If like me you are a bag maker you probably find that you have plenty of bags to choose from for yourself. I have quite a few in my wardrobe but I tend to carry the same bags most of the time. This is because I'm lazy very busy and can't be bothered haven't got time to swap around bags all the time. I also tend to give myself any bags that are serviceable but have some flaw in them. If I've made an error in the manufacture but it's not enough to warrant a chucking out I finish the bag with the view to carrying it myself. For example my current bag is a lovely hobo made in Amy Butler Love fabric. Pretty and practical. Unfortunately when I was marking the bottom darts I used the wrong pen and there are faint blue lines on the fabric. Probably no-one notices but I know they're there and of course I couldn't really sell it like that.
Nice bag and neat top, but...
...see what I mean?
When people know I make bags they take a sneaky peek at what I'm carrying. In a way you could say I was carrying an advertisement for my own product. So here comes the point of this post: do I want them to see my mistakes? Well of course the answer is no. I want them to be gobsmacked by a gorgeous creation that they'll be dying to carry themselves. Here's what I've decided to do. I have in my stash loads of beautiful fabric. Some of this for some reason I decided to "save" for something special. I'm going to get some out and make myself a bag (without flaws). I'm going to put some of my new business cards into one of the pockets and I'm going to carry the bag with me. When people comment on my bag, and they will because it will be perfect!, I'll whip out one of my cards and tell them they can have a perfect bag too. I'm also going to have a clean out of my bag stash and get rid of any with obvious imperfections. The rest are going to be evaluated for fabric and design. Is it fab and trendy or is it tired and dull? If the later - out it will go. The other question wll be do I use it? I'm also good at putting a flawed bag in my stash and then never using it because the flaw is too obvious! Before I finally get rid of my discards I will remove any hardware or handles that I can reuse. I might be having a clear out but I'm still a thrifty girl at heart.
So, what bag do you carry? What do you do with your flawed creations?
8 comments:
Ohhh, you sound just like me! I too used to carry around my rejects and my changing bag was a freebie from Boots parenting club when I joined. I realised that everytime someone found out I made bags they would check out mine as soon as they thought I wasn't looking. I make 'the perfect bag' and yes it really is perfect and beautiful in everyway! Yes, I get loads of comments and queries but do I have the confidence to sell myself - no siree - blumin useless at this self promotion malarky!
As most of my bags are still flawed, as I haven't made many, I keep all of them pretty much. I will only give them away as presents when they are perfect. It takes me so long to make a bag, as I have to pace myself for health reasons, I'll never have any to sell!
I SO know what you mean! I used my flawed creations, or the experiments gone wrong, as grocery bags for the supermarket, or for toy storage or play bags for the girls. Only the flawless ones are given as gifts or used by myself..,and I don't even sell bags!
Your "flawed" bag is still utterly beautiful though :)
Ali
x
That's such a beautiful bag! Before you decide to chuck it, have you tried using alcohol on a cotton swab to get out the ink mark? That usually works really well.
I really identify with you on the bag front! The bag I use the most for everyday purposes is one I bought but yesterday I decided I would make myself the kind of messenger bag I would really like and carry it as an advertisement. Snap! I do take a bag I made to work and that has proved the starting point of several orders from colleagues; I barely have enough spare time to make them all and my husband has had to take over the ironing! One problem is that my work bag is unusual fabric that I bought in South Africa and everyone wants a bag of THAT fabric!
i like it...
Love the bags and flaws what flaws, what are a few imperfections? I always say Not pefect but made with love! :)
I have an ugly bag, I have to be honest. I work in school, which means I have to carry around a lot of books and papers, and after that I go straight to the gym - result - big, ugly bag!
I envy girls that can carry cute bags like this.
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