`*Bag & Bracelet Swap*` Gallery

[MyrnaLoy]

I rescind my former statement.

I received a PM from a fellow craftster who stated that she saw the bag that I received yesterday at the dollar tree. Since I was heading by the dollar tree on the way to the grocery this afternoon, I decided to pay them a visit.

I asked the girl behind the counter if she had ever seen this bag before. She replied with an empathetic "Oh yes." I asked her if they were currently in stock and she said no. To me, this means they have sold out and god knows how many people in Portland, not to mention the rest of the United States have this bag.

I will now quote the details of the swap:
"Details of swap: This is a swap for all the purse addicted, bracelet wearing craftsters out there.  The idea is to create a bag of any kind (trying to stick with what your partner likes/dislikes, of course) and creating a dazzling new bracelet to match.  Sew it, knit it, make it out of something funky -- It's up to you!  Having a new bag just seems better when you have a little something on your wrist to match, which looks extra cute when you carry a clutch, I might add!"

Now, this is wrong on so many levels:

1) The bag I received made me feel bad. It looked so professional, that in comparison my bags look horrible. I stated to my husband "This woman is so good! I can't believe it! I could never do something this good!" I even thought "who am I trying to kid, starting a business to sell bags... no one would want to purchase one of mine if handmade ones like this were out there.

2) I put time, money and effort into the bag I made for my partner. I made it to be what she requested. I aim to please. The person who sent to me, however, put almost no time or effort into what I received. She may have glued some sparkles on the bag or something, but that doesn't make the bag handcrafted.

3) I pride myself on my handbags. I love the fact that every one I own I made myself. They're original, they're unique, and they express who I am. They have soul. This bag, being mass-produced does not.

4) I campaign for workers rights. I'm pro-union and I think everyone in the world should work in safe, clean, and healthy environments. This purse, which was purchased for a dollar, was probably made in a sweatshop. And that makes me sick.

This was my first swap. I was really jazzed about it at first, but now I've become disheartened. How many other people have my swap partner done this to? Does this happen often? Will it happen to me again? I feel cheated and hurt.

[carina]

That is sad... I don't think it happened to me before. I've received many bags that amaze me, because I can't sew, only knit.
Please, don't be sad. If you want, I'd be glad to knit you a purse, if you could wait sometime for it, I'm kind of full of projects right now...

[Mayviss]

I rescind my former statement.

I received a PM from a fellow craftster who stated that she saw the bag that I received yesterday at the dollar tree.

The bag I received was also store bought - I am glad to not be the only one.

[emma bo bemma]

I rescind my former statement.

I received a PM from a fellow craftster who stated that she saw the bag that I received yesterday at the dollar tree.

The bag I received was also store bought - I am glad to not be the only one.

No way!! That's awful!

[carina]

Geeze. That's scary...

[Flareon]

Just to play devils's advocate for a moment:

Did msrockchick and mommiemed purposely try to pass off a store-bought item as handmade?  Like did they write a note, "I made this for you, enjoy"?  Maybe they misread the directions.  Believe me, I'm as appalled as anyone would be, but let's give them a chance to explain themselves. 

I'm sure any decent human would apologise for their error and take necessary steps to make things right. 

[carina]

Just to play devils's advocate for a moment:

Did msrockchick and mommiemed purposely try to pass off a store-bought item as handmade?  Like did they write a note, "I made this for you, enjoy"?  Maybe they misread the directions.  Believe me, I'm as appalled as anyone would be, but let's give them a chance to explain themselves. 

I'm sure any decent human would apologise for their error and take necessary steps to make things right. 

You're right. I've received a bought tote decorated with some lovely otters that I loved, but my partner said she had bought the tote.. so.. maybe this was a mistake..

[SugarGliders101]

The one I recieved was also bought, but I could tell she took time to decorate it and she also had other items in there for me. (like the BEAUTIFUL bracelet) Maybe she made the bracelets and just didnt have time to hand craft a bag before the send date...

[pibbgirl]

I thought I had seen that bag at the dollar store...I think its in stock here.   I too have received packages from swaps here that were obviously completely picked up off the clearance rack and not crafted at all (not this one!) or even craft related items.  Its very disappointing, but mostly they aren't like this.  I hope you don't get turned off of swapping because it can be really fun and addicting!

[krafty-kritter]

I'm sorry to hear that boughten bags have been used in my swap.  I spend hours on every bag I make for myself, ones I make to sell, and ones I make for a swap. My feelings are, if you can't sew, knit, or actually use various, unique items to create a bag on your own, then you shouldn't have joined a swap that uses one of the skills above to create a bag--the biggest and main item of the swap.