tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post5621756943611440970..comments2024-03-23T16:46:47.415-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: What's Your Handbag Strategy?Gertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-74361416983244866492013-07-05T09:33:58.724-04:002013-07-05T09:33:58.724-04:00I have 4 bags and it all depends on the where I’ll...I have 4 bags and it all depends on the where I’ll be going or what I’ll be doing. I like lots of compartments in my bags so, it’s easy to locate what I need.Italian leather handbagshttp://www.marlafiji.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-82923429461630647222012-09-10T13:21:37.146-04:002012-09-10T13:21:37.146-04:00very nice thank you so much very nice thank you so much خياطة وتفصيلhttp://sewingbreakdown.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-81745156659276172332011-07-04T06:31:46.140-04:002011-07-04T06:31:46.140-04:00these bags are lovely i really like its color...
...these bags are lovely i really like its color...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.motorcyclejacketspro.com/category_display.php?parent=497&child=58" rel="nofollow"><br />Reflective Motorcycle Vests</a>Alihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13171699516302880802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-2749154502825140232010-09-28T18:24:51.561-04:002010-09-28T18:24:51.561-04:00Since I'm a crafty person, I enjoy making my o...Since I'm a crafty person, I enjoy making my own bags. There's just a unique sense of style and fun that comes with making your own custom purse. But not everybody can sew, in that case I would just go with buying your favorite middle-cost bag to live happily with. http://www.onquestyle.comUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09637158697652905674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-23661715622572373872010-05-28T21:30:42.059-04:002010-05-28T21:30:42.059-04:00I fifth (sixth?) the recommendation for HotPattern...I fifth (sixth?) the recommendation for HotPatterns bags. They are stylish and not at all like the "Granny went to a threadcraft class" that so many pattern companies have out.<br /><br />And I LOVE the ideas some of you had about patterning your very useful B&N bag, starting with fabric, and buying thrifted leather for practice.<br /><br />I started reading this blog a few weeks ago -- I was so impressed that I went back and began at the beginning. Thank you, Gertie for all your work on this blog, and thank you all you other commenters for your useful ideas and inspiring links and very thought-provoking insights into so many topics.<br /><br />Now, I've a few more days to read before I'm fully caught up . . .Angiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05412393755590311829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-60135735347510059632010-05-24T08:28:01.697-04:002010-05-24T08:28:01.697-04:00I've made my own bags in the past, but I also ...I've made my own bags in the past, but I also own quite a few bags I bought in the mid 2000's. I've been using the same bucket bag from <a href="http://www.crumpler.com.au/lite/english/products.html" rel="nofollow">Crumpler</a> for a while now. It's a personalised design that I paid about 40% more for, and designed the front flap myself. I love it to bits and have been using it since I got it in 2007. Every now and then I go back to one of my lovely leather shoulder bags, or a cute little bright pink over-the-shoulder bag, but it's always back to the <a href="http://www.crumpler.com.au/Lite/English/Products/Quarfie-QU08A.html" rel="nofollow">Quarfie</a>.Lizziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09221034068483640221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-20818303383685633672010-05-21T20:01:41.392-04:002010-05-21T20:01:41.392-04:00you could very easily make a clasp purse like in t...you could very easily make a clasp purse like in the first picture. Buy the perfect clasp online (there are some really beautiful vintage ones to be found) and then go to uhandblog to find out how to make your pattern and construct the purse. It really is much easier than it seems! I hope you try this, it would be interesting to see some non clothing projects.