Bag Lady.
My old bag had been wearing out. This is more of a stress for me than for other women, because I have very exacting needs in a bag. I can’t call it a purse, because it’s more than that. It’s not just about my keys and phone and wallet. I require something big enough to carry dinner (and sometimes breakfast), water, car jockey stuff, tutoring stuff, book, sunglasses, camera, and all the rest of the dreck that I may need throughout a day. It’s kind of my backup.
So blithely, I sailed forth, looking for a roomy and attractive messenger bag. Nothing. There were a couple of faux-military ones at H&M. There were some ugly canvas ones at the army surplus store. There were Nike ones at the skate shops. So I got in a snit and made one.
It’s black with pink-and-green cherry blossom trim. It’s waterproof-lined, has pockets for everything, and doesn’t look stupid. I am delighted.
So yesterday I took my new bag up to Safeway to by vacuum bags. Safeway doesn’t carry them any more. Hey, Safeway, what are you thinking? Not everyone has those fancy-pants canister vacuums! Some of us still have our grandmas’ vaccuums from the eighties! Luckily, Shoppers Drug Mart still has vacuum bags, as they know my needs better than you, Safeway.
So. Now I am content in all my bag needs and may blog more. If anything interesting happens, I mean.
Some Stuff | Liz March 19, 2009
By Erin, March 21, 2009 @ 2:05 pm
Yay for homemade! I have tried, unsuccessfully, to construct bags in the past, but have never quite gotten them to turn out how I’d like. I suspect this may be due in part to the fact that I don’t have a monster industrial sewing machine, or – at the very least – a surger.
I never really cared much about bags until last year, when I met and fell in love with Montreal’s Matt & Nat bags. Despite the fact that I’m not vegan, something about these called to me, and I ended up buying a “last year’s model” on-line for a bit of a discount (but still, for much, MUCH more than I’d ever even considered spending on a bag). I was instantly converted, though, and will never spend my days cramming wallet, cell phone and keys into my jackets again.
But how I yearn for the days when I’d stick my house key, and my phone quarter in my shoe.
By Liz, March 21, 2009 @ 5:25 pm
I remember those days, Erin. Hmm. Matt & Natts look like some very nice bags.
By Erin, March 21, 2009 @ 5:45 pm
They are pretty yummy. And very sturdy – mine has lugged many dance costumes and laptops and not complained or lost stitching once.
This is the website I ordered from – they were prompt, and I can’t recall if shipping was free, but if it wasn’t it was minimal: http://www.materialgirlinc.com/
By Liz, March 21, 2009 @ 6:02 pm
Oh wow. There goes my rent money!
E: What do you mean we’re homeless?
Me: Well, we’re homeless but I am stylish. That’s good, right?
By Arwen, March 21, 2009 @ 6:36 pm
Oh, I want a Butler Bag!
I’m still schlepping the backpack. John loves bags, and because of his obsession, I attempt to remain bag neutral. Bag-apathetic, even.
By cheesefairy, March 22, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
Your bag sounds really delightful.
I never used to care much about bags. Then I went to that website. Thanks Erin. 🙂
By Stephanie, March 23, 2009 @ 3:45 pm
You have to post a picture of the bag!