Here's a video for a peek inside my Seattle studio — where sustainable design meets vintage craftsmanship. Below, I’ve shared a bit more about how Crystalyn Kae Accessories began and what sustainability means to me.
Hi, I’m Crystalyn — welcome to my studio!
My business is called Crystalyn Kae Accessories, and I focus on sustainable accessories made from reclaimed materials that I find in a variety of places.
I got my start about 20 years ago making bags out of recycled pant legs. My grandfather was a big influence — he wore a lot of really funky plaid pants back in the late ’70s. In high school, I helped my dad restore vintage muscle cars, which I think planted this seed in my brain about restoring and repurposing — finding the beauty in something old and making it new again.
I got my degree in textiles, and the rest feels like history.
Inspired by the Hunt
I’m really inspired by the hunt — looking for upcycled or rescued materials, whether it’s a vintage velvet, a crazy terry cloth towel, a classic tweed, or some fun florals. I love the juxtaposition — the mix of a plaid with a floral or something unexpected.
Over the years my style has evolved, but I’ve always focused on making bags that are useful, durable, and that hold up for a long time.
What Sustainability Means to Me
These days, “sustainability” is a big buzzword — and it can mean a lot of different things. For me, even though there are all kinds of cool new materials out there, like making leather out of mushrooms or cactus, I’m drawn to the idea that there are already so many beautiful unused materials out in the world.
Sometimes that means vintage fabrics I find at estate sales, upholstery swatches from design houses, or even reclaimed leather. I’ve also partnered with FABSCRAP, a nonprofit in New York, so I can make use of luxurious materials that never saw the light of day — turning them into something timeless, useful, and hopefully a little delightful at the same time.
How and Who Makes It
Another layer of sustainability for me is how things are made — and who makes them.
I use industrial sewing machines — in fact, vintage ones. Over time, I discovered that, just like materials, old machines inspire me too. There are so many incredible pieces of equipment out there that were once used in factories — machines people don’t take the time to learn or restore vintage industrial sewing machines anymore.
Even though some parts are obsolete, most are interchangeable and easy to work on, and I love doing it. It’s like a 3D puzzle. I have an arsenal of about 10 to 12 different industrial machines that I use in my workshop to make my designs. Sometimes I’ll buy a machine, restore it, and only later figure out what it’s perfect for. As long as I keep everything contained in my studio, I think I won’t turn into a hoarder!
The People Behind the Bags
I have a balance of an in-house team and local partners here in Seattle. We work together to develop designs and make small batches. I usually make the first 10 or 12 samples of a new style in-house until we perfect it, then send out a few prototypes to loyal customers to test and make sure we love it.
I work closely with a small production team in Seattle that has a network of sewers. It’s really nice to have a community of people who need the work, love what they do, and are open to new ideas. Many of them are entrepreneurs themselves. My in-house team has that same energy — creative, collaborative, and it really makes this work feel like family.
Why People Love These Bags
I think what draws people to my designs initially are the colors, textures, and overall aesthetic. But once they start using them, they really appreciate the functional pockets, sturdy zippers, and adjustable straps that don’t slip off your shoulder — just how useful they are and how they melt into your daily life.
A Philosophy to Live By
If I had to sum up my design motto, it’s a quote from William Morris:
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
That’s what I strive for in my designs and in everything I make. I don’t think we need a lot of things — just a few that are really special, beautiful, and useful.
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