About this Product
Please be aware that colors can be slightly different on various computer monitors!
Highlights
6" x 9" accessory wristlet pouch, repurposed fabric
wristlet attached to zipper
light-colored lining
boxed bottom of bag
For crafters, this smaller bag is perfect to hold necessary tools. For the traveler, the bags can help organize packing small clothing or toiletries. This bag can match or coordinate with a larger bag to organize your crafting supplies and projects!
All bags and pouches are sewn with high-quality cotton-blend repurposed fabric and lined with a light-colored fabric. I find that a light lining helps the contents to be more easily seen instead of hiding in dark corners.
Sandwiched between the outside fabric and lining is a batting that helps to stabilize the bag.
Fabric is washed before sewing, pre-shrinking it.
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Meet the Maker
Hello! My name is Ellen Helms.
The mission of Earthwise Emporium is providing products by repurposing fabrics for consumers who make conscious choices to encourage slow fashion and reduce waste. They are concerned about using resources as wisely; they want to reduce what goes into their trash as well as recycling containers and focus on the circular use of products.
My grandmother was my first example of following a low waste mindset: in the 1920’s, she took worn out clothing to a rug maker. My mother said she and her sister had so much fun playing on the rugs, looking for pieces of their old clothes! I learned from her that Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Repair, Repurpose aren't just words, they are a way of life!
I love all kinds of needlework: I began knitting as a child, sewing as a preteen, crocheting as a teenager, cross-stitch as a young adult, adding other skills along the way from taking classes.
Using and honing my needlework skills were vital for me as a stay-at-home mother and helped our one-income family use money wisely when creating clothing for myself, my children, decor for our home and for presents.
The passion I bring into my shop includes considering where the fabric came from and who owned it, what plans they may have had for it before they chose to clear it from their stashes. This adds meaning to the process of giving the fabrics new life while making the bags and ornaments.
Crafters appreciate and use the project bags and accessory pouches for their knitting, crocheting, cross stitch and/or sewing. Other customers use the small bags for stashing essentials for running errands while store markers, pencils, crayons or snacks. The larger bags are being used as knitting, crocheting, cross stitch project bags or as emergency baby clothes bag in the family car or organzing for a trip, etc.
Customers appreciate the ornaments that honor our faith, country and various holidays; some of these fabrics came from other small businesses that are also working hard!
Packaging, similar to my products, is simple and pretty! Everything is wrapped in white paper tied up with a lovely piece of yarn. All products are wrapped as a gift whether it's for the buyer or they are giving it to someone else!
All products are made with the care and attention I put into making things for my family and myself! The process of making them may be a drop in the bucket of repurposing fabrics but it is my hope that others will appreciate these products and join in on living a low-waste life!
Thank you for visiting!
FAQs
Q Where does the fabric come from?
A 1. I use fabric that has come from people who are clearing out their fabric stash because they don't want to throw it away and end up in the landfill when it's in perfectly good condition. I use my own remnants from my own sewing. All fabric is washed before being made into something new.
2. When necessary, especially for ornaments, I buy fabrics from other small businesses
Q. Why don't you add the handle to the side of the bag like I've seen on other bags?
A. I add a handle with a lobster clasp to the zipper tab because I, and my customers, have found that it's easier to open rather than fiddling with a zipper tab by itself. Having the handles added this way make it more accessible to those who may have pain in the hands, e.g. arthritis, which makes it harder for them to get hold of the zipper tab.
Q. All the linings look like they're white, why not use colors.
A. 1. I inherited a large quantity of sheets and since they didn't fit our beds, it made sense to use them as the bag linings.
2. I've found that a light colored lining helps the contents to be seen more easily. I've been given some lovely project bags with lining that are dark prints and it's harder for me to see if I've left something at the bottom, like a small pair of scissors (or maybe my eyes are getting old ;-)
How it’s Made
Small bags are sewn from high-quality repurposed fabrics.
The 6" x 9" pieces are cut from a wooden pattern that a friend made for me. This makes sure the size is precise for the outside fabric and the inner lining.
The Earthwise Emporium label, along with a Made in the USA label, is sewn onto the lining. The fabric, batting and lining are arranged with a zipper and sewn together. After both sides are sewn and topstitched, a zipper tab is added.
The pieces are arranged so that the side and bottom seams are sewn, leaving an opening in one bottom seam so that I can turn the bag right side out. After these seams are sewn, 1" squares are cut from the corners and these are arranged and sewn to make boxed corners. The excess is trimmed and I turn the bag right side out, and bringing the open bottom seam together to sew it closed.
I sew a wristlet by folding, pressing and attaching a clasp to a strip of fabric, bring the ends together to sew. I refold the fabric and sew a seam in a circle, moving the clasp when necessary. After the circle of fabric is sewn, I fold the clasp inside one end of the wristlet and attach a double end rivet to hold it in place. The clasp is then attached to the zipper tab and the back is finished!
Shop Policies
Returns/Exchanges
Contact me first if you have any questions or concerns about your purchase.
Return product within 30 days of purchase, in their original packing and condition.
Return shipping cost is the responsibility of the buyer.
Cancellations must be within 24 hours of purchase.
Shipping is within 1-3 days after purchase.
FAQs
Sizing details
My pouches & bags come in two sizes; 6” X 9” approx and 11” X 13” approx.
Care instructions
Bags & pouches are machine washable and dry-able. Be aware that zippers and clasps may be hot when taken from the dryer.
Ornaments can be dusted with a soft brush.
Why don’t you use brand new fabric?
I believe in slow fashion and reusing good quality products when they are available. There is far too much waste and reusing good quality products is the basis of my business. I will, when needed, buy a specialty fabric for ornaments from another small business.
Why don't you add the handle to the side of the bag like I've seen on other bags
I add a handle with a lobster clasp on it to the zipper tab because I, and my customers, have found that it's easier to open rather than fiddling with a zipper tab by itself. Having the handle added this way can make it more accessible to those who may have pain in the hands, e.g arthritis, which makes it harder for them to get hold of the zipper tab.
All the linings look like they're white, why not use colors.
1. I inherited a large quantity of sheets and since they didn't fit our beds, it made sense to use them as the bag linings, again, repurposing high-quality fabrics.
2. I've found that a light colored lining helps the contents to be seen more easily. I've been given some lovely project bags with lining that are dark prints and it's harder for me to see if I've left something at the bottom, like a small pair of scissors (or maybe my eyes are getting old ;-)
