Meet Our Monthly Maker: Paige Sato

Website: mabelstyle.com
Instagram: m.a.b.e.lstyle

Tell us about yourself

I’m the founder of M.A.B.E.L (Makers Always Bring Extra Love), a cut-and-sew business that transforms damaged, old quilts into clothing and project bags for makers who knit, hand-stitch, or enjoy handwork. My coats and tops have a workwear vibe, while the project bags are designed for makers with all sorts of needs, offering easy-to-use solutions for storing supplies.

I initially focused on clothing, but I found it wasteful to discard leftover materials. So, I began using scraps from quilt projects to create various-sized bags—from small coin pouches to large totes. This way, I make the most of every piece of material, producing useful, unique items.

How did you learn your craft?

I earned a degree in American Studies from Colby College in Maine, though my love for textiles has always been a background passion. I learned to quilt while living in Japan, which wasn’t a huge leap for me as a knitter who already understood how garments are constructed.

My family was filled with talented seamstresses, from my mother, who made our clothes and home décor, to my grandmother and aunts, who kept sewing machines constantly running. After moving back to the U.S. and setting up my first house, my mother bought me a sewing machine, continuing the tradition. My mother-in-law is also an excellent seamstress, so I’ve always had inspiring support around me.

What do you make/what are you currently working on?

I’m gearing up for a busy Fall season with in-person shows at wool and knitting festivals. This includes stops in Texas, Brooklyn, Upstate New York, and the Philly Fiber Festival and Miracle on American at NextFab in November.

For these events, I’m creating a collection of coats called popovers, featuring quilted materials and sweatshirt necklines. These are my biggest ticket items, and I’m aiming to have 20 available. I’m also making caddies and bins, which are my second-best sellers.

On top of that, I’m organizing craft tours to Japan, where we explore Japanese craft traditions and hands-on workshops. This is an exciting extension of my business.

How did you come up with this idea/how did you get started?

The inspiration behind M.A.B.E.L began with a beloved yellow-and-white quilt from the 1920s that had been sitting in my linen closet. After seeing a quilted coat on Instagram, I was motivated to try making my own. Using a favorite fishing smock as a guide, I traced the pattern, cut the quilt, and created my first coat. I made some mistakes, but I loved it. I wore it everywhere and received so many compliments that I decided to explore the idea further.

By 2020, I had gathered several quilts and lost my job due to the pandemic. That’s when I took the plunge and launched my first small collection of coats during Christmas, which sold out. From there, I knew I had something special.

After that, I picked up a part-time marketing job with a large, independent yarn hand dyer who had the goal of supporting other makers. The owner ran a boutique on her website where she would buy products on a commission basis and give the maker a nice cut. She asked if I was interested in offering my products. The company had a large following and after she sent out an email to her list, everything sold out within hours. From that point, I knew I could make this happen. 

Her philosophy prompted me to be as generous. If there is someone I can promote or share, I’d like to shine the spotlight on others, even if my voice isn’t so large yet.

What’s the hardest part?

Working alone can be tough for a social person like me. I get easily distracted by new ideas, but being at NextFab helps me stay focused. I see how focused everyone else is and it makes me efficient with my time. 

Another challenge is finding quilts that fit my vision. I’m particular about design features and love unexpected scales—either really large or small elements that align with my aesthetic.

What’s the story behind your business name?

When I started M.A.B.E.L, I wanted to honor the spirit of early 20th-century quilts that were utilitarian but made with love. These quilts weren’t always the most skillfully made, but they were crafted with intention, warmth, and care. I was inspired by these (primarily) women, who took bits of scraps and nothing and created a beautiful something. My goal is to repurpose these vintage treasures, giving them new life while celebrating the hands that made them.

What are your goals?

In the short term, I want to grow my customer base and move beyond doing just in-person shows. I love being out there doing retail, but at the same time, it’s time-consuming and expensive.  I want to see more customers coming to my online store for their purchases.

