Cinnamon Cooper, Poise

What is your mafia nickname?

The Ripper

What is your craft?

Making high-quality, creative, and fun handbags, purses, totes, and bags.

Why do you do your craft?

Because I can’t sit still for long periods of time without falling asleep and I have an obsession with purchasing fabric. The first purse I made was donated as a silent-auction item for a non-profit organization. It didn’t take me long to realize that I could support more organizations by giving them bags and selling bags to raise funds for them.

What are your sources of inspiration?

It could be the way a woman’s suit jacket has frayed around the cuff, or the short-shorts worn by Daisy Duke, or a friend who says “I wish I could find a bag to hold my stuff.” I carry a small notebook and am always drawing little sketches and pasting in images I’ve clipped from magazines or newspapers.

What is your favorite Chicago haunt?

If I were a ghost I would haunt the downtown library. It’s a beautiful building and I just love being surrounded by all that knowledge. Since I’m alive I have to give props to Vogue Fabrics in Evanston. Much to the chagrin of my boyfriend who has sit waiting for me, I lose all track of time as soon as I walk in there.

What is your favorite beverage? Where do you buy your favorite beverage?

During the winter I love Duchess duBourgogne from Hopleaf, it’s rich balsamic flavor makes winter just a wee bit warmer. During the summer I’ll take a mojito or glass of sweet iced tea while sitting in an outdoor cafe.

How did you come up with your business name?

While visiting New Orleans a few years ago, the owner of the Bed and Breakfast gave us a cheat sheet of “suthun’ sayins” and one of the items was “poise = purse”. It stuck and I brought it home with me.

What is your weapon of choice?

My main weapon is my sewing machine. My Juki TL-98E gets hugged, cleaned and oiled frequently.

What would you be doing otherwise?

Probably watching a lot more tv, taking more naps, and spending a lot of money on therapy. My happiness increased as my crafting output increased and I don’t doubt they’re related.

Do you have any advice for other crafters?

If you find yourself saying “Someone really ought to . . .” then maybe that someone is you.