<br /><br />(ps I think the tutorial on uhandblog is called laundry day purse or something, but there are several for different shaped frames)Clarehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13931436948216821554noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-3628122320007306082010-05-21T18:27:37.960-04:002010-05-21T18:27:37.960-04:00I think you should go for something mid-ranged. No...I think you should go for something mid-ranged. No need to put yourself in the poorhouse for a bag you don't want to enter a SERIOUS monogamous relationship with. In the mean time, I'm sure you could sew up something to replace your B&N bag. I've made up about a dozen Amy Butler "Birdie Slings." It's a good tote for summer, and since it only takes a couple hours from cutting to finished product you can make a few in fun colorful fabrics. So at least your schlumpy tote will be cheerful!Becca [Free Honey]https://www.blogger.com/profile/05702757062423348331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-47779188084883089652010-05-21T15:43:37.410-04:002010-05-21T15:43:37.410-04:00high-end doesnt necessarily mean high quality - i ...high-end doesnt necessarily mean high quality - i say make your own! not only can you root out all the unnecessary (for you) features, but you can make sure it's constructed to your standards as well. <br />of course, i say this as someone who wouldn't have the slightest idea where to begin making a bag.. but i'm eager to see how you fare! i tend to wait til i find vintage/secondhand offerings that suit. right now my bag of choice is a soft, huge 70's doctor bag. it fits everything, and i'm going to use it til it falls apartimproper misshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05021405524306031494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-47218678022142552902010-05-21T15:36:58.158-04:002010-05-21T15:36:58.158-04:00Buy a vintage classic and pay a few hundred (300.0...Buy a vintage classic and pay a few hundred (300.00?) and you'll love it forever.<br /><br />You could make a cutie, but I'm a sucker for a well made classic, with experience myself.You can call me Betty, or Bethany, or Beth ...Just don't call me late for dinner.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04105440452868506777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-61541389358738029952010-05-21T11:06:03.968-04:002010-05-21T11:06:03.968-04:00If you like the Marni handbag, you may like this o...If you like the Marni handbag, you may like this one:<br /><br />http://www.spencerandrutherford.com/store/salome-mermaid-p100041.htmlLaurennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-29206451223070994402010-05-21T08:51:13.983-04:002010-05-21T08:51:13.983-04:00now this is my area of expertise! ;)
definitely b...now this is my area of expertise! ;)<br /><br />definitely buy the best you can afford, and buy something that makes your heart sing. <br /><br />OR - if the best you can afford is not something that makes your heart sing, if you are able and talented enough to make your own bag to produce something that is exactly what you're looking for (for which i'm sure you are definitely capable of), do that then. <br /><br />as you said, nothing will drab down an outfit faster than a crap bag.bagfashionistahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11333545352923043668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-90638304786471198862010-05-21T02:38:21.524-04:002010-05-21T02:38:21.524-04:00I gave myself a treat a couple of years a go and b...I gave myself a treat a couple of years a go and bought a coach bag. It's a persimmon-ish leather, is logo free, and has worn like a dream. It's similar in style to the current 'Julia' bag.<br /><br />It's pretty trend free, so I know I'll carry it for years, which is why I bought it (I had a previous bad habit of buying inexpensive handbags every six months or so, and getting bored with them.)<br /><br />On the rare occasion that I need to carry more than will fit in my bag (and it holds a lot!), I have cloth totes and a HUGE collection of paper shopping bags. But honestly, I can cram a lot in there :)<br /><br />I did buy it when it was on sale, and I had a friends and family discount, so it was less expensive than normal, though still pretty pricey. It was, however, totally worth it.Binkydollhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03114235723389534329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-79926954435759842392010-05-21T02:22:08.143-04:002010-05-21T02:22:08.143-04:00if you've got the money, I think Coach bag'...if you've got the money, I think Coach bag's are worth it (and if you're going to the beach in Atlantic City, I know that there's an outlet store there too). I just looked through this years collection online, and I think the Madison bags look like something you might carry (but I don't know you at all so I won't take it personally if you don't like them) otherwise, poke around in the discount stores (Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, etc.). My criteria for a purse is that it must be able to carry my giant wallet, a water bottle, and a paper bag book (at a minimum) which is why I <3 my [bought in Asia, made with real fabric and fake leather] Coach logo bag from a few years ago, it's medium sized and structured, fits over my arm so that I can carry it on my shoulder (with a medium weight jacket or lighter), and has a zipper on top (I'm always paranoid about getting my giant wallet stolen).