About Me
Hello and welcome to my little corner of the internet. I am Yael and this is my story.
After a prolonged period of ill health, I felt that something was missing in my life. I needed something to occupy my hands with, but with pain and exhaustion, that was difficult. I began exploring different hobbies and techniques, such as repainting furniture.
I also discovered what a hospitable and creative environment Instagram could be. Here, I was encouraged to be daringly creative and to try new things, and I was shown that what I create doesn't have to be perfect. Eagerly cheered on by friendly followers, I learned to crochet in 2014 through YouTube videos. I crocheted as much as my body allowed and eventually started sewing and knitting as well.
Before discovering the creative freedom and community of social media, I never saw myself as a very creative person. I have a background as a classical musician, but I perceive that as more controlled and regulated, even though creativity obviously exists in interpretation and performance.
After a prolonged period of ill health, I felt that something was missing in my life. I needed something to occupy my hands with, but with pain and exhaustion, that was difficult. I began exploring different hobbies and techniques, such as repainting furniture.
I also discovered what a hospitable and creative environment Instagram could be. Here, I was encouraged to be daringly creative and to try new things, and I was shown that what I create doesn't have to be perfect. Eagerly cheered on by friendly followers, I learned to crochet in 2014 through YouTube videos. I crocheted as much as my body allowed and eventually started sewing and knitting as well.
Before discovering the creative freedom and community of social media, I never saw myself as a very creative person. I have a background as a classical musician, but I perceive that as more controlled and regulated, even though creativity obviously exists in interpretation and performance.
To make and be creative has become a lifestyle that I can't live without.
To make has become a way of life for me, providing a sense of purpose and productivity even when nothing else seems to work.
A few years ago, I started a small shop on Etsy selling crocheted necklaces and nursing necklaces. Over time, I expanded my business by making bags from vintage fabrics. The love of using existing resources and the joy of finding my own style led me to start Yael & the bags in 2019.
I live in the southern part of Sweden and I share my life with my little family which consists of a husband, two children and an annoying but very cute cat, Gaston.
I live in the southern part of Sweden and I share my life with my little family which consists of a husband, two children and an annoying but very cute cat, Gaston.
My wardrobe
When it comes to my wardrobe, most of my clothes are made by me. Making my garments offers me the creative freedom to wear what I genuinely love and feel comfortable in.
But there’s more to it than that – creating my own pieces allows me to tailor the clothing to fit me, rather than forcing myself to adjust to poorly fitting store-bought garments. At the end of the day, my wardrobe is a reflection of both my personal style and my passion for textile crafts.
Linen dresses, knitted cardigans and socks are my favourite things to make and wear.
Linen dresses, knitted cardigans and socks are my favourite things to make and wear.
My home and studio are filled with yarn, fabrics, plants and all sorts of charming trinkets – many of which I have thrifted or bought second hand. It’s here that I immerse myself in my work and find inspiration to create.
My passion for traditional craftsmanship, textiles and to minimize waste has led me to prefer the use of sustainable materials such as preloved linen fabrics, vintage embroideries, handwoven fabrics and traditional Swedish fabrics. When necessary, I supplement my projects with newly produced fabrics if I cannot find suitable colours in the old ones.
Thank you for being here to support me and my work.
/ Yael
