Nice to meet you!
I’m Cristina, owner and founder of Bumbleroot Design and TinaLucia Handbags.
After a lifelong career in technical writing, I’m still surprised at how I ended up here, with a passion for designing and making handbags.
They say there’s nothing new in handbags, but I somehow manage to conjure up fresh ideas!
Scroll through the gallery to see some of my earlier work & vintage machines!
The Perfect Stitch
My creative mind turns a spark of inspiration into innovative bag ideas that intersect beauty and function.
This dormant talent was uncovered when I moved into a new home, and, with only basic sewing knowledge, embarked on making roman shades. I loved the feel, texture, and colors of the deliciously weighty home décor fabrics, and began making throw pillows and aprons, founding Bumbleroot Design in 2017.
Along the way, I also discovered a love for vintage sewing machines and their perfect stitches. I sew exclusively on those weathered machines that whisper of the past.
I look at my machines and wonder,
“What did you sew before? What have you lived through?”
I soon discovered the world of sewing patterns for bags. After honing my bagmaking skills by following the guidance of others, I began blending my expert writing and sewing skills to publish my own patterns for bagmakers around the world.
My first pattern, the Leelana Crossbody, was released in May 2019 and was an instant hit!
Patternmaking is a thorough process! I write, edit, illustrate, and film video tutorials for every pattern. I even started designing my own fabrics, which are custom-printed for me here in the U.S.
In 2022, I launched my TinaLucia brand to distinguish between my sewing patterns and my finished, handcrafted products. All of my TinaLucia handbags and wallets are made from my Bumbleroot Design patterns.
Plans are underway for exploring factory production of my designs. This is still a work in progress, so sign up for my newsletter to hear ongoing news about this project!
