio. This interview was played on air 4 times over the weekend!