Nova Scotia Seamstress Turns 50 Years of Sewing into Upcycled Bag Business
After almost fifty years at her sewing machine, Jude Lean—seamstress, fixer, and all-around creative—has launched something pretty cool in Sluice Point, Nova Scotia. She’s behind Wiccasmith Jean Bags & Accessories, a business that merges her love for sewing with a commitment to eco-friendly fashion.
Lean specializes in unique bags and accessories made from upcycled materials. She doesn’t just show off her skills; she’s turning cast-off jeans and leftover fabrics into stylish, functional stuff that’s actually fun to use.
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The Journey of a Lifetime: From Childhood Sewing to Business Ventures
Jude’s sewing story started young, and honestly, it was out of necessity. Her family didn’t have much, so she learned to patch up clothes and make new ones from whatever was around.
By 13, she was already sewing and selling outfits for Barbie and Ken dolls. That’s when the entrepreneurial spark really caught fire for her.
Early Entrepreneurial Spirit
Those early days set the stage for everything that came after. Over time, she’s started and run a handful of businesses—a sign shop, a monthly magazine, you name it.
She never had formal training, but her self-taught skills and stubborn creativity have always pushed her forward.
Wiccasmith Jean Bags & Accessories: A Passion Project
These days, Jude pours her energy into Wiccasmith Jean Bags & Accessories. She crafts custom bags, purses, bucket hats, and more, all from upcycled jeans and other reclaimed materials like old leather, plaid shirts, and even lace.
She designs and assembles every item herself. You can tell—each piece has its own personality and feels genuinely handcrafted.
Custom Creations
It’s not just about recycling old stuff—it’s about making it beautiful again. Customers pick out the basic style and colors, but Jude handles the details and adds her own creative touch.
That way, every bag or accessory comes out a little different. No two are exactly alike, and that’s kind of the point.
Popular Products and Market Presence
The crossbody bag? People love it. It’s practical, but it also manages to look good with almost anything.
Her messenger bags have a laid-back vibe and can hold a surprising amount. Both are useful and make a subtle statement—like, “Yeah, I care about style and the planet.”
Market Engagement
Jude’s a regular at local spots like the Yarmouth Farmers’ Market, where she gets to chat with customers and show off her latest work. She’s also pretty active on Facebook and Instagram, posting photos and updates to connect with folks who can’t make it to the market.
She’s part of the Nova Scotia Loyal program, which is a nice boost for local businesses and helps get her name out there.
A Lifestyle of Upcycling and Sustainability
Jude’s passion for upcycling runs deep. She grew up wearing patched jeans and hand-me-downs, back before that was trendy.
She’s still thrifting and repurposing whatever she can find, weaving that old-school resourcefulness into everything she makes.
Personal Connection to Upcycling
One story she loves: her mom gave her a sewing pattern in 1973, which she used for her first big project. That pattern survived a house fire in ’83 and still means a lot to her.
Not long ago, she pulled it out again and made something new from an old pair of jeans. There’s nostalgia there, sure, but also a sense of carrying on a tradition.
Beyond Bags: Restoring Vintage Campers
When she’s not sewing, Jude’s probably out restoring vintage campers. She’s got a knack for bringing these old beauties back to life, and honestly, it fits her style—she likes giving forgotten things another shot.
That same creative energy and attention to detail shows up whether she’s sewing a bag or fixing up a camper. There’s something admirable about wanting to preserve the good stuff, don’t you think?
Keeping Busy in Retirement
Even though she’s officially retired, Lean keeps herself busy with her side hustle. Selling her creations isn’t just a business for her—it brings real joy and a sense of purpose.
She gets a boost from the positive feedback at markets and online. That encouragement keeps her making and sharing new work.
If you want to check out or buy something from Wiccasmith Jean Bags & Accessories, head over to Lean’s Facebook or Instagram pages. You can also find her upcycled pieces at the Yarmouth Farmers’ Market during the summer and around Christmas.
