THE PROCESS
DESIGN
We purchase patterns from bag designers who specialize in designing patterns for the home sewer or small bag-making business owner. Items made from these patterns are not found in stores because the patterns are used by individuals like us who sell their products on-line or at artisan events. As such, the items are unique and are usually one-of-a-kind because we all use different materials and hardware. Where appropriate, we give credit to the original pattern designer. We have become experienced in bag making and are able to take features from different patterns and mix and match them. We often modify and add to these patterns to the extent that they become very much our own. Sometimes we get a request for something special, and we design our own pattern to meet the customer's needs.
MATERIALS
We have a large assortment of materials to choose from for our bags. We try to choose the best quality materials that we can find. Many custom vinyl products are available with interesting patterns and designs. Vinyl makes great bags because it is durable and easy to clean, and it gives us fun and pretty prints to use. We also use faux leather. Faux leather is similar to vinyl in its make up, but it looks and feels like leather. These materials are much like what are used on upholstered furniture. Some fabrics are made of cork. These have a unique earthy texture that is wonderful for bags. And lastly, we use real leather. Sometimes we just want the touch and feel of the real thing. For linings, we tend to use woven cotton or water-resistant or water-proof canvas.
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Most of the hardware that we use on our bags is a zinc alloy. This is the common hardware found on commercially produced bags. We always look for good quality. On some of the leather bags, we use solid brass hardware. Solid brass is the most durable but is also very expensive which impacts the price of our product, so we often give the customer a choice. Our zippers come in rolls, so we choose the zipper tape colors and tooth finishes that compliment the product. We purchase and add pulls separately.
The thread that we use is bonded nylon Tex 69/70. This thread is durable and designed for items like bags. It's really strong! It's made to last and will not break under normal stress.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
We really care about the quality of our products. We are perfectionists and it is reflected in the items we make. Handmade items always vary a bit; they aren't perfectly made by a mechanized process. They have the love and attention of someone who carefully made each item, step by step, by hand.
