Bats In My Belfry

Ordered a Jordana Paige “Bella” from Angel Yarns in the U.K. on 18 December 2007. Finally got it today! Not sure what the delay was but I was happy that it finally shipped. Received a nice gift from Angel Yarns as well, I assume to apologise for the delay. They sent along two cable needles.

First impression. It’s smaller (by a lot) than I expected it to be. Certainly not going to work for a project of any size. Not a big deal, that, because I rarely carry around large projects. What really bothers me though is the short handles. I swear they aren’t as long as they appear to be in the following picture from the Jordana Paige Website.

Notice the length of the handles. Now compare with:

Seem a lot shorter. In fact, the only way I can get the handles longer is to really pull on them to draw the top of the bag closed. Probably just my perception but it’s one that might’ve stopped me from buying the bag. It’s awkward to have to pull those handles hard enough to make them long enough to put over a shoulder.

The inside is rather floppy with thin lining material (polyester). Hard to get things in the various little pockets as the material is so thin and floppy that anything with any weight (gauge, scissors) just rolls right out. Part of the problem seems to be there is little structure to the bag itself. I had planned on using this as my purse/traveling-knitting bag. I’m not so sure about this now as the top of the bag, aside from the strap that goes across the middle of the bag from back to front, is open. This not only worries me with respect to my wallet but all the little knitting do-dads that are in there (stitch holders, measuring tape, needles gauge, Chibi etc.). Looks to me like they could fall out awfully easily.

Tested it by putting the usual stuff in the little pockets along with current sock project (ball of 150g yarn, 4 DPNs). Closed the strap, cinched up the handles. Turned the bag upside down and everything fell out (except for ball of yarn and sock itself), including a DPN that was stuck in the yarn on the current sock project. Didn’t even have to shake the bag, the stuff just plopped out.

That’s definitely not a good thing. I have enough trouble keeping track of gauges and tape measures and scissors without ‘em having free egress from a bag.

Here is Bella with three 50g balls of yarn. This gives a good idea of how “not large” this bag is.

I wasn’t crazy about the material of the bag (polyurethane) when I ordered it but it doesn’t look too bad for that. I suppose making it in leather would have made it all the more expensive. It has a nice enough style to it. Metal feet on the bottom are a nice touch.

I am left to wonder what was in the mind of the designer of this bag?

So, summation:

1. Small. Okay for socks or a scarf but not at all suitable for anything much bigger.

2. Not terribly secure storage for anything except in the two zipped pockets (long centre one and small one on front “wall”). Things falling out all too easily. I suppose it would be fine for someone who was quite careful when carrying a bag. That someone is not me.

3. Not very good for tossing over shoulder. It can be done but it’s awfully short. This could be my prejudice as I prefer rather long straps on a bag.

What I would do to improve it:

1. Complete closure for top.

2. A sturdier lining. The lining is very thin.

3. Longer straps.

4. Leather

5. Slightly larger in width and height, maybe an inch on height and two inches on width. Depth is okay.

Final thoughts: Wouldn’t have bought it had I been able to see it in person. This is the bane of living someplace where you cannot see and handle something before buying. The ‘Net is great for being able to buy anything and have it delivered but you do get bitten at times and this was, in my opinion, one of those times. I don’t think it’s worth the money, especially considering it’s basically plastic. It’ll make an okay handbag but it’s useless for a knitting bag for me.

So. I guess the quest for a good combination purse/knitting bag continues.

Meh.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS