When it comes to boutique items, I am guilty of wanting to purchase more than I should. I can easily spend hours browsing all of the colorful handmade items on Etsy. Whether it's a pair of button earrings or an adorable purse with fun fabric, it's all delicious eye candy to me. Sometimes, to save a few bucks (or many ;), I actually try to make these items. I usually don't have the "skillz" or materials, but I work with what I've got.
I just don't feel right splurging on little treats like this very often, especially with a kiddo on the way. And I really don't see myself spending $60 on a sweet looking handbag.
Oh! But Little Odd Forest has such cute handbags and totes, click here to see what I mean. Who can resist? (I can, honestly folks, but let's just say I can't. ;)
Problem? Yes. Solution...
This past weekend I TRIED to make a similar handbag/diaper tote for Mirabel. I have so many random scraps of fabric. And sometimes I give in and buy a fat quarter or two of irresistible/adorable Japanese fabric, from Etsy, of course. I just so happened to have a little more than a fat quarter of pink nesting doll fabric, purchased earlier on in the pregnancy for Mirabel (you see, I was justified in making this "wise" investment ;). But the fabric was so cute, I was hesitant to cut into it... until I spotted the Odd Forest handbags!
Definitely not perfect. It's got its flaws and I'm still learnin'. But, by golly, I had a whole lotta fun making this bag. I will add that my seam ripper came to my rescue many times; it's my new best friend :).
Here are a few close-ups of the final product, including the nesting doll fabric. I added a few big pockets to the inside, too (can't have too many of those, especially with a baby!). The orange buttons came all the way from Bulgaria! They're from one of last summer's Etsy purchases :).
After finishing up the bag, Jose and I felt it was time for a sunshine break! Thankfully, we've got plenty of sun these days :). A nice change from the dreary weather. I think it's safe to say that spring has sprung.I love pink trees. If only they tasted like cotton candy!
I almost forgot! We have a new neighborhood pal, meet Al. He's the albino squirrel that lives on our block :).
Wow, great job!!! It looks just like something on etsy.
ReplyDeleteThe hilarious part about your post is that I just purchased a $62 diaper bag from Etsy today. It is what us girls do who can't compete with your mad sewing skills. ;)
You were totally "in the zone" when you were making that purse. I love it. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ali! Oh, if you could've only seen how much time I spent on it (and believe me there are plenty of mistakes here and there :P). I told my husband that it's no wonder these bags cost so much, I spent about 6-8 hours on the bag...so I think I'd earn less than minimum wage if I sold it?
ReplyDeleteThose talented sellers on Etsy have this down to a science, though! :)
I'm glad you found a bag you like :)! I actually purchased one on ebay a few months ago, to have as a back-up in case mine fell apart :P.
Soooo sute... the bag is wonderful! I love the fun patchwork feel... great creation! Spring is there...oh, how beautiful! The snow is just done melting here... LOL! Happy Days, Sophie! :o) ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteSo much detail it looks adorable. I think you'll get a lot of use out of it. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah :)!
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