Comments on: Mia Sabel, Saddler

By: Marcia Howard

Marcia Howard — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 19:56:40 +0000

What a beautiful story. May Mia’s work continue to fulfil, and hopefully inspire others to step out of their comfort zones to develop their own skills.

By: Mark P

Mark P — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 15:58:37 +0000

You know your telling of the lives of good and contented people, like this one about Mia, help us realize just how rich and full our lives can be.
Thank you, GA.

By: Heather Rohrer

Heather Rohrer — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 14:02:38 +0000

My hat’s off to Mia for taking a path not often trod. Back in boarding school, I crafted a leather wallet for my Dad and used the double needle – one thread method…..brought back fond memories.
Thanks G.A.

By: Helen Breen

Helen Breen — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 13:45:04 +0000

Greetings from Boston,

GA, what an interesting story about Mia Sabel and her choice of career change to the ancient art of saddlery. I agree:

“Mia’s example fascinates me as the inverse of the familiar pattern in the East End where, through successive generations, traditional skills have been lost as the notion of a white collar desk job won precedence over working with your hands.”

This is so true, particularly today when so many “professional” occupations have been swallowed up by automation. I wish Mia the very best in her new career …

By: Paul Loften

Paul Loften — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 13:25:30 +0000

Dear Gentle Author
You are spot on and have hit the bulls eye with this article once again. This is such a worthwhile trade that people actually need. Leather is made to last and last and it can be repaired and restored to make it even look better when it ages. I once knew someone who had a stall in Camden market that did well from just selling restored old leather suitcases. Mia did well to get out of the City and discover and use the handcraft skills which she must of inherited from her grandfather . I wish her well !
You are so right about the culture I recall whilst we were at school in the East End how most of the boys who left either ended up in the print trade or banking . It was looked down upon to go into a job where you had to use your hands . I suppose it was the big money and false prestige earned from city jobs that was the attraction. I followed that path myself and ended up in the city when I left school and also found it was not for me.

By: Jill Wilson

Jill Wilson — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 10:32:27 +0000

Great to see a really skilled person at work – and I bet her workshop smells lovely too!

By: Mathilde Grange

Mathilde Grange — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 09:56:15 +0000

It takes courage to do that. And Mia is right, expensive leather bags are often badly stiched. And. G.A, where do you find all this wonderful people? Thank you.

By: Alex Knisely

Alex Knisely — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 07:58:06 +0000

Clam. A word old to me, a sense new to me. Thank you.

By: Barbara Elsmore

Barbara Elsmore — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 06:14:56 +0000

Congratulations to you Mia – it is wonderful to see you using your talent and skills to create something so worthwhile and lasting and which will be appreciated for years to come.