Monday 7 November 2011

Handmade Monday - Tote Bag for a Wheelchair

Good morning everyone. I've got something to show you today that's bright and cheery on this grim Autumnal morning.

A little while ago, I was approached by a very lovely lady, to make a bag. Not any old bag though. She a had a dilemma...... no that's not the right word...... a gripe...... may be more appropriate. She longed for a pretty bag that she could put on her wheel chair. She explained to me that whilst backpacks fit nicely they aren't usually that pretty and she wanted pretty.

Some of you may even know this lovely lady, Maria from Mias Crafts. Her website is packed full of craft ideas whether you're into jewellery, salt dough, rag rugs or papercrafts there will be something there that lights your candle. Oh yes, she even has those as well - candles holders I mean, so make sure you pop over to say hello.

Maria had seen this post which had inspired her to get in touch and I'm very pleased she did. This is what I came up with.

A tote bag, made a little larger than normal to fit across the back of a wheelchair.....





....with handles at the side to easily slip over the handles.









A roomy front pocket.....







....and a useful inner one too.








The fabric is of course CK .......






........and the lining is my beloved Laura Ashley Heath Green Gingham.






Venturing into unchartered territory, Maria was wonderful to work with, sending over precise measurements and indicating the exact positioning of the handles she would like. She received my package a couple of days ago and tells me she's chuffed to bits. I believe she has already given it a trial run.






This custom make was lovely to do as it solved a problem and gave me an excuse to sew (like I need one!)

So if you've seen anything on these pages that you like the look of but may want to slightly change please get in touch, caroline.lovis@tiscali.co.uk  I'd be only too happy to discuss your custom made requirements.

Of course I met Maria through marvellous Handmade Monday run by Wendy which is where I am off to now. If you're stuck for a Christmas make idea there will definitely be something there for you. This week Wendy is celebrating a massive 100,000 views on her blog and if you're quick there's still time to enter her fabulous giveaway.

Have a good day x

27 comments:

  1. Caroline, I saw the bag on Maria's blog last night and was really impressed with how well it worked. The other thing that I love about it is, it's not just functional but it is really pretty and girly.

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  2. It's a fab bag and I think you may have a market for these! There must be loads of people out there who'd like a pretty tote to use on their wheelchair. I'm thinking all sorts of custom designs in my head now!!!

    Love the gingham lining, btw. This is a bag that will last and last. Lovely.

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  3. Hello Caroline:
    What a superb idea and one which really you should patent. The resulting bag is so very pretty and clearly completely practical, and we are certain that Maria must be delighted.

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  4. Saw this on Maria's blog so pretty and useful

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  5. What a great bag - I think you may have discovered a niche market here!

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  6. So much prettier than a back pack. Great that it is so practical as well as pretty - super idea Mich :)

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  7. I agree with everyone else, I don't think this will be a one-off commission ... next will be stripes, spots, then childrens ones. Well done both of you for coping with a long distance commission.

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  8. I saw this on Maria's blog, it's really great to look at, and very functional for use with a wheelchair.

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  9. Hi Caroline, this bag is gorgeous and girly.

    I agree with Wendy, there is certainly a market for this item.

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  10. What a brilliant idea and beautifully executed! I've already had experience of you making curtains to my exact and very specific order and have no hesitation in giving your services the very highest recommendation. Vx

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  11. The bag looks lovely and why not everyone likes pretty fabric rather than dull backpacks well done glad she loved it xxxx

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  12. This is such a great bag Caroline - very practical and oh so pretty too. Like the inner pocket too.

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  13. Really pretty and so functional. As with everyone else I think you have a winner here. Hugs Mrs A.

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  14. The bag is lovely, so pretty yet practical, not something that happens very often! I agree with the others that you may have just tapped into a whole new market! x

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  15. Lovely colours/fabrics. I guess that's the beauty of handmade and more personalised service that can be provided...bespoke items as required.

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  16. I saw this on her blog, and thought it was just lovely! You are awesome to make this and just so talented! And how wonderful that this group made this happen! Infinite coolness! :)

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  17. That's a fab looking bag and yes we should all have a pretty bag in our collection.

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  18. Gorgeous bag in beautiful fabrics. Lovely work.

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  19. A lovely bag and I am sure there will be more ppl who can benefit this idea. Hope the word spread.

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  20. Lovely bag, very much like the CK fabric.

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  21. Caroline, it's a lovely bag, I left a comment on Maria's blog also. Handmade is definitely the way to go.

    Jan x

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  22. Thanks all for your lovely comments. I think handmade does go the extra mile in terms of giving a customer exactly what they want - you just can't find that on the High Street!

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  23. Beautiful bag, very pretty with lots of room for all a girl's needs

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  24. Lovely bag, lovely fabric, and one very happy recipient from what i read on her blog. Great work as usual

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  25. Excellent idea to glam up a wheelchair and for bag use of course. I bet you were excellent at needlework at school?

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