Don’t you love the feel of good quality fabric? That is why I am smitten by the products made by Australia based, Asako Sakai who retails under the brand Piggledee. Her textile goods might appear everyday, but it is the fabric she uses, that make them stand out.
She works with lovely Japanese fabric and sews everything by hand. A 30-year old Mitsubishi industrial sewing machine is the lifeline of her business. She bought the machine second-hand, which she bought for $600.
Of Japanese origin, her love for fabric from her home country is not surprising. I know the delight I get when I see Indian textiles sold in home stores abroad. Working out of her home studio, Asako relies on friends and family to help her source products from Japan. Like her, I love the minimalistic and cute prints that dominate Japanese textiles.
I wonder how a lawyer by profession (Asako was a litigation lawyer for five years in the US) would turn to sewing as a business. Asako also did a course at the renowned Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Sydney, Australia. Asako says the career paths have served her well. As a chef she learnt how to be extremely organized, a skill she has implemented in her sewing business as well.
As a mother of two young kids, Asako understands the needs of that segment. She conceptualizes products keeping the busy parent of young tots in mind. “For example, I came up with the tote-style lunch bag because I wanted something with heat insulation, but easy to machine-wash”, says Asako.
Similarly, the idea for a backpack convertible nappy bag came about when she was climbing a playtower with her kids and found it difficult to haul the large nappy bag to the top.
With her design sense and knowledge of parent sensibilities, Asako is doing well in keeping her home business going.
To know more about her venture, please see her website: http://www.piggledee.com.au
Piggledee is sponsoring a “sandwich bag and snack bag set” for one lucky reader. To win, please like our page, post a comment or email us on which of her products you like the most.
{Photos by Piggledee, Australia}
I found Piggledee when looking for a diaper bag. I LOVED the yellow elephant print and I have been hooked on her products ever since. I can’t say I have a favorite. I have loved them all. Her attention to detail and quality is AMAZING!! I am currently working on purchasing another item and can’t wait to receive it.