It seems like I am forever collecting tote bags.  There are some specialty bags that I use based on my particular travel needs, but there’s nothing like a well-crafted, all-purpose tote to pack everywhere you travel.  A tote should be the work horse of your travel bag wardrobe.
The classic Boat & Tote from LL Bean has been around for over 64 years, so you know they’re doing something right! 
Maybe it’s the heavy-duty cotton canvas, with double-layer base and handles.  This tote is sturdy enough to stand up all on its own, and with double-stitched seams, you won’t have …read more

Tired of packing and re-packing to make sure that you are traveling with everything that you need?  Are you exhausted from lugging around a heavy bag?  Do you want to pack light – and I mean really, really light?  Zero Baggage is hoping you answer those questions in the affirmative and will take advantage of it’s soon-to-be-launched concept of renting your vacation clothes.
Zero Baggage, expected to launch in Spring 2010, will be an online service where you can rent, or as they call it “borrow,” clothes for a short period of time on your vacation.  After wearing, items can …read more

Often times the best travel tools are those that have been designed for some other purpose.  They are usually practical, have been tested thoroughly, and are often more reasonably priced that specialize travel products that do the same thing.
That’s what I think about the Canvas Tool Bag from Klein Products.  Klein has been around for over 150 years, originally making pliers, and now selling a broad product line for the construction, electronics, and mining industry.  They make things that will stand up to hard use and last.
Their Canvas Tool Bag comes in a heavy duty #8 natural canvas, with …read more

The People’s Weekly World reports that this week, the head of the United Nations Environment Program called for worldwide ban on plastic supermarket bags. Achim Steiner, UN under-secretary-general and UNEP executive director, notes that, “Thin-film single-use plastic bags, which choke marine life, should be banned or phased out rapidly everywhere… there is simply zero justification for manufacturing them anymore, anywhere.”

Cute reusable bags from three beans & co shown above.
I agree personally, because plastic bags are a complete eco-nuisance, but I am wondering how a law like this might affect everyone without reusable bags. Paper bags will still be around for …read more

I love making bags… but that’s not a secret
My ears perked up when I got my weekly email from Quilting Arts Magazine, offering free patterns for seven of their popular quilted bags!
I’ve used their patterns for quilted bags before – in fact, I made three of them last Christmas.  I was tickled pink with how they turned out – I just need some free time so I can make one for myself too.

If you want to get your own free patterns, just click here and follow the instructions.  You’ll need to join their website, and provide an email …read more

Reusable grocery bags are one of those must-have green items. Billions of plastic grocery bags end up in the landfill each and every year and paper bags aren’t much better for the environment. If your goal is green living, you really only have one solution – not paper or plastic; use a reusable bag each and every time you shop.

ACME Bags – Plastic Bags Blow Dual-Handled Tote via Reusable Bags
Reusable Bags offers the following facts about non-reusable bags…

According to the EPA, the U.S. uses over 380 billion plastic bags, sacks and wraps annually.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. …read more

While an all-in-one travel wallet may not be my first fashion choice, it’s a necessity if you’re a frequent traveler.
It needs to be large enough to serve as both a wallet (money,credit cards, ID, etc.) and also a purse that will hold your phone, camera, glasses, makeup, and more. Add in that you want it to be a little fashionable, easy to carry, and bonus points if you can slip it inside a larger bag when necessary.
We travelers don’t want much, do we?
One of my favorite wallet bags is from Baggallini.

It’s a 4-way bag, meaning you can wear it …read more

A good day bag is worth its weight in gold when you’re traveling.  With your hotel room as your base of operation, you can outfit your day bag with the specifics you need for the day’s adventure.
It’s easy to think that a cheap tote can do the trick, and I’ve gone that route.  With a well crafted bag, you won’t have to worry about the straps breaking when you’re out for the day, and you won’t have to worry about the contents spilling out because a zipper has broken.  I’ve found that a quality bag has zippers and fasteners that …read more

Now that Christmas is over, I can finally share what’s been keeping me so busy in the past couple of weeks!  Unfortunately, I ran out of time and wasn’t able to finish everything that I wanted – but I got most of my projects done.  I need to write a reminder on my 2009 calendar… start sewing more projects earlier!
I made three “Origami” needlework bags using this fantastic pattern from Quilting Arts TV.  I sewed the bags, wove the handles and my DH made little metal tags to go on the front and back flaps:

It’s just not Christmas without making …read more

I’ve got a hectic weekend ahead of me (have to update my first aid & CPR) so this is going to be short post
I just found the Yahoo group, “Bags to Brag About“.   It’s an online community specifically for hand-bag makers to share inspiration, tips and how-tos.   The group description is:
“Handbags are a woman’s accessory to her
individual style.
She chooses what makes her feel good,
stylish and a look she wants to call her own.
The bags you find here are original and one of a kind.
Here in this group you will find talented artist from all over the …read more