This is far different from most other mass-produced products where one person performs the same monotonous task all day. The bags are not only designed with functional details but are art pieces that reflect the personal style of the customer.įrom start to finish, either Martina, Sonia or Jason cuts out each pattern piece and sews every stitch. The bags also boast lots of thoughtful details, like including water bottle pockets lined with reflective strips that increase visibility. There is a strong sense of craftsmanship in the structure of the bags, which stand up to extraordinary weather. Each bag is custom ordered with lots of options, including hardware and even thread color. ![]() Swift bag owners love other Swift sightings on the road and get excited to swap stories with other cyclists about the adventures the bags have facilitated. The artists and owners maintain a rooftop garden, keep bees and rally around the love of bicycles. The new space reflects Swift’s desire to live in the city and cultivate community while drastically changing what our urban spaces are like. It now hosts studio space, including Swift and other artists. Their new studio is in a historic landmark that was among the first to bring electricity to Ballard. They moved into a new studio space in June and added Sonia to the team, another stitcher who has helped fill the demand of increased orders. Orders started coming in every day and the production took over Jason and Martina’s whole house. Things have been evolving for Swift ever since then, and they launched a new website during the March Seattle Bicycle Expo allowing customers to design and order their own bags online. ![]() Swift started from humble beginnings in 2008 in the basement of a punk house on Beacon Hill. ![]() But what really sets them apart is the philosophy of Swift, pedaled by creativity and connections. Each bag stands out with bold colors and style that are often lacking in practical gear. Swift Industries bags are different than other panniers, not only in the way they look but also the way they are made. On a lovely rooftop garden of their new studio space one sunny afternoon, I chatted with Martina and Jason, the creators and designers of a growing Seattle company that makes custom bags built for bike touring.
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