I had to take a break from the loads I was working on to complete a custom order request. Now this request was by no means ordinary because the customer was VERY specific, here are some specifics;
... I want it to be sturdy, comfortable to carry and very versatile (loads of visible and hidden pockets/pouch's), I want it to be stylish enough to go to the office but also functional to take with me when I go...
She asked that the bag be brown and when asked for the exact shade of brown she wrote;
I'd like my brown to be dark enough to go with black shoes but still brown enough to be identified as brown from about 2 meters away
She also added;
I want my bag fabric to be of multi colours (like Joseph's coat of many colours) I want this to be my bag of many colours so I can wear it with almost any attire I've got. I tend to lean towards EARTH TONES and not lolly pop colours...BROWN, OLIVE GREEN, BEIGE, COBALT BLUE, YELLOW, GREY, RUSTY RED, PURPLE, WHITE, ORANGE....
Now you understand why I needed to take a break cos I didn't want to have distractions while working... and I must admit this was my most challenging work yet. Dyeing the fabric was the most difficult part cos I needed to make sure that the COLOURS she wanted where all present and I also had to make sure the outcome was also pleasing...
Once I sorted out the fabric the rest was easy because she sent two very different bag pictures with these instructions;
the thick hand of bag 1 + the length of hand on bag 2, the external pockets of bag 1 + the large size of bag 2, the turned down central zipper of bag 1 + the tassel effect of bag 2...
So you see...piece of cake. LIE!!!
Like I said this was my most challenging bag yet. I was twice as careful because I knew I couldn't afford to make mistakes, I had a deadline and I dyed just enough fabric so that I will not have excess that I will be tempted to make into something else... I think I went over my sketch and step by step instructions like over a hundred times too scared to make the first cut, after a while I was like "what the hell! No guts no glory" and I am happy to report that the owner LOVED IT! Her wordsI love it and already I'm thinking of other bag designs!!!!Yup!!! Keep them coming I say.
So, back to work on the exhibition pieces. Will post updates soon...there has been a slight change of plans...
There you have it folks. Thank you so much for stopping by and have a great weekend
XO
7 comments:
Beee-yooo-tiful.
Congratulations.
do you retail in abuja. nawa ne is an average jaka?
You are truly talented, Amina: the bag is a beauty! How does the dyeing process work for getting all those different colours onto the fabric?
You know I can't wait to hear more about the exhibition! Keep up the awesome work.
This is gorgeous! I can't wait to see more of your stuff. I need to hit you up with a custom order once owu stops blowing. Keep up the GREAT work.
This is really beautiful. The mix of colours is stunning and I don't know how you resisted making yards of that fabric. I've read your blog on and off for a while and every time I come back the improvements indesign and quality are always obvious. I pray God will grant you strength and joy on your path as your clearly on your way to becoming a national treasure.
@ Olowo: Thank you very much.
@ Maria: Thank you so much for your observations and encouraging words. You cannot believe how much your comment means to me :D thank you again for stoping by.
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