Bargain Bags / Bundles

[EvieP]

Hi All, i'm new to Abakhan and have come across the bargain Bags page on their website http://www.abakhan.co.uk/acatalog/Bargain_Bags___Bundles_new.html i was wondering if it is good value? i've not bought this way before, it seems tempting but was wondering if any of you have?

Thanx

Evie.x

[happycatuk]

Hiya,

As with any bargain fabric bag bought unseen, it's a bit of a gamble. I've bought a couple (although only one fabric one from here), and you have to offset cost vs 'how am I going to use the fabric'?

If you're looking for alot for your money, can use any print, fabric or pattern they throw at you (ie for samples/toiles/mock-ups before using your fashion fabric), and don't expect anything you can use for 'best', then go for it.

If, however, you're looking to make certain things from what you get, I'm afraid it can be a false economy. They seldom resemble either a description or picture, and of course you always imagine something completely different from what you actually get. Sometimes you can hit lucky, and get a real gem, other times .. urgh!

I've found the bargain bags of fringing and lace fun and at a great price, and unlike anything I would have selected, but I won't be able to use all of it - but what I WILL use will stretch my creativity in a very good way!

[EvieP]

Great, thanks happycatuk - that's kind of what i thought. I'm going to give one a try and i will let you know the results. By the way I've just noticed they have added some more bundles on http://www.abakhan.co.uk/acatalog/Fabric_Bundles.html So what are your areas of interest / expertise?

[happycatuk]

Hiya EvieP

Apols for delay in replying, I haven't been back to Abakhan's site, in an effort to not buy more things and I didn't know I could ask the site to alert me when there's a new posting !!

How did the bundle turn out, did you find anything useful?

My interest is pretty design-orientated, with a particular weakness for vintage dressmaking patterns. I'm hoping to draft some patterns for myself soon.

I've produced a block/sloper (a 2D rendering of my 3D body onto paper, which is where all patternmakers start), have added the minimum amount of fitted ease, so everything should - ha! - fit, and am in the process of padding out my dressform to the right size so I can drape as well as test pattern pieces on it.

I did a C+G sewing course ages ago, and have lots of fabric and patterns already, so am looking forward to making things that fit properly. I'm a fairly standard, if petite, size 8, but am fed up of things not being quite the right colour/size/fit etc (trousers are a pain, always baggy under the bum etc!)

How about you? What are the things you're good at/interested in?

[lizziemac]

Hi Evie
Just noticed your post here. I decied a while ago to try one of the fleece bundles. It looked a bit expensive so I was'nt sure at first, but anyway I took the plunge. It was absolutely fab, great pieces of lovely quality fleece exactly how it looked on the site, brill value, i've made loads of hats & scarves for all the grandkids, also little blankets & i've still got lots left to play with.
I've since noticed that they've reduced the size (&cost) of the fleece bundles, should make it easier to tempt folk to have a go, they've also added lots of other bargain bundles etc, problem now is to decide what to get !!
How did you get on ?
L xx

[Kate XXXXXX]

I haven't tried one of the bundles yet, but have some in my eye to spend a little fritter money on... I have no problem with fabric or trimms I cannot personally use: I chuck them in my special box of things to play with when making bags and Christmas stockings for and with kids! Nice shiny pink satin lining, scrap of something Disney-flavoured? Kid's box! They have a ball!

And toiles is a good use too... Or something strong but ugly can be hidden in the foundation layers of a corset or boned bodice...

[sockette]

I ordered Tuesday evening and the box arrived Thursday morning.
At 49p I ordered multiple bargain bags.

With the interfacing only one bag out of 5 was non-fusible. I use both types so it was a bargain that I can use.

I could imagine attaching multiple bows as a design feature so I ordered several bags with the intention of sorting them into different colours (as I would do with buttons). Some bags were knotted and others sellotaped closed (packed by different people). Mainly pastel colours except for red and black. Over twenty different colours and some special bows with beads on.

So easy to attach to a shop bought garment to make it special e.g. socks or bonnet for a baby. Or onto an alice band. The possibilities are endless

The bargain 49p bags of 10 metres of webbing were mixed colours and widths. Smelt fine, looked perfect and very strong. Why didn't I discover Abhakan sooner?

The bargain bags of 5 Light / Cord Pulls far surpassed the description of white. None were white. Each bag contained a different colour. One type contained the promised metre cord and a different type didn't. One type contained two screws to attach them and the other didn't. A shop would charge more for one.

I buy fabric locally and enjoy feasting my eyes on the variety. For someone remote from a supplier the fabric bundles would be equally exciting.