(Video link HERE.) For years, I have been obsessed with designing the perfect bag, one that could travel with me throughout my busy day, and morph from backpack to tote to shoulder bag. For a while, I entertained the idea of making bags to sell, and researched what it would involve. There is A LOT a lot to know in making a bag, from how to select skins, to prototyping, to buying hardware to actually making them (what sewing machine?).
We were riveted by David Munson, CEO of Saddleback Leather’s video in which he deconstructs his famously-well-made bags and tells the logic involved. It’s a TROVE of info and also a brilliant reverse-ad for Saddleback Products, showing just how carefully they’re made and why they’re worth every penny.
For those bag obsessed folks out there that dream of making your own, this info for you. I’m also a big fan of Natasha Durham of Rough and Tumble Bags Convertible bag designs, and am hatching plots to devise my own less-chunky bag using similar principles.
To quote Jim Jarmusch: Steal ideas from everywhere and make them your own!
You might also try the Fjalraven Toteback – I just got it and it’s great. I was also toying with creating my own tote-to-backpack bag, but they did it already. And better than I’d have done.
Natasha and her business are excellent. I have her bags and they are extremely well-made, considered, beautiful. She is also hiring local people in the small town of Norway Maine, and is a part of a small surge of shops there which are revitalizing the town.
I think she has smaller versions of the convertible backpack above, and she also does lighter waxed canvas things.
Because of her bag, I have been able to find my keys and phone for the first time in years….:)