Some of you may recall that last Christmas I made my kids these bags. You may recall it because the bags were so awesome. OR you may recall it because, even though it was almost a year ago, it was only a few posts back. Whatevs. They are important to this story only because my sister-in-law liked them and said she wanted one. I made a comment of the your-birthday-is-coming-so-you-never-know sort and that was that. And then March was her birthday. And then I just saw her in August and only THEN did she receive her own bag. Cuz that's how I roll, folks. NO! WAIT! That's how the OLD me rolled. The new, 36-year-old-without-kids-all-day me is totally going to be on time. Ahem.
I digress.
A couple of YEARS ago...hmm... maybe even more than a couple... said sister-in-law had given me a REALLY COOL piece of hand made fabric art from Costa Rica, where she does mission work. I loved it but never quite figured out what to do with it. Somehow it never seemed appropriate for anything that I was crafting in my completely non tropical world. But I kept it, as I keep a lot of things (yes, that was a confession) oh so carefully (**SNORT**) stuffed in a drawer somewhere with a bunch of crap potentially useful things. When I finally got around to making the bag, I knew I had to use it and it became the inspiration for my beach loving and living, Laurie.
Tada!
Essentially it's the same bag I made the kids, but with a couple of added pockets and a longer strap. This is what it looks like on a headless, 5'9" body who clearly needs a belt.
If you are petite, or have a head, your results may vary.
So, long story short: Laurie got her birthday bag almost 6 months after her birthday. I used something I hoarded, so I feel good even though sometimes it means I live in clutter. And here is my question for any of you loyal friends and followers. Seriously, all 5 of you. What do you think you would pay for a simple little bag like this? No bells and whistles, just cool fabrics, maybe some applique or decoration of sorts, maybe some simple pockets. Made one at a time and one of a kind. (Hey, that's kind of catchy...don't anybody steal that, k? :-) (BTW, didn't take a picture of the inside, but it is fully lined with that brown dotty fabric). I like the idea of getting a little feedback, so hook a gal up wouldja?
7 comments:
I love it! hard to put a price on something like a special bag made for Laurie - is very cool. can you fit a lap top in it?
Good question re: laptop; this definitely looks like a bag I'd carry to the coffee shop to grade papers. Is it sturdy-ish? Is there interfacing? I like a msgr type bag to be a little on the sturdy side--you know, so it doesn't collapse onto itself too easily? I love the construction, though--the simplicity is a plus as far as I'm concerned.
Seems with a few adjustments you could market such a back as a diaper bag, too...
I love the bag! I think you could totally sell them too. When I am unsure about how to price something I will go to etsy & see what others are charging. Then I find a good price medium & go with it. For the record I hoard, er, I mean "save" special things too. Cause you never know when you might want to use them for something or make something with said stuff ;)
It's beautiful! Artfulife has a good suggestion if you're competing in the same area. I would start with cost of materials and then decide how much you think your time is worth. Just like paying yourself a wage. Then mark up 50% and see where you land. For well made but no bells and whistles maybe stay in the 20 to 30range, depends on materials too. But definitely research it.
Liss, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE....my new bag!!!! I can't tell you how much I appreciate you putting this together ....it's so PERSONALIZED and PERFECT for me! To me it's priceless! You did an amazing job! I think people would love your work and I hope you are able to do lots more of it with some of your free time! Remember, you can always use me as a guinea pig...I have loved both bags you have made for me! I wish I knew how to sew like you, this would be a great way to raise money for missions....speaking of which....hmm....want to make something for the fundraiser....you've got 2 months to work with? Sorry to ramble....love ya!
riso does it fit a lap top? (sorry, persistent girl here wants to know)
love how my comment said "riso"...I meant "so" hehe so maybe your new nick name is riso. or maybe....risew..hehe
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