Susan Huff's leather handbags and passport covers
Susan Huff from Riner, Virginia, creates beautiful hand-dyed scarves, purses and other fabric creations.
“I started sewing in high school. Then as a young mom of two, I was introduced to a lady named Ethel Nuchols in Floyd, Virginia. She asked me if I would like to learn to quilt. This started a wonderful journey of quilting, quilted handbags, applique and machine embroidery. From there, I started hand dying silk scarves. Currently, I am working with leather. All of my handbags are machine sewn,” she says.
Huff learned her craft from Nuchols and Judy Griffith.
“Ethel was truly talented and looked forward to a challenge. Ethel has passed away but has left me her notes and inspiration. Judy is fabulous quilter. Both of these ladies are true inspirations,” Huff say.
She sells her handbags and other items in several locations. In Abingdon, Virginia, they can be purchased at Holston Mountain Artisans and at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace.
“I love working with fiber: leather, cotton, silk. I have also dyed cotton to use in the linings of my handbags. I enjoy the sewing process and working with different materials. I traveled to North Carolina and spent a day learning about leather machines and the leather craft.
“Holston Mountain Artisans has been wonderful to work with. Their staff is wonderful, and their displays are beautiful. Holston Mountain Artisans truly works with artisans and has done a wonderful job,” she says.
