I tried starting up custom requests again in January and that didn't work out so well. The new job is taking up so much time that it leaves little time for making bags and these bags are time consuming. Previously, I would allow one week to finish a bag once I had all the details finalized and would finish it within three days. The last one I made took over two weeks! And that doesn't include the delays I had finalizing the details because I couldn't get to the fabric store during the week. Apparently, my previously favorite source for bag linings think that quilters don't work during the week or can wait until the weekend. That long wait between scouting trips means that fabric might be sold out or moved so I wouldn't be able to find it again and then we'd have to start all over.
Put all together, I don't think I can make custom bags in a reasonable amount of time anymore. I'm not quite ready to admit defeat though. Even though it was stressful and I felt terrible about the delays, I still really enjoyed making the bag. I loved the choices made and wouldn't have been crushed it the person requesting it had decided to pass on it. My old bag is starting to look a little worn and this purple is really gorgeous! =)
Anyway, I've been letting the listings expire rather than renewing them while trying to decide what path I should take. Unfortunately, I still haven't decided and the last ones are due to expire today. I do know that my schedule doesn't allow much time for bags so no new dice shaped bags are coming for the next several months. I am hoping to bring back the listings for bags I have on hand and make more drawstring bags. The drawstring bags are much quicker to make and I have a ton of ideas and fabric. So, the shop is going to take a bit of a break while I sort out things.
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