Flamestitch Handbags
Every Flamestitch Handbag starts as an idea. Based on this idea, a pattern is made, usually with a number two pencil and butcher paper. The bag is then cut, sewn and finished by the same person who had the idea and made the pattern.
The Handbag Builder
I am Renee Parrill, and I learned to love sewing in the upholstery shop my grandparents owned. I spent many bored hours coveting the fabric in upholstery sample books. I held a protected and tender spot in my heart for the sparkly Naugahyde, and imagined a day when I could make it my own. Around the same time, I started making my own clothes. My creations would sometimes earn disapproval from my grandmother, who described them as something "Lipstick Blondie" would wear. Lipstick Blondie was a war-time "loose woman" who may or may not have "known" my grandfather. At any rate, grandma didn't like her. These two factors combined fluidly to influence my designs, specifically: The Old Slut on Junk, The Cheating Whore, and Wonder Woman.
In addition to making handbags, I also help my husband with our tattoo shop. I keep the tattoo chairs in sparkly Naugahyde, and I also maintain the website.