Can you feel the Made in Germany giveaway creeping closer? April 9th and 10th will be here in no time. I can sure feel the excitement! Or maybe it’s just the love I have for the designer I am showcasing today, intermingled with the excitement about the weekend finally being here!

I’d like to introduce you to NikkiBag. If you live in or near Munich you may have seen or heard of this designer before. But even if you have heard of her, you probably don’t realize that her already fun collection is going to be added to this spring. Now your iPod/iPhone and bread (or other goodies you put in your basket) can be in style too!

Get to know NikkiBag better before the giveaway begins!

Nicola was kind enough to give me a few moments of her time to tell me more about NikkiBag and her designs.

Tell us a bit about NikkiBag.

NikkiBag is purses, handbags and bags for grown-ups and little ones; pouches and bags for traveling; and bags for the home and accessories for every day life. I worked in the photography business for fifteen years before I started NikkiBag in the summer of 2010. I currently sell my products online and with galleries and design stores locally.

I love bold appliqué, embroidery in contrasting colors and colorful vintage prints. As much as I enjoy mixing all kinds of techniques I like to experiment with different textile materials. Being born and still living in Southern Germany, my Alpine heart surfaces from time to time in my designs. Each NikkiBag is unique and is individually handcrafted in my mini-studio in Munich.

What inspired you to begin your work, and what keeps you motivated today?

I originally did a lot of patchwork and quilting. I still continue to do so now but with less time for big projects. I’ve been running a local patchwork group in my neighborhood for the last three years. It is part of a lively DIY community in my neighborhood called “Messewerkstadt” (www.messewerkstadt.de). To craft with others, to exchange ideas, to learn about different styles and favorite techniques, to enjoy the result of combined creativity is my main source of inspiration

What do you find to be the most rewarding part about running your own business?

Having been employed by a large company for many years, now being responsible for all aspects of my business success is new and exciting to me. Because I am selling many of my bags directly in my immediate neighborhood, one of the most rewarding moments for me is to see someone walk the streets carrying a NikkiBag.

What are your hopes for NikkiBag for the future?

To always keep this great resource of inspiration that I find in my network of crafting friends.

What is currently your favorite design and/or fabric that you use?

So far my favorite materials are cotton and wool fabric. I mostly use remnants and recycle fabric that is disposed of its original use. I absolutely love corduroy fabric and just recently discovered canvas of large scale advertising posters. Because I am now known as an avid fabric collector around here I always get donations of the most wonderful vintage fabric that people have kept in their dresser for years.

How much time goes into each design and where do you get your ideas?

Once the design and construction of the basic bag is done, most of my creative energy goes into the careful selection of fabric, colors and appliqué. Many of my bags are ordered individually by the customers and I enjoy to match the NikkiBag to their individual style and personality.

What’s your favorite NikkiBag design??

I just adore her Pepita Mini Shoulder Bag!! And this little terry cloth pouch with the deer? {love}