Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The Belated Bag, Why Hoarding Isn't ALL Bad and a Question

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:

Unknown said...

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?

Melissa Crowe said...

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...

Artfulife said...

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 ;)

Ms. G said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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!

Unknown said...

riso does it fit a lap top? (sorry, persistent girl here wants to know)

Unknown said...

love how my comment said "riso"...I meant "so" hehe so maybe your new nick name is riso. or maybe....risew..hehe