littledingman Report post Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) Hello, complete beginner here. I am an avid handbag addict and was always curious about how much does it really cost to make these designer handbags that cost hundreds to thousands of dollars? And then I was thinking well why couldn't I make my own bags myself? I have practiced my saddle stitch and still deciding on an easy pattern to make my first tote bag after buying some pre-dyed leather from my local Tandy store, my "little hobby" room smells really good right now, LOVE the leather smell. But my goal is to get into some exotic leather, have you seen how much exotic bag designers charge for these?? $5000 for a simple ostrich tote, and Hermes prices charge up to 40-50 THOUSAND dollars for ONE crocodile bag. Insane?? You could probably buy a whole crocodile farm for almost that lol. Anyway, I appreciate beautiful design even though I'll admit I have bought the "crappy mass-produced overpriced designer bags" and realize the true art is in actual leatherworking, not some "fall apart in one use" coated canvas bag. But anyway, it might all sound frivolous, but I just appreciate practical yet beautiful aesthetic and materials and gorgeous handbags that I know I could make myself based on my own designs. so, if anyone needs advice on handbags or better yet, give me some advice, I would be most appreciative, but otherwise happy to be here and can't believe how useful the information is on this forum, especially for a complete newb like me. My husband is a cabinet builder/carpenter and is amazing with his hands. He found my new little hobby humorous and of course can already saddle stitch better than me without even reading the directions...lol...oh well, I would rather put the time into creating something I know is crafted and made well then wasting hundreds of dollars on another handbag. Edited January 29, 2009 by littledingman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted January 29, 2009 Welcome to the Forum littledingman. Glad you found us. Sounds like you know your way around handbags, so I'm sure we'll all benefit from that, and there's plenty here to take back with you. Grab some coffee from the back room, and join in, especially don't forget to show us your projects as they go along. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lace Report post Posted January 29, 2009 Welcome Hope to see you making lots of bags before long! It's worth more in the end to say: Yeah I made it myself and maybe you can turn the funds around and make money rather than spend it. Hehe! Welcome and enjoy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
abn Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Glad you found us! I know there are several books on the market that deal with handbag design. Typing the keywords "leather handbags" into Amazon will show you a few. They're good reading, and some books even have fold-out patterns. Your decision to start with a kit is a good way to go. Also, just wanted to make you aware of K.C. Leatherwerks just a few miles from the Knoxville Tandy. If Knoxville is in your proximity, K.C. offers a number of leatherworking classes that may interest you. Plus they stock some items (like Hidecrafter stamps) that Tandy doesn't. Make yourself at home, and fire away with any questions! Regards, -Alex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greybeard Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Hello and Welcome! Looking forward to seeing pics of your future work, This subject interests me too. I have a Lady at work who wants me to make a couple of bags for her and her daughter. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