<br /><br />Happy hunting, let us know what you pick out!violarulz/ducksandbookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06223425002708139409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-87691687835566330112010-05-21T00:57:41.297-04:002010-05-21T00:57:41.297-04:00Like some other commenters, I am way more into bag...Like some other commenters, I am way more into bags than into shoes: although I own way too many shoes, I only purchase shoes to match outfits or for a specific purpose, hardly ever because I just want new shoes. Bags are another story: there can never be enough, and a zillion bags later, I am still drooling over bags on Marni's website that I went to immediately after reading your post. After having spent a small fortune on all the middle-of-the-road bags (all under $450), I am now thinking that I should have saved that money and applied it towards one "end-all" Marni or Longchamp or Chanel bag. That being said, when faced with an opportunity to buy an $1800 bag, I probably wouldn't. First of all, I would freak(!) if it got scratched/ripped/stained/gum-stuck-on-it (let alone stolen). Second, when my friends would ask me "where I got that cute bag" I would be ashamed to admit that I spent that much money on a bag (yeah, I need to work on my guilt issues, I guess). So, here is my solution. If you want a perfect bag that is well-made AND to your specs AND is professional, why not see if one of the bag sellers on Etsy will make one custom for you. I recently bought a "ready-made" bag from Valhalla Brooklyn (http://www.etsy.com/shop/valhallabrooklyn) seller on Etsy, and it's really nice: the leather and construction are very good, and she makes all the bags herself in her studio. This seller also accepts custom orders. So, unless you really want to sew a leather bag yourself, why not make a muslin mock-up to get the size/pockets/shoulder strap length, etc exactly the way you want it, and then give it to a professional bag maker to make one to your specs in your choice of leather? (If you are more laid-back about the "perfect bag", perhaps a picture and dimensions will suffice.) If you know of good leather sources and want to pick out the exact piece of leather to be used, I bet you could buy and send it to the bag-maker along with your mockup/pattern/specs. I am not in any way affiliated with Valhalla Brooklyn (other than being a happy customer), I am only recommending her because I like the bag that I bought, and getting a custom bag from her is going to be my bag strategy next time I want a really nice bag.Olgahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13851521850477762049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-82241371837130241312010-05-20T22:32:39.062-04:002010-05-20T22:32:39.062-04:00I know what you mean... I'm constantly on the ...I know what you mean... I'm constantly on the lookout for a good bag but it has to be able to carry so much stuff that unfortunately I can never just use a cute little handbag. I've ended up accumulating so many bags over the years (tip for anyone going to Japan - the handbags that are made to go with kimono are GORGEOUS and you can find them for as cheap as $1, if you need an evening bag they're great! Hmm something else that I'll have to post about when I get around to photographing them) but am yet to meet the right 'everyday' one so was considering making one from a leather jacket or something as Alex has suggested... let us know how you go sewing leather if you decide to do that. I wonder if my machine could handle it if I just got a different foot and needle? Something to add to my list of things to do...Fourth Daughterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16289520392967828383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-20714185958448498132010-05-20T22:10:18.447-04:002010-05-20T22:10:18.447-04:00Ugh, I hate bags. I hate the whole process of hav...Ugh, I hate bags. I hate the whole process of having one. I actually just get really utilitarian bags from Brooklyn Industries and call it a day. I bike around with a huge red bag that I think goes well with girly and retro styling, because it has just the right amount of edge. Perhaps I'll do a post on it sometime soon. <br />In the meantime, see if you don't have friends who have bags they want to give away. I have a pretty blue 9 west and brown fossil bag, all swapped by friends who got sick of 'em. I wear them to professional contexts. (Nope, I really never wear themRadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01946279879863336523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-89695647760461624932010-05-20T22:10:09.492-04:002010-05-20T22:10:09.492-04:00Ugh, I hate bags. I hate the whole process of hav...Ugh, I hate bags. I hate the whole process of having one. I actually just get really utilitarian bags from Brooklyn Industries and call it a day. I bike around with a huge red bag that I think goes well with girly and retro styling, because it has