Bumbleroot Design

Hi everyone! I was interviewed for The Straight Stitch Podcast, and the episode is out now ( #117). Janet and I met online before I even started my sewing and pattern business, and it was fun to connect and chat about all my different stages of sewing!

Episode 117—Bagmaking as a Business, From Patterns to Production — The Straight Stitch: A Podcast About Sewing and Other Fiber Arts Our guest today is Cristina Phaneuf, owner of Bumbleroot Design. Cristina shares her creative journey—from learning to sew by hand at a young age to discovering her passion for designing and making beautifully functional bags. Along the way, she’s carved out a distinctive niche in the sewing wor...

Hi! I'm Cristina, the person behind Bumbleroot Design. I’m a handbag designer and maker here in New Jersey, and an aspiring digital illustrator for my own custom pillows and fabrics. Here are a few other fun facts about me!

🇨🇱 Proud Chilena daughter of immigrants!

⚾️ Native NYC-er, Drew U alum now living in NJ again after a 20-year detour in MA. (LGM!)

✏️ I’m a writer first and foremost. 30 years of technical writing for high-tech led me to writing up my bag patterns for publication. I’m currently working on poetry and non-fiction as an author and illustrating my own book covers. I also edit books (and book covers) for friends & family authors!

Just announced! I’ll be teaching my Briamar zippered pouch at Sew Dandelions Studios - Classes, Camps & Events in New Providence. It's a bag I designed in 2020 and is still my absolute favorite. I’ve updated the pattern to make the instructions even more straightforward, and will debut the updates in person!

This workshop is for intermediate sewists who have sewing experience and want to explore bagmaking. We’ll be using thicker fabrics and bigger zippers than what’s used for apparel and quilting. I'll also talk about how you can take the basic pattern and amp it up to make a leather handbag, dopp kitt, or even add some weaving!

Tuesday, April 14 — 5:30-8:30pm — Space is limited! Registration will be available soon.

I just learned about Sew Small September, an Instagram challenge with some fun prize bundles! It was created as a way to support and spread the word about small sewing-related businesses and makers.

Follow and on IG for the full details, including how to participate for the giveaways.

I didn’t know about this in time to participate as a pattern maker, so I'm sharing the info as a fellow sewist. Please support the designers and small businesses that donated to the prize packages!

Additionally, all my patterns are 20% in my main shop and on Etsy for the month of September (no coupon needed).

https://www.tinalucia.com/collections/pdf-patternsin

🌈 These are the last few days where I will be donating 50% of my Bumbleroot Design pattern sales to The Trevor Project! With the threat looming about USA federal funding being cut for LGBTQ+ hotlines, services provided by The Trevor project are more important than ever!

Main shop:
https://www.tinalucia.com/collections/pdf-patterns

Etsy shop:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BumblerootDesign

Leelana was my very first pattern, from 2019. She's still a favorite! Grab the pattern now and 50% of the price will be donated to The Trevor Project!

https://www.tinalucia.com/products/leelana-crossbody-pattern

Leelana has two roomy zippered compartments plus a pocket that forms between them large enough for a phone. It features a belt-style adjustable crossbody strap, and my signature Cocoon Method for tidy, no-tab zippers.

The colorblocking isn't part of the pattern, but I explained how I did it in the included video tutorial. (Just seam and topstitch, THEN cut out the pattern piece.) I include lots of tips & tricks in my patterns and videos.

My Twoby (TOO-bee) bag is an ultra slim phone crossbody. It's not a turned bag or a drop-in lining. It's magic!! No wonky corners, either.

With two compartments, you can carry your phone AND your glasses. It also has a card pocket that holds a few cards plus cash. Minimal hardware, too -- just a hidden magnet or snap, two d-rings, and add your own strap. It even works as a belt/hip bag!

Add this one to your summer markets. It's a surefire hit!

https://www.tinalucia.com/products/twoby-phone-bag-pattern

Looking for a small but elegant addition to your bags? The Bumbleroot Key Strap pattern is designed for cutting machines and comes with an SVG file. I’ve also included directions and a printable template for hand-punching the holes for braiding. Follow along with the video tutorial, where I also show how to set the SVG file up for a Cricut machine.

I personally LOVE the elegant key fob hardware set from zipperzoo.be, formerly Serial Bagmakers. But any key fob set should work! The key strap pairs nicely with my LumaZip as a boxed set. I even have a box project out there in the public Cricut space that you can search for.

If you’re making this out of leather, you might need to skive the ends to make sure if fits into the hardware. It’s SO worth it!

https://www.tinalucia.com/products/bumbleroot-design-key-strap-pattern

My Bellaclip Backpack pattern has a crucial safety feature: a disappearing zipper! Make one for yourself and travel in style, or add this unique design to your bagmaking lineup.

https://www.tinalucia.com/products/bellaclip-backpack-pattern

Check out my YouTube for all the amazing features of this bag. 😊

Try my LumaZip pattern for $1! I know it's risky trying out new-to-you patterns, so I'm offering my LumaZip pattern at a get-to-know-me price. You'll get a feel for my writing style, my illustrations, and my video tutorial methods. Or, buy the pattern at full price and support a designer. The choice is yours!

https://www.tinalucia.com/products/lumazip-coin-pouch-pattern