Let's Talk Customization!
Can you never find that perfect bag for you in the stores? Have you thought about having one made? If so, this post is for you!
Don't want to read it all? That's ok!!! Here's the short list to think about!
- Style - general size and general type - hobo, crossbody, backpack, etc..
- Color and Fabric
- Detail Choices
- Functional Choices- Pockets, Strap Length, Zipper Pulls, Bag Feet
- Cosmetic Choices- Hardware color and style, Made in USA/Handmade logo
Keep reading if you like to know all the details! :)
The first big decision to make is what type of bag do you want? Do you want one that I've made before? Or is your ideal something different? And how big do you want it? Think of big-ness as three components that work together - the height, the width and then the depth. Height and width are obvious but depth is how much space there is at the bottom of the bag from front to back. Is it 1" or less, 4" or more or somewhere in between? For styles, do you like hobos, or backpacks, or crossbodies? There are so many options available. Take a look at your current bags, you might see that they have a similar style (at least mine do). In addition to that, just look around emmybauer.com and see if there's a type that you like. Sold out items are under the "Available for Customization" section of the site and I keep them there solely so people can look and see samples of what I've made.
Once you've thought through the big picture of the bag, you probably already have a scheme in mind for color and fabric. For color, the rainbow is the spectrum. For fabric, I recommend either all vinyl, or a combination of fabric and vinyl. I think adding touches of vinyl, even if it's just bit around the bottom, or in the corners, elevates a bag from looking run of the mill to looking amazing.
After style and fabric/color, then we get really into the details. I think of this as the fine tuning and in my mind I separate it into the functional and the cosmetic choices. Functional includes pockets, strap sizes, and zipper pulls. Cosmetic includes hardware and other doodads.
For functional items, you'll want to decide on pockets. Standard bags usually have a zipper pocket and a slip pocket on the inside...but that's not the way it has to be. You could have two zipper pockets (In fact, I just recently made a backpack where I did that.) Or maybe you want all slip pockets, or maybe you don't want any at all! The choices are up to you. Another functional item is strap width and length. I make mine usually based on what the pattern says...but if you're having it custom made, the strap can be easily lengthened or shortened or made wider or skinnier. The only limiting item with straps is the hardware that it connects to. Hardware is typically 1/2", 1", 1.5" or 2". So...if you say your ideal strap width is 1.75", then I'll have to use 2" hardware and it'll be a little gappy (but still functional). Another functional item is whether you want zipper pulls added or not. I often add these out of scraps of fabric, and I think they help you find the zippers, but the choice is yours, of course! Bag feet are another choice to make, depending on the style of bag. I like to add them to my own bags just because I'm forever setting them down places and I think it provides a little protection to reduce wear and tear.
For cosmetic items, you want to think about the color of hardware that will be used. I either have on hand, or can get, hardware in gold, bronze, gunmetal (it's a dark gray, almost black), silver, rose gold, or rainbow. If you want to see some of these in action, just go to the search and type in "rose gold" and it'll pull up bags where I've used that color. Generally, I have color/hardware combinations that I prefer, but if you like something different, then of course it can be done. Also there are MANY options of zipper pulls available. I usually just stick to the standard ones, but if you wanted some with mouse ears, or skeletons, or flowers, or countless other items, they could be found. The last cosmetic choice is for any logos. I really like the metal logos that say "Handcrafted Made in the USA" but there are other styles readily available, or they could be left off. Again, the choice is up to you!
There are lots of things to think about!!! Hopefully this helps you think about the options a little more! If you're interested in a custom, just reach out to me and can work through it. Making bags is fun!!!!