Monday, December 3, 2007

Finally, One Bag For Every Outfit...well, almost

Has this ever happened to you?...You put together a cute outfit for a special outing, but at the last minute you realize that (a) you don't have a bag to match, or (b) you have a great new fabric that would be perfect with said outfit, but you don't have enough time to make a bag.

Well, it had happened to me one too many times and I was determined to find a solution! That's how this particular bag design came about. (I'm sure all the big designers will have their version in the stores next year, but remember, you saw it here first. :) LOL) The one pictured above is a basic natural linen tote with a slightly funky print for the interior and belt loops.


What gives this bag its character, is a simple little sash. The pumpkin colored one is the same front and back, but the one below has a different print on each side.


Tada! A completely different look in seconds!


I love how fast (I'm a slow sewer, and I can make a sash in 20 minutes) and easy it is to change the look of my tote. And lets not forget, economical! How much do we all LOVE these designer fabrics?! (Let's give a big shout-out to Amy Butler, Jennifer Paganelli, Heather Bailey, Tina Givens, Joel Dewberry and many others.) Not to mention the fantastic vintage fabrics. But, if I had to buy a whole yard of every print I wanted, I'd be in the fabric poor house. With this design, I get a lot of designer bang out of a mere 5 inch strip of fabric! Love that!

Here's the next grouping of fabrics being considered for sashes.
And I have another bag in the works that will allow me to use my most coveted vintage fabrics. Can't wait to show you.

28 comments:

Georgia Peachez said...

Well, how stinkin' clever are you!! That is really pretty!

Anonymous said...

The bags are lovely...love your website. I chose yours as the "Creative site of the day" on my site. It's at: www.joyfulploys.piczo.com

Angela @ Cottage Magpie said...

Okay, that's it, you are officially a bag genius!!!! You have to start selling these, or the pattern, or something. BUt then you have to stop teasing me because every time I see you have a new post I'm hoping it's kitchen pictures!
~Angela :-)

Teresa said...

I love this bag idea...so very clever!

Sugar Bear said...

Cute! Great idea! I can't say I ever wished I had time to make a bag though - I can't sew!
Karla

Anonymous said...

That is so fantastic! I love that. It is certainly a winner.
Pamela

Anonymous said...

This is ingenius. I would buy one, if you sold it. I'm no bag-maker, but I *love* to save scraps hoping to use them someday....

Niesz Vintage Home said...

Hi everyone!
I'd like to sell them, but family obligations have seriously cut into my sewing time.
I'm doing something just to get a bag made for myself anymore. :(

Pranamama, fabric scraps would make a fun patchwork sash, if you decide to try a tote on your own.

Jennifer Paganelli said...

Now that's cool!!!!you blow me away girlie girl....

Rosemary said...

You are so clever.
Rosemary

Katherine said...

Smart, sassy and thrifty! Love it!

Anonymous said...

Brilliant idea!
cd&m
http://catondarlingandmoore.typepad.com

Robin said...

Simply amazing! Such beauty!

Junie Moon said...

What a really brilliant idea!

shabbyfufu said...

Kimberly.....that is the most wonderful tote~you need to patent it asap!

Barbara Jacksier said...

Great idea. You should patent it!

Niesz Vintage Home said...

Thanks girls! I'm on it. ;)
Kimberly

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Oh my Gosh! How smart are you! That's is such a cute and clever idea! I'm sure everyone's going to steal it!

Manuela

Cheryl Ensom said...

Great bags! I love how they have little "belts"! Darling!

kari and kijsa said...

We are in love with this and would be roght there wearing our new lovely bags if they were for sale! Alas- we will just have have looks green with jealously as you sash-ay (sorry-bad pun!) around town!

Truly wonderful- WE will see this in all the shops next year because it is brilliant!!!

blessings,
kari & kijsa

Anonymous said...

What a terrific idea ~ great for quick changes without having to empty the contents of your bag too.

Marie x

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Brilliant idea! How clever!

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Brilliant idea! How clever!

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

Lovin the fabrics and your wonderful creations. Hope you have a lovely Christmas!

Felicia said...

Merry Christmas :)

Rosy Inspiration said...

You're a genius when it comes to bags, they are all so gorgeous. I love the ones with bows best, they are so striking!

Free Art Printables said...

Very cute bags! Love the fabrics!
Jen R

Kim said...

Oh, I love the bag. What a great idea.