Hi, I’m Nette — the maker behind Made by Nette.
Creativity has always been part of who I am.
I’ve always been happiest when I’m making something with my hands. Over the years that creativity has taken many forms, from handmade jewellery and gifts to crochet, knitting and countless little projects along the way.
Life has a way of changing direction, though. There was a period when creativity took a back seat while I focused on what mattered most — family, rebuilding and finding a fresh start.
Years later, that creative spark returned.
I picked up crochet and machine knitting to keep my hands busy. Then came a crocheted beach bag, followed by a matching crossbody bag… and before I knew it, I was teaching myself to sew so I could add linings.
That’s where everything changed.
Where it all began
After losing my Dad, I found comfort in creating something meaningful from his clothing. Turning his jeans and shirts into bags and memory bears gave me a way to preserve those memories in something tangible and lasting.
What started as a personal project quickly became a passion.
I was hooked.
I invested in new machines, developed my skills and even attended specialist bag-making retreats to refine my techniques. Somewhere along the way, I realised I’d found what I was meant to do — creating beautiful, bespoke bags and meaningful keepsakes for unique individuals.
Made by Nette today
Today, Made by Nette brings together everything I love about making.
I work with beautiful fabrics, quality leather and carefully chosen reclaimed materials, always looking for ways to give something a new life or turn an idea into something tangible.
I love the freedom of creating something that isn’t quite like anything else. A colour combination that shouldn’t work but somehow does. A beautiful piece of leather that sparks an idea. A customer’s request that makes me think, “Ooh… I could do something with that.”
Every item is made with care, attention to detail and a lot of love — plus the occasional bit of “creative frustration”! 😂
For me, a bag isn’t simply practical. It should reflect the person carrying it.
From fabrics and colours to pockets, zips and accessibility features, where possible, I love tailoring the details to make something feel truly yours.
Welcome to my studio
I now work from my little — and very busy — workroom, surrounded by sewing machines, knitting machines, fabrics, tools and probably far too many ideas.
This is where those ideas become real.
And that’s what Made by Nette is all about.