Makers Among Us....Redmond Artist Marilyn Rank

Meet Marilyn Rank. 

If you have ever hoarded fabrics or saved a favorite old piece of clothing for the memories it carries, you can relate to Marilyn.  She creates beautiful fabric bags and purses with meticulous care and finishing.  They are works of art and labors of love, and sometimes they have previous lives.  “I'm the happiest when in my sewing room surrounded by beautiful, eclectic fabrics dreaming of what these fabulous materials can become.  I've been sewing for more years then I care to admit.  Some favorite childhood memories consist of playing on mom's old Singer sewing machine. ”

Her ultimate goal is to create a beautiful bag that is not only fashionable, but unique and also functional.  Marilyn loves the entire process of crafting these bags.  Each one is designed and completely handmade by her and the care and pride in all her work is clear in the craftsmanship.  Her art, with names like the Maggie Bag, can aid and abet travel, help you carry your iPad, or can provide multipurpose purse options with detachable straps.  Marilyn also makes a cell phone pouch which is ideal when you want something smaller to carry your phone, money, and keys.  Removing it`s strap turns it into a wallet for your purse or pocket.

Her newest love is repurposing men’s suit coats and jackets into stylish bags that have a unique sense of character and personality.  Each bag is a one-of-a-kind, up-cycled bag.  All the materials are personally selected by Marilyn in various stores and vintage shops.  “I consider these and all my bags a piece of art to wear on your arm and enjoy”.

In business since 2005, Marilyn was born and raised in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and now lives in Redmond, Washington with her husband, Doug and white German Shepherd, Frosty.  She is hoping you will stop by the Sammamish Arts Fair on October 13^th and 14^th  (http://sammamishartsfair.wordpress.com/) or visit her at her website www.bymarilyn.com