Businesses are opening back up and COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the Black Hills. Many artists are trying to sell their work and maintain distance at the same time.
William Stewart learned to sew from his mother when he was a kid. The 42-year-old got back into it a couple years ago and started making embellished bags for commission.
“I like to put a design on the strap and the bag itself. And then the strap-I want to make it to fit the person that wears the bags. So I just ask how tall they are and then sometimes I measure my mom or I’ll measure my kids just to get that measurement right.”
Stewart uses colorful trade fabric for the bags, some large enough to hold tablets or laptops. He uses stencils to cut out fabric designs, embroiders their edges then irons the shapes onto the bags.
“A lot of geometrical designs. Maily Lakota designs, horses and stars. Different other things that have meaning to them.”
The applique work is a family activity.
“I even get my kid involved. Traces them out, cuts them for me and then they’re ready to go.”
Stewart still works full time, but makes purses and regalia for commission in his free time. He sells most of his work through social media, and lately he's gained some attention.
“I don’t know if it’s COVID or just the way I changed the practice, trying to advertise myself trying to get things out to viewers. And It might be just more people are on Facebook.”
Stewart plans to continue selling his work online during the pandemic.