Vintage Airplane Fabric Bags Take Flight at the Museum of Flight

96 one-of-a-kind bags. Dozens of mid-century fabrics. One unforgettable collaboration.

The Magic of Discovery

Every so often, a fabric crosses my path that stops me in my tracks — the kind that tells a story before a single stitch is sewn.

This particular find came from the estate of a Boeing pilot, tucked away in a back bedroom closet, filled with mid-century airplane upholstery. Designed decades ago for airline interiors, these fabrics carry the unmistakable charm of aviation’s golden age — bold textures, warm neutrals, and retro geometrics that somehow feel timeless.

From the moment I touched them, I knew they deserved to take flight again.

That spark became a special collaboration with the Museum of Flight here in Seattle — a limited collection of 96 one-of-a-kind bags, each created from authentic vintage airplane fabric.

🪡 Learn more about our approach to sustainable fashion design

Researching the Origins

Each section of fabric came with its own mystery. There were handwritten numbers written on tabs along the selvage, color swatches that hinted at particular airline palettes, and a few cryptic design codes that sent me down a delightful rabbit hole of research.

I spent several afternoons in the Museum of Flight’s Archives Research Center, poring over vintage design manuals, upholstery samples, and cabin interior photographs. The archivists were incredibly helpful — sharing resources, pulling files, and helping me trace clues that connected these textiles to specific airlines and eras of flight.

Beyond the archives, I scoured online aviation history forums and compared the weaves and colors to interior shots from Pan Am, TWA, Braniff, and Western Airlines. Bit by bit, I pieced together the story behind these fabrics — a perfect blend of detective work and design inspiration.

Every discovery deepened my admiration for the craftsmanship of that time — and made me even more determined to give these materials a new life, ready to fly again.

🔍 Every fabric tells a story. Discover more of our vintage and reclaimed materials and the journeys they’ve taken before becoming your favorite bag.

Bringing the Collection to Life

Once the history was uncovered, the real fun began. Each bag was cut, matched, and sewn in our Seattle studio — no two alike.

Using my restored vintage industrial sewing machines, I paired each fabric with our signature coated canvas, creating a collection that balances nostalgia and modern utility. The result? A series of pieces that are proven to endure daily wear for a decade, look better with wear, and don’t need babying.

Every detail — from the stitching to the lining to the final press — celebrates the craftsmanship that defines small-batch production.

Meeting the Museum of Flight Team

When I met with the Museum of Flight’s buyers, we spread the fabrics out across a long table like archaeologists uncovering a treasure. We talked colorways, history, and how to honor the story behind each roll.

Their enthusiasm matched my own — they instantly saw the connection between aviation’s design legacy and my commitment to upcycled materials. Together, we curated a selection that felt both nostalgic and new, ready to take its place in the museum’s shop and beyond.

🛍️ Interested in carrying Crystalyn Kae in your store or museum? Learn more about our wholesale partnerships