about

by Valerie

Valerie WilliamsI am the designer, owner, and sole sewer at Holland Cox, the home of handcrafted fabric handbags and fashion accessories. December 2009 was my fifth anniversary in business, and I’ve loved every minute of it! The things I make are brightly colored and boldly patterned, and are about adding fun and interest to outfits while remaining stylish and elegant.

I love fabric, fashion, and making things, especially pretty things that are fun to wear. I lament daily about the poor style reputation of my hometown, Washington DC. I love helping people find their own unique style, and to unleash their creativity; not just in the way they dress, but in how they live their lives. I also love citrus-scented things and desserts made from apples, and gangster movies and fantasy novels, but more than anything else I love sewing, and I want you to love it too!

I used to be a lobbyist, so I know all about dress codes and expectations; about people judging and making assumptions about you based on how you look, how old you are, and what you wear. I also know how to be mindful of all those issues without stifling your personality, and without abandoning your creativity. Perhaps one day I’ll tell you about the time I wore silver sparkly slingbacks to a Congressional hearing.

You can find my limited edition, handcrafted handbags in my web store, Holland Cox, and handcrafted fabric accessories for ladies and gents in my Etsy shop.

so, what do you think? leave a comment & let me know.

{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Harold November 23, 2010 at 3:28 pm

Awesome!!

2 Brenda C. January 22, 2011 at 4:33 pm

Ms. Valerie, I’m in “Cowboy/girl” country & am clueless about the poor style of dress reputation in Washington DC. :) I assume it’s the drab blue and gray power colors? I just learned about your site from a google search & am happy to have found your site. If you haven’t already, do tell about the silver sparkly slingbacks (lol)—I’m certain it’s hilarious.
(Texas via California)

3 salsabil January 25, 2011 at 4:50 pm

I liked you at the first sight .

4 Pat January 26, 2011 at 2:14 am

I would like for you to make me something so can but in my some of my pocketbook that dont have partions. And most of these bags are black inside and you cant find anything. Hope I will hear from you. Keep up the great work…. Thank you….

5 Pat May 14, 2011 at 9:07 pm

Seeing you today was super! Love your all of your unique pieces.

6 Seeks August 31, 2011 at 4:29 pm

Love the tutorials and the obvious excellence in your handiwork. Looking forward to seeing more of your work and posts as I have just added you to my reader.

7 Anny November 18, 2011 at 11:14 pm

Hey valerie
i’m doing nice ladies fabrics.

8 Anny November 18, 2011 at 11:14 pm

my email address is Annyjr@163.com

9 Kelly @ ReStitch Me December 3, 2011 at 9:37 am

I just discovered your site. You are very talented and have a lot of great information! I subscribed and can’t wait to start getting your newsletters!

10 Renee February 7, 2012 at 6:52 am

Valerie
I found you through stumble, which I don’t do very often but glad that I did.
I am a purse person and love your creations. As Kelly said I am looking forward to your newsletters.

11 Renee February 7, 2012 at 6:55 am

I found your tutorial on the 6 pocket mini wallet and hope you don’t mind if I share from my blog. I am making collections of tutorials to share with others. I have to say you did a great job with instructions. Sometimes you find tutorials that are just not well done. I am not sure when I will post because I try to stay ahead of the game with scheduled post. If need be just email me. Thank you
Renee

12 Deborah April 30, 2012 at 10:34 am

I would love to get some advise from you. I want to live my dream of making a living sewing. I have sewed since a child – years ago. I am currently reading everything I can to learn how to do what you do. So, I thought, so to the one who is doing what you want to do. Please mentor me, I am even able to pay a small sum. I want to start teaching sewing classes to kids and adults. Get together, sew something and take it with you type projects. Small quilts, etc. Can you tell me how you price, advertise and so forth? I would also like to know how you design your own fabrics. I really like them.

I live in Co, so I am not really competing with you.
I thank you and look forward to hearing from you.

Deborah

13 Rose May 15, 2012 at 3:01 am

I just came across your sites. I love them. You share how to sew things and then for those whom cannot sew and they love your items you sell them. I love sewing and I love the fact that you give tips on sewing as well. Thank You! Ms. Rose from Texas.

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