Paisley and upcycled jeans make beautiful bags

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Thank you for your interest! I started to crochet and sew handbags to pass the time, realizing that I found my new passion. Like many moms, I work full-time and have two busy kids. Having limited time for hobbies, I started to crochet and knit to pass the time during hockey or soccer practices. I realized that I could make my own custom-made handbags that are rare, practical, and fit my needs perfectly. My first couple of bags were simple yet unique, so others started noticing.

Since I don't follow any patterns, every bag is a one-of-a-kind original. I take my time looking at different types of fabrics with or without print patterns, and my materials range from upcycled jeans or flannel, as well as other varieties like linen, cotton, or fashion-satin. Since I upcycle jeans, I will leave minor imperfections to give the bag character. Rips that are larger, are either hand sewn together or backed with additional interfacing and fabric to secure it. These eco-friendly/no-waste bags may include different jeans parts sewn together to make a worn look. Recycled all the way! Every part of a pair of jeans is being used to make a true unusual and different every-day bag.

For my crochet bags, I experiment matching up different colored crochet nylon with different backgrounds. I also take my time looking for accent buttons and ribbons. Then I just begin to combine and mix and see where it takes me. Using a size 18 crochet nylon really gives it durability. It takes me about a week to finish one bag, from deciding on lining, color, size, ribbons, buttons and then crochet pattern, so I could not imagine charging an hourly rate. Most of my pricing is cost-related. Due to the handmade nature of all bags, there will be a slight differences in size and color. All fabric inserts and linings are reinforced with sturdy interfacing for extra stability, making it suitable for everyday use.

I'm certain about one thing: These bags will make the perfect unusual and different gift that is guaranteed that no one else has. Please note that every bag I made is an original, because I don't replicate my combination of materials, ribbons, accent buttons and/or yarn. I take a long time to look at different variations of colors before I decide on my design. I use different shades if I mix with the same fabric, in order to assure that each bag is one-of-a-kind. Since it is handmade and in part hand-sewn, it will have some minor imperfections.

Unless specifically stated, the strap should be long enough for cross-body wear. Most of the crochet straps will stretch a bit with the weight of the bag. I also like using 1 inch webbing because of its durability.

My very first creations ended up being raffled off in Chinese Auctions at fundraisers, but the more I gave away for free, the more people asked me to open an Etsy store and see how it goes. I noticed other Etsy stores selling crochet and jeans bags upward to $200, many of which don't appear to have sturdy inserts, pockets, or even use similar material like I do. The only downside of Etsy was that you pay even if you don't sell anything. I have decided to give eBay a try, and additionally, I am attending various vendor fairs and craft shows to try my luck there.

I kindly refer to the pictures or description for approximate sizes; images may not fully represent actual colors. I do my best to take photos in different lighting, but I'm not a professional product photographer. All bags are washable, but I recommend to only hand-wash or spot-clean, lay flat or hang by the strap to dry, and never use heat.

I appreciate all honest and kind feedback to make this experience better and hope to provide you with the same joy and love I put into each little project.