I think everyone gets that I can sew now. No surprises. I've also made the choice to not buy very many retail clothes and accessories because I can sew. I see the money not spent at Target or J. Crew as fabric money and that makes me happy in ways only a little Emoji can explain. (Too bad I'm not typing this on my iPad.)
But before I bought my sewing machine, I shopped all the time. No kidding. My weekends were spent at malls, at Target, at Goodwill--wherever I could find a deal. I knew when all the sales were scheduled. I spent a lot of money, but I bought a lot too--I've always been a bargain-hunter, or what my dad calls "cheap." Now that I sew, all the money I spent on clothes and shoes--there are still clothes in my closet with tags...from two years ago--goes to patterns, fabric, what have you. I still shop bargains and it's just my nature to research the hell out of something before coming to a conclusion.
Last September, I made an Amy Butler Spice Market tote from Kona and Ruby Star Rising viewmasters. It became my work bag because it seriously holds everything. Even after I made the Rebecca bag, I went back to it because it was sturdier and felt like a better carry-all for my 12 hours of commuting and working each day. But a couple weeks ago, I noticed it had some bleach marks on it (from what, I don't know--I don't know the last time I even touched bleach) and now the fabric has worn away, revealing the interfacing. It's a beautiful look, as I'm sure you can imagine. Because I don't really want to be mistaken for a homeless woman (with my frizzy hair and worn Toms, it could happen), I need to figure out a new bag situation quickly.
To be honest, I'd love to buy something leathery and grown-up. And this is where my dilemma lies. Is it bad to buy something when I can very easily make it? While I wouldn't sew with leather, I have the Spice Market pattern and lord knows I have fabric. It would also be cheaper to make it. But do I want that? I started looking around for a large tote and couldn't find anything I liked for under $50.00. To be honest, I didn't really want to spend more than $20, but I have to come to terms with the fact that I'm living in a fantasy world. I also don't like to spend more than $30 on a haircut, which is why I haven't gotten one in over a year, hence the frizziness. I'm out of touch with how things cost, because I've completely dropped that aspect from my life.
I know this isn't a life or death situation, and it barely qualifies as a problem. Oh, poor girl, should she use the skills she has or should she spend her money on a purse? But, if you sew (or knit, or crochet, or whatever), what do you do? Do you feel bad about buying something when you can make it? Normally I stick to buying things I either won't or don't want to make, such as underwear and knit tees. I can make bags.
What should I do? And if you have any suggestions, where can I find a cheap bag that will hold all my shit?
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I say if you find something you like, buy it, then you can spend more time sewing things you would rather be making!
ReplyDeleteI like the way you think!
DeleteI TOTALLY get your situation. I am also subjected to a 12 hour commute/work day - (aren't we lucky?) - and I often worried if I, too, looked homeless with the multiple grocery store totes that I would usually end up carrying. I wanted a nice bag that was roomy and not too expensive, also. So, a few months back I purchased the Baggu Duck tote and I am really happy that I did. It's roomy- has an adjustable strap and an inner pocket. It also snaps shut in multiple ways which is different. I paid $22 for my plain off white one, but I think they average around $24. It isn't leather, but it does look like a nice, put together bag instead of what I was used to. As far as leather goes- I've seen nice looking Fossil and Lucky bags and often on sale.
ReplyDeleteI looked at Baggu and the Duck bag was definitely my top choice! Is it as big as they make it look? And did you buy it straight from them? I think I saw that it's sold on Urban Outfitters too but I never shop there. I'd just love to see it in person. Thanks for the suggestion!!
DeleteHere in Raleigh there is a well-known designer who makes lovely leather-like (vegan) bags in many sizes and colors and graphics. They are beautiful and since she is a local woman making her own business, I would have NO problem at all buying a very expensive but very beautiful AND LONG LASTING tote or bag from her. So, there's always that option. You don't have to make it yourself but there are other options -- like Etsy -- for finding a lovely bag that someone else made. You don't have to buy a leather bag made by some child in China!
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