just the right amount of edge. Perhaps I'll do a post on it sometime soon. <br />In the meantime, see if you don't have friends who have bags they want to give away. I have a pretty blue 9 west and brown fossil bag, all swapped by friends who got sick of 'em. I wear them to professional contexts. (Nope, I really never wear themRadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01946279879863336523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-41461928414786825432010-05-20T21:35:17.973-04:002010-05-20T21:35:17.973-04:00I agree that nothing ruins an outfit faster than c...I agree that nothing ruins an outfit faster than carrying a cheap handbag. It amazes me the number of women that have fabulous outfits only to be carrying a poorly made bag. Spend a little money and buy a mid range priced bag that will last. Cole Haan bags are great and extremely well made! <br /><br />A cheap bag with a nice outfit is like ordering your favorite dinner and then eating with a plastic fork.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-60945440909457623942010-05-20T21:07:57.717-04:002010-05-20T21:07:57.717-04:00You could try this in quilted leather to go with y...You could try this in quilted leather to go with your 1950's wardrobe:<br /><br />http://littlegreybungalow.blogspot.com/2008/05/sewing-tweed-handbag-from-1955.htmlShayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16527241089629026268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-23701265393262844112010-05-20T19:32:13.359-04:002010-05-20T19:32:13.359-04:00I'm back to say that I managed to find some ni...I'm back to say that I managed to find some nice D-rings at Ace Hardware! Hooray! I seriously went to a ton of craft and hardware stores before finding some there, so I stocked up. If you're looking for hardware for a bag, try there!Alexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14859297894252573370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-71786005379057829522010-05-20T19:20:50.071-04:002010-05-20T19:20:50.071-04:00Hi Gertie,
I think as you are lucky enough to have...Hi Gertie,<br />I think as you are lucky enough to have acess to great quality leather why not make your own? Personally, while i love designer bags, cannot justify their price tags. However a bag really does complete the look and add a touch of polish to your ensemble and as you spend all that time making your gorgeous clothes you dont want anything to detract from them. <br />Also can you please share the name of this store that sells the leather? I'm hoping they may sell online...rubyslippers_86https://www.blogger.com/profile/18357170072138624681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-33551084764331729262010-05-20T18:48:28.040-04:002010-05-20T18:48:28.040-04:00I would love for you to experiment with making a b...I would love for you to experiment with making a bag (and sharing your results with us of course!)<br /><br />I buy very good (but not crazy expensive) high end designer leather bags on sale. I do believe that bags and shoes either elevate an outfit or lower the tone of the entire ensemble.<br /><br />It saddens me to think of you in your fabulous outfits with a B&N tote bag on your shoulder or in your hand. The public should not be denied the full Gertie fabulousness. This situation must be rectified!<br /><br />Also, could you please let me know the name of the store that sells that high quality leather? Thank you so much!Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03686477759898404431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-34175693114842829982010-05-20T17:56:12.669-04:002010-05-20T17:56:12.669-04:00check out these two blogs:
http://bagntell.wordpr...check out these two blogs:<br /><br />http://bagntell.wordpress.com/ for <br />and<br />http://wkdesigner.wordpress.com/<br /><br />They're by the same person. There are quite a few bag patterns on the weekend designer blog as well. I made his messenger bag and it came together really well.vespabellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11075188608057610489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-28266181521291913862010-05-20T17:30:08.519-04:002010-05-20T17:30:08.519-04:00I think you should make your own bag. You could ma...I think you should make your own bag. You could make many different versions as well if you wanted more bags. <br /><br />I take a lot of items to work as well, and I'm currently carrying all my stuff in a large tote plastic bag that my dad gave me. I keep telling myself it's temporary but it's been over a week now and I haven't been going bag shopping -- mainly because I feel pressured to buy the perfect bag. When I have the time, I plan to use that tote bag as a guide and will make something out of upholstery fabric or something equally sturdy. <br /><br />Which stores in NYC carry leather?Janicehttp://www.meladori.com/shesinfashionnoreply@blogger.com