What’s a Product Profile?
This is the latest post in a series where I tell you a little bit more about items in the Something Different Upcycled shop. These Product Profile posts provide more information than what is available in the Etsy listings. They are also a great way to find out more about a Something Different Upcycled item you found at Homemade Community Shoppe in Chilliwack, BC. (Did you know that you can find Something Different Upcycled there? Here’s the post with all the details.)
Everyday Tote
The focus this week is on the Everyday Tote, which is just the right size for all of your essentials. If you’ve been around for a while, you might recognize these as the JBE Tote. You’re totally right: these are the same totes, just with a new name.
Are you looking for the other Product Profiles? Click here for Napkins and Multipurpose Cloths or here for Drawstring Market (Produce) Bags and Bread Bags.
Why Do You Need This?
Something Different Upcycled’s Everyday Totes are designed to be roomy enough to carry all of your most-needed items. They’re ideal for, say, a trip to the library, a stroll around town, or a quick stop at the grocery store. Think: wallet, keys, phone, a book or tablet, a snack, headphones, water bottle or reusable cup.
They’re great in cooler weather too because the handle drop is long enough to fit over most coats and jackets. Our Everyday Totes are made to last and feature fully finished seams – no loose threads or spots for things to get trapped!
Will You Make Me A Custom Everyday Tote?
If you like this style but want something a bit different, like longer straps, an extra pocket, or a key clip, please get in touch! As long as I have the fabric to do so, I’d love to make a custom Everyday Tote for you. Let’s chat!
What Are They Made Of?
Most of the totes are made of cotton or a cotton blend. Some are made entirely of synthetics, such as upholstery samples. Some have patch pockets (inside, outside, and sometimes both) and some are fully lined. Others have key clips sewn into the facing.
Like all Something Different Upcycled items, Everyday Totes are made from thrifted and/or upcycled sources, such as fabric remnants, table cloths, curtains, and the like.
How Do You Care For Them?
Spot clean when necessary as a first step and gently wash in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase when needed. Hang to dry whenever wet for any reason – rain, laundry, leaky water bottle, whatever.
Click here for more suggestions about laundering and otherwise caring for your Everyday Tote and other fabric items.
Visibly Mended Totes
I’ve heard this question a few times:
Some of the Everyday Totes have visibly mended spots. Why are they the same price as those that do not have repairs like this?
First, all visible mends are clearly shown in the listing’s product photos. This means that there should be no surprises when your order arrives.
Second, the mends do not in any way affect the durability or functionality of the tote. In some cases, the mend reinforces a weak spot in the fabric. In other cases, it covers a stain. Again, durability and functionality are not affected.
Finally…
the cost of a tote that has mended spots is the same because the size and shape of all Everyday Totes are approximately the same.
It is not more, even though a mended tote requires more labour and materials. This is because I believe that there is a perception that there is something wrong with mended items. I discount labour and materials to keep the price the same to help combat that perception, and to normalize mended items. I like to think of visibly mended items as having more personality and character. And they are certainly one-of-a-kind!
The price is not less than totes that have not been mended because, again, there is nothing wrong with a mended tote.
And if there IS something significant that I’ve had to mend or if something isn’t quite up to my normal standards, I’ll note it. It with then be either discounted in a separate product listing or offered during my Samples and Seconds Sale in November of each year. Follow along here and on Instagram for announcements about that sale.
About the Pattern
I love these Everyday Totes – that’s why I make them. I want to acknowledge that the basis of the pattern that I use is the Library Tote by Anna Graham at Noodlehead. The original pattern calls for bias bound seams on the outside of the bag. I prefer to use French seams, mostly turned to the inside of the bag. I’ve also created a smaller pocket for inside the totes, and have even been known to anchor a key clip inside. The overall shape and most of the construction process is pretty much the same, though, so big thanks to Anna for making such a great pattern.
Do you like the Everyday Tote? Let’s hear some feedback! Leave it in the comments or send me a message.