A Uniform Approach

Fatigues put fashion in the bag.

Tia Curtis doesn’t need fireworks, parades or brass bands to show she’s patriotic. This talented crafter honors those in uniform with her sewing machine.

A former military nurse, Tia runs a home-based business in Australia, where she’s stationed with husband Stuart, who’s in the U.S. Army, and their young children. Her specialty is making quilted totes, wallets, clutches and backpacks from military uniforms for families who want a stylish reminder of a loved one in the service.

“Through history, camp followers were families who followed their husbands and fathers into war, helping the troops by cooking, mending and more,” Tia explains how her Camp Follower Bags got their name. “These bags give women a way to demonstrate their love and support while carrying a bit of their soldier, sailor, airman or Marine along with them.”

Customers send Tia their servicemen’s old uniforms, patches and badges. She pairs them with colorful, complementary fabric. “We work together on the details of the design via my Web site and E-mail,” she adds. “No two bags are alike. Each one is as unique as the woman I sew it for.”

Sew-lute!

The most satisfying part of her business, Tia notes, is designing

Hero Bags, made for the wives and widows of wounded or fallen servicemen. In addition, she makes Hero Quilts for their children. “I don’t charge for these orders,” she says. “I’m deeply honored just to be able to make them.

“Uniforms mean a great deal to me. They represent a country worth fighting for, and men and women willing to stand up and defend their nation.” Watching Tia painstakingly piece together remnants of camouflage, olive drab and khaki, it’s clear her heart goes into every stitch.

Editor’s Note: For more information on Tia’s crafts, visit her Web site from our links page. Due to the amount of custom work on each order, Tia’s bags may take 3 months to complete.