Cool Stuff: I Found It...Finally

First, let me make this really clear. This is not an advertisement. I'm not even sure it qualifies as a review. I am simply in love and bragging about my knitting bag!

Several months ago, I went onto Ravelry seeking information in the Remnants forum. Here is the link to the thread, if you are interested and have access. I wanted to find the very best knitting bag ever. In the past I have used a Vera Bradley Villager tote, an Amy Butler Sweet Design bag, and most recently a Lexie Barnes Flo knitting bag, all of which served met some of my personal requirements for knitting bags. Yes, I have a thing for awesome knitting bags. Can you tell? It's a bit of knitting bag lust, I will admit. One gripe that I had with all of them was how busy the fabrics were. I am just not a "print" person, floral or otherwise, when it comes to the exterior of a bag. I love snazzy linings though. Snazzy linings make me happy. 

Many people posted in my thread. There were numerous suggestions, links and photos. Some were nice. Nothing was exactly what I wanted. Then at the very bottom of the page, I saw an advertisement for Julip Bags. I clicked on the link and it took me to an Etsy store. The bags were awesome. I especially loved the Lily tote. Here's one that darling! I thought I'd found my favorite bag ever, but I couldn't find it in a solid color in her listings. I sent a message. I never send messages to Etsy sellers, asking about the details of other than what I see on their pages. That's how much I was drawn to this bag. I wanted it. I just wanted it in a solid color. I asked if she did custom orders. She did! Then I came up with this crazy idea. I had a pair of jeans, 7 for All Mankind. They'd never fit right and never would (I am just too old to wear jeans that low-cut. I'm not sure anyone should, but that's another post.). However, guilt prevented me from getting rid of them because they were expensive. I asked her if she could use them somehow to craft a bag, a one of a kind bag, just for me. I think the new term for that is upcycling. She said she could and was willing to try. Oh, the joy and excitement I felt. I never get anything custom made. I sent her my beloved jeans and a favorite belt. She sent me images of linings to choose from. We talked details and specifics via numerous convos. The personalized and professional attention was amazing. It was like Nordstroms on Etsy. It took a couple of weeks for my new bag to arrive in the post. I was like a kid at Christmas because I'd decided to be surprised rather than view images of the finished product. I'd come to trust her judgment and knew I would be delighted. 

Oh my God. Amby of Julip Bags did it. She created THE PERFECT KNITTING BAG for me. Just for me! my dream bag.

It is lined with Amy Butler Nigella fabric, Passion Vine in Lime. There are inner pockets and because the outside of the bag was a pair of jeans, there are outer pockets as well. The handcrafting is amazing. Amazing. There isn't a loose thread. The straps are reinforced. She added something to the bag to make the bottom sturdier, so that it can pretty much stand especially when it's full. Now, I know that everyone will not think my bag is perfect for them, but it the most absolutely perfect thing for me.

I am so in love. Oh, and there is an adorable matching pouch for my stuff. I filled it with my beautiful handmade stitch markers, my tape measure, etc. 

Did I mention I was in love?

Amby, I cannot thank you enough. A dream come true!

Comments

[trillian42]

What a great bag! I've got quite a collection of Julip Bags - all beautifully made, and just perfect for so many knitting projects. She does great work!

[Trina]

Thank you. She really does do awesome work. I love my bag.