About Me
Hello! My name is Daniela, and I specialize in bagmaking. I started sewing in 2004, after being inspired by the strong DIY ethic of the punk rock subculture that was a defining force in my adolescence. At that time, I was only making simple tops and decked-out purses for myself and a few close friends. From the beginning, I knew I had a knack for sewing and worked tirelessly to perfect my techniques. I'm mostly self-taught, save for the one fashion class I took while in high school many years ago. Despite my love of the craft, I had other personal and professional goals to accomplish, and creating/designing took a backseat for a long while until I returned with a vengeance in 2019. It was at that time that I decided to open up shop and share my work with others.
Outside of my sewing studio (i.e. my dining room), I spend most of my time juggling parenthood and a regular day job. Taking sewing breaks and playing with my son keeps me sane and grounded!
About Civil Insurgence
My favorite music has always inspired everything I do, and Civil Insurgence started when I amassed a collection of band tees from bands I loved. However, I always disliked the fit and look of regular band t-shirts, so I started to cut up my supply and make them into more flattering designs with my own flair.
At first, I was mainly sewing women's tops, but I soon shifted almost exclusively over to bags, pouches, and purses. These continue to dominate my ware offerings, and I have almost completely stopped making clothing now. My punk rock leanings shine through my work, paying homage to the music that shaped me into the person I am today. Still, Civil Insurgence remains a tiny, one-woman business. I have completely taken over the dining area of my home, and this is where I cut, sew, iron, and take pictures of all my work.
Customer Reviews
If you'd like to read customer reviews of my work, you can check out my Etsy shop. As of now, my Etsy shop is closed for orders, as I am working on transitioning fully to this website and selling my work here.