Sew Helen Richardson

Sew Helen Richardson Helen makes bags by repurposing leather jackets, sofas, denim jeans etc. Every bag is unique. And because of this my bags and kimonos are totally unique.

I love to save as much as I can from landfill and repurpose it, if possible, into something new, useful and beautiful. One of a kind. If you have one, no one else in the world will have one quite like it. This upcycling is particularly rewarding to do with items that hold sentimental value - such as an item of clothing from a loved one. For example, the old leather jacket or pair of jeans, that Gr

andpa wore, can often be transformed into a beautiful new bag. Or that blouse you bought on honeymoon that you no longer wear can be used to line a bag. The possibilities are endless. But the end result is a unique new item with special memories. And the other win - less things end up in landfill.

17/07/2026

Eek, the BBC have shared a trailer for Sunday's programme ......WITH ME :-)
I knew I would pull a whole range of silly faces - because that is quite normal for me ;-)
The programme airs at 1.15pm on Sunday 19 July for those with access to the BBC and iPlayer and would like to see.
I'm not sure if I'm eager to see - or would prefer to hide in a dark cupboard ! :-)

17/07/2026

One person's textile waste is another's masterpiece. Helen Richardson tells Aled how her upcycled creations connect to her faith.

/ Faith and Renewal in Hull / Sunday 1.15pm BBC One & BBC iPlayer
http://bbc.in/3KACBA2

17/07/2026

I need to focus on scrapbusting ....in a big way 🤣

Next week I'll hopefully make more of my sunrise and striped leather bags ....but feel free to send me pics of other multicoloured leather bags you think I should make a SHR version of

I have a wonderful friend who is amazing with make-up, whereas I am not 😂. I wear lip gloss and mascara and I'm done.Any...
16/07/2026

I have a wonderful friend who is amazing with make-up, whereas I am not 😂. I wear lip gloss and mascara and I'm done.

Anyway today she brought all her gear to see what I thought to wearing full make up. And I was her first non-black make-over.

We laughed lots, ate cake, cried and generally had a fabulous time. We talked about everything and anything (because it seems that full-make takes a long long time ;-) ) and I even facetimed with her mum in Atlanta 😍
I don't know if this link will work - but this Michelle https://www.tiktok.com//video/7660985608344440086?_r=1&_t=ZN-984esWsYmdK

And now maybe I'll make a bag :-)

15/07/2026

Duvet cover dress.... flashback.

14/07/2026

Cute clutch bags from old sofa leather

Perfect festival bag!Made from a half pair of saree trousers I was given about 25 years ago. That's when I used to make ...
13/07/2026

Perfect festival bag!
Made from a half pair of saree trousers I was given about 25 years ago. That's when I used to make my daughter sparkly princess dressing up outfits with them.

The back of the bag is denim jeans - as you wouldn't want the sequins catching on your clothes.
It's on the website, along with more pics.
https://www.sewhelenrichardson.co.uk/handmade-bags-Ny3pA/p/saree-sling-bag

13/07/2026

Part of a pair of saree trousers upcycled into a fabulous sequin sling bag. Going to the website

I made myself this dress probably 5 years ago at least. I know it was years because it has my old old logo inside.The cu...
12/07/2026

I made myself this dress probably 5 years ago at least. I know it was years because it has my old old logo inside.

The curtains had been in use for decades and then I changed their use to a dress. But I'm committed to using my clothes year after year after year. No fast fashion for me. The quality of this cotton is beautiful, the colours are pretty and people always ask where I got it if I wear it.

For me that's a win:
No one else will have one
It's sustainable
It was free for me, other than my time to sew (which I love)

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Kingston Upon Hull

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