Comparison: Bought vs. Handmade ~ Cosmetic Zip Purse

I thought I would start a little series comparing the price of buying a ready made commercial item against making it yourself.

There are always so many variables to consider so this is just a fun, not too serious look at a few basic items that could easily be made at home.  Sometimes it actually works out cheaper to buy an item from a large retail store but it usually doesn't carry the love, ethical value or quality of handmade.
Ok, so today's product is a lovely Lovell's canvas cosmetic purse from the drool worthy Anthropologie online store.

Now for the DIY comparison....

  •  Caroline & Maryanne from the Sew Together blog give a free detailed tutorial on drafting a pattern & making the flat bottomed cosmetic purse.
  •  Choose from a gorgeous selection of canvas fabrics.  I've selected Bebe Tint Grey from Tessuti Fabrics $9.00 AUD per 1/4 metre. 
  • Organic Cotton Oasis Canvas Fabric for the insert available from The Tin Thimble. $6.50 (USD) for 3/4 yard
  • Allow a couple of dollars for a metal zipper in your choice of colour. Those pictured are from Silvermint Supplies
  • Plus some basic supplies such as thread from your sewing drawer.
  • A small amount of grosgrain ribbon. White & blacked stitched from Ribbons Galore. Less than $1 per metre.
So, all your materials are under $20. But you will need to allow for postage if purchasing online and this will depend on location too.

The result: you should get a very similar, quality product without the high price tag.

4 comments:

Maryanne said...

Hi Jodie,
We feel very honoured to have our purse compared to an Anthropologie one!
It's interesting to compare the costs of purchased versus made.
I think another really important thing to consider in making gifts is the pleasure you get from making a hand made gift and the thrill (most!) people get when they know you have made it especially for them.
Our Mum puts a label on all the quilts she makes for gifts that says - "Every Stitch Made With Love" and I can really relate to that!
PS Our tutorial says cut through your zip. Only try to do this with a plastic ones. You will wreck the zip and your scissors if you try to use this technique with a metal one!

Jodie @ The Haby Goddess said...

Thank you for your comments Maryanne. I love your tutorial as it's so detailed.

Yes I agree that the pleasure of making an item far outweighs purchasing one.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jodie, I belong to a lovely craft group and each Christmas we make each other gifts. One Christmas I made every lady in the group a little purse each and they were all gratefully received. Each lady uses it for a different purpose and each time I see one appear, the owner always comments on how much it means to them and how they always think of me. A commercial purse would not return that love and gratitude to me. It was well worth the time and effort.

Linda said...

Oh Jodie i was waiting for you to make one. i havent sewn in a zip since high school but yes i love home made and will have to give this a go, thanks for the links.
xx