I also need help with the business side of things—whether that’s hiring a sewer so I can focus on marketing or vice versa. There are many steps in the process, from buying a quilt to cleaning, cutting, sewing, taking pictures, updating the website, maintaining the newsletter, and posting to social media. 

In the long term, I want to expand M.A.B.E.L to include other makers who share the same love for craft and community. I’d love to curate and sell beautiful things—whether handmade or vintage—that have been created with heart.

What inspires you?

So much inspires me! Sometimes it’s a quilt. For example, I recently found a quilt with 16 stitches per inch—a testament to the incredible craftsmanship of its maker. They were so teeny tiny and consistent and the margins were a perfect quarter inch throughout. The quilt wasn’t in great shape, so it was used and loved. 

I also love following creators who upcycle and repurpose, like a woman in England who brings home thrifted finds and turns them into something entirely new. Her husband must be furious with her because she brings everything back home. She wants to take things out of the garbage cycle and reuse them so they continues to have life. I love people and stories like that.

What’s the most rewarding memory in your business?

One of my favorite experiences was working with a woman who wanted to repurpose an old family quilt into caddies for her grandnieces, all of whom quilt and embroider. I was able to create seven caddies from the quilt, and she gave them as gifts at Christmas. The emotional reaction from her family made me realize how special it is to help people transform heirlooms into new, meaningful items.

What makes your business unique?

My eye for quilts, particularly pre-1950s quilts, sets me apart. I specifically look for quilts made from natural fibers, as polyester started being used after the 1950s. 

I also understand my customers’ needs because I’m a maker myself. This knowledge allows me to create project bags that are both functional and beautiful.

What machinery/shops do you use at NextFab?

I spend most of my time in the textiles room, using the industrial sewing machines, sergers, and the beautiful 30ft cutting table. The cutting tables are essential for my work, as I need space to spread out quilts and plan my designs. The majority of what I do requires opening up the quilt, looking for damage, moving pattern pieces, and cutting. I can’t do that on the floor.

Recently, I’ve started learning to use the laser cutter. I’m currently working on a special holiday project that involves repurposing vintage Japanese cookie tins and creating wooden inserts to organize different craft supplies inside.

What advice would you give aspiring makers?

Know what you love, even if you don’t fully understand why. Your passion and enthusiasm will shine through. Also, make sure you have enough space for your work because the constant need to set up and break down becomes a barrier. It’s crucial to have an environment that supports your creative process without unnecessary obstacles.

What is your favorite part about NextFab and why?

The community. I’ve been able to meet other people who – while they might not be textile workers – are dedicated to what they make. I’m here all the time. It’s like going to the gym—seeing others work hard pushes me to stay focused. The staff is also incredibly helpful and welcoming.

When I first came here, I didn’t know people. I didn’t know the vibe. I wondered if it might be a place where no one wanted to talk, so I watched. I saw that people bring in leftover Halloween candy and have coffee together. There are people working all over on different things, it’s heart-filling.

What’s next for you? Where do you see yourself in the next year? What plans do you have for your business moving forward?

My husband and I talk about this a lot. We’re at the point of thinking about retirement. I’d love to grow M.A.B.E.L to the point where I curate other makers’ work in addition to my own. This way, I’m not involved in day-to-day production, only in sourcing and buying other fabulous things.

I also have my Japan craft tour once a year. I take 6 to 8 people and it’s very slow travel. We meet with artisans and learn from them while doing a project or two. I want to do it in other countries like Eastern Europe or Portugal and learn about textile there.

What made you decide to join Artisan Accelerators and what do you hope to gain from it?

I have my creative process established. I have good practice and expertise in what to do creatively.  I need help with the operational side of the business. Artisan Accelerators will give me the tools and structure I need to scale M.A.B.E.L. My ultimate goal is to build a business that could eventually be valuable to someone else, and I want to open that door.

In Partnership with FORMATION. Media