Kirsten’s teal and orange beach bag

As a maker, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a commission that comes with creative freedom. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with Kirsten, a dedicated rower, to create a bespoke beach bag that would be both practical and stylish. Kirsten’s brief was simple: she needed a large, durable bag, and she loved ocean colours and orange. Beyond that, she gave me carte blanche to design and create. This case study explores the process, inspiration, and final product that resulted from this exciting collaboration.

The Client: Kirsten, the Rower:

Kirsten is a passionate rower, spending countless hours on the water. She set up Rowing Adventures Ltd five years ago to encourage young people to get out onto the water but right now she is magnificently rowing from Turks and Caicos to Miami to raise money and awareness from the charity Olivia Inspires!

EDIT: Unfortunately Kirsten’s rowing adventure has come to an end due to a freak wave having flooded the boat. Everyone is safe and the team are already making plans to tackle to ocean next year. If you would like to raise money for Olivia Inspires anyway here is Kirsten’s gofundme page.

She needed a bag that could withstand the elements, lasting a lifetime, carry all her essentials – from towels and spare clothes to water bottles and snacks – and reflect her active lifestyle. Knowing her love for ocean tones, I knew I had a strong starting point.

Materials and Design Choices:

• Teal Cordura: I opted for a high-quality teal Cordura fabric. Known for its durability, water resistance, and ruggedness, Cordura was the perfect choice for a bag that would be exposed to the elements. The rich teal colour, reminiscent of deep ocean waters, was a perfect match for Kirsten’s preference.
• Orange Pocket: To add a pop of colour and a touch of vibrancy, I decided to incorporate a large, contrasting orange pocket on the front of the bag. Orange, a colour often associated with energy and enthusiasm, perfectly complemented the calming teal. The pocket was designed to be spacious and easily accessible, ideal for storing smaller items like keys, phones, or sunscreen.
• Side Stripe: The orange side strip down the right hand seam adds a sort of military air, a sense of discipline that Kirsten has in abundance.
• Size and Structure: Given Kirsten’s need for a large bag, I designed a spacious tote with boxed bottom, reinforced with stiffener. This ensured the bag could handle heavy loads without losing its shape.
• Handles and Straps: For comfort and sheer luxury, I included 2″ wide shoulder black and orange striped handles. These extra wide straps look amazing and are very strong.
• Interior Details: Knowing Kirsten cared for the oceans the fact I could re-purpose fabric for the lining was icing on the cake. Especially as it was orange and teal and matched the exterior Cordura beautifully. It definitely added an exotic air of travel and adventure to the bag. I also included an internal zipped pocket for secure storage of her valuables.

The Creative Process:

Sometimes commissions scare me because it’s a step into the unknown a bit. There is added pressure that the client might not like it so I always keep my client informed of the process, partly to reassure them that I am getting on with it, and partly to make sure they are happy with the decisions I am making. It would be a shame to spend the time making a bag only for the client to really dislike that orange zip or something! I do this by sending photos via Whatsapp and giving one or two choices. In some ways this delays the making of the bag but there is usually something else for me to get on with while I wait for an answer.

For this bag, I began by putting together the colours and fabrics and experimenting with different straps. The orange pocket became a focal point, its bold colour adding a dynamic element to the overall design. Having seen a small tote with a vivid pink stripe down the side rather than running horizontally across the front, Kirsten said she’d like the same on the big beach bag. (incidentally she bought the small tote as well. Kirsten is a fabulous customer!) After I have played with the fabric combos I feel inspired to finish the bag and hopefully be rewarded with a big smile!

The finished bag!

Client Feedback:

Kirsten was thrilled with the final product. These are her words, “Paid and collected. I absolutely LOVE it.” (followed by 8 red heart emojis). That is the sort of wonderful message I love to get. Magic.

This commission reminded me of the importance of:

• Client Trust: Giving me creative freedom allowed me to fully express my design vision.
• Material Selection: Choosing the right materials is crucial for creating a durable and functional product.
• Attention to Detail: Small details can make a big difference in the overall quality and aesthetic of a piece.
• Colour Theory: Using complimentary or contrasting colours can elevate a simple design.
• Personalised Design: Creating something unique for the client makes for a much more rewarding experience.

Conclusion:

This project was a rewarding experience, showcasing the power of bespoke design and the joy of creating something truly unique. Kirsten’s teal and orange beach bag is a testament to the beauty of collaboration and the satisfaction of crafting a product that perfectly meets a client’s needs. I hope this case study inspires other makers to embrace creative freedom and create their own unique and personalised pieces.

It was a real treat to work with Kirsten on this commission. I loved that she trusted me to make some of the decisions or suggestions and the teal and orange combination was absolutely fantastic. It was a bold choice, but it really worked! It’s that perfect blend of vibrant and stylish.

If you are interested in having a unique beautiful bag made just for you please send me a message either via the contact form or my email: sarah@yooneeyak.com and we can have a chat about fabric combos, my fave subject!

Or if you just want a bag right now here is a link to my shop where there are lots of lovely bags available.