Quilting is more than a craft—it is a timeless art form spanning centuries and generations alike.

It is highly “standardized” at its core consisting of three fabric layers held together by intricate stitching. It is also highly creative, enabling artistic freedom and collaboration.

Entire communities have been anchored by quilting including our very own. The “craft of quilting” is famously recognized as one of the earliest American art forms — made possible by many hands. Known as “Quilting Hives” — for the first 150 years in our country it was commonplace for women to gather and quilt. These early quilted pieces that commemorate our culture can be found in museums across the U.S.

The craft of bag-making is similarly as timeless as quilting. Some of my personal favorite handbags ever recorded are from the Victorian era in England called “Reticule bags.” Intentionally small and held together with a drawstring at the top, both men and women used Reticule bags in the 18th and 19th century to carry coins, keys, and tabacco. The drawstring dueled as a closure and a handle — for the wrist on women or attached to a belt for a man.

Reticule bags evolved over time to meet ever-changing Fashion eras, eventually becoming larger in size and commonly referred to today as “bucket bags.” Their underlying multi-functional design has never wavered however and using a drawstring bag remains an effortlessly classic and chic look today. A design and look that never goes out of style.

Gathered Standard was founded to honor these two inventive concepts — quilting and drawstring bags. One rooted in tradition and expression. The other in function and permeability. Both respectively set the bar for their domain — standardizing overall technique and best-in-class approach. Both are still relevant to this very day.

Gathered Standard (Noun): Timeless, quilted drawstring bags for any occasion.

PS: The words above and here are my own. As a seasoned communications executive, I did not want a large language model to write whats in my heart.

I went through a very painful last year and learning to quilt my own drawstring bags was my reprieve. I spent countless hours researching and honing my craft. And I loved it. It brought me back.

I am not reinventing the wheel by any means, simply bringing a fresh perspective to the table. I believe in quality over quantity and only use premium fabrics and threads made to stand the test of time. I am humbled if you are reading this letter. It would the opportunity of a lifetime to have you as a customer. I promise to exceed your expectations.

Warmly,

Christa Proano, founder, Gathered Standard