mhippisley@ecuad.ca
Patchwork Leather Exploration
2 Bags, Vest
Womans Small
Repurposed leather and cotton
Purse Process
The first piece in the series was a leather purse, created using a structured, step-by-step process. I began by drafting the pattern in Adobe Illustrator, then made a full prototype using old jeans and muslin I had at home. After testing the form and function, I made a few small adjustments to the pattern, mainly refining the proportions and repositioning the inner pocket.
Once finalized, I began constructing the leather version. Using the pattern as a template, I carefully arranged and taped together small leather scraps to form the right-sized panels. I then sewed these scrap pieces into a larger sheet of material, effectively creating my own textile from reclaimed leather. From there, I cut the full pattern pieces and assembled the final bag. This process allowed me to work within familiar methods while adapting them to irregular materials, setting the foundation for the more experimental pieces that followed.
Vest Process
The second piece was a sculptural leather vest, created without a pattern and built directly on a dress form. Unlike the purse, this was a completely intuitive process, more about trusting the material and following instinct than following steps. I began by taping leather scraps directly onto the form, carefully shaping them to fit the body as smoothly as possible while preserving their original edges. I wanted the form to feel organic and natural, allowing the unique shapes of the scraps to guide the design.
As I pieced the vest together, I left small openings at the sides, which felt like the perfect places to add lacing, an unexpected detail that ended up becoming a key feature. There was a moment in the process where the vest didn’t quite feel finished, but once I added a hood, everything came together. This piece pushed me far out of my comfort zone, and I’m incredibly proud of how it turned out. It challenged me to let go of strict structure and embrace a more creative, improvisational way of working.
Tote Bag Process
The final piece in the series was a leather tote bag that combined the structured approach of the purse with the experimental spirit of the vest. While I worked with a pattern and included a lining made from old canvas, the design process remained partly intuitive. The exact shape and construction evolved as I assembled the piece, responding to the irregular shapes and textures of the reclaimed leather scraps. This hybrid approach allowed me to balance control with spontaneity, blending traditional techniques with creative freedom to achieve a functional yet unique bag.
This series of leather accessories, from the carefully planned purse and the hybrid tote bag, was a meaningful exploration of material, process, and sustainability. Working with donated leather scraps challenged me to rethink conventional construction and embrace both precision and improvisation. Through these projects, I developed a deeper understanding of leather’s versatility and potential, while honouring the value of reclaimed materials and community collaboration. This experience has expanded my creative practice, encouraging me to continue blending tradition with innovation in my future work.
Final Leather Outcomes