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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Aaargh, help me find a bag like this pretty please!

32 replies

ShinyMe · 16/05/2021 10:45

I got this bag free from Clarins many years ago, and have been using it a lot recently as a gym bag. The handles have now fallen to bits and while I could unstitch the top seam and make new handles, I don't think my sewing machine could handle the thick fabric. Trouble is I don't know what type of bag this is classed as when looking for a replacement. It's got tough strong fabric, a square shape that stands up on it's own, a waterproof lining and a zipped pocket. I'm heartbroken that it has collapsed.

Aaargh, help me find a bag like this pretty please!
Aaargh, help me find a bag like this pretty please!
OP posts:
Original poster
ShinyMe · 16/05/2021 10:48

Also, sorry I know IABU for posting here but I panicked and wasn't sure where else to post.

OP posts:
Ninkanink · 16/05/2021 10:48

You could take it to a seamstress to have new handles added.

QueenOfPain · 16/05/2021 10:49

This style of bag is a tote.

Mamette · 16/05/2021 10:50

I think they are called “shoppers” or you could also look under “tote bags”.

Checkingout811 · 16/05/2021 10:51

Try cath Kidston OP.

Bluntness100 · 16/05/2021 10:52

Op it’s just a canvas tote or shopper. Tons for sale inexpensively.

Original poster
ShinyMe · 16/05/2021 11:50

Thanks everyone, that does help me narrow down the search!

I think that Ebay one looks like it could have been the same one - ended now so I can't see the picture properly any more.

My handles snapped today and dropped all my dry clothes onto the wet pool changing room floor, so that was fun. :)

OP posts:
LadyEloise · 16/05/2021 12:55

Could somewhere like Timpsons put new handles on ?

Cheeseismymiddlename · 16/05/2021 13:08

Sophie Allport maybe ?

cabbagefordinner · 16/05/2021 13:11

Is this one the same?
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363248328689?hash=item5493499ff1:g:k58AAOSw-lVfpVmu

ssd · 16/05/2021 13:11

A normal alterations shop would repair it.

VainAbigail · 16/05/2021 13:33

@ShinyMe

Thanks everyone, that does help me narrow down the search!

I think that Ebay one looks like it could have been the same one - ended now so I can't see the picture properly any more.

My handles snapped today and dropped all my dry clothes onto the wet pool changing room floor, so that was fun. :)

That seems to be the one you’re after as the other photos look identical. Message the seller if you’ve got an eBay account and see if they’ve sold it or are relisting.
Bluntness100 · 16/05/2021 16:26

There’s no point in repairing it, it was a free bag and they cost a few quid.

Hopdathelf · 16/05/2021 16:30

That’s a terrible attitude Bluntness. We should be trying to repair all we can and it obviously has a value to the OP in that she likes it and it suits her enough she’s used it to breaking point b

Bluntness100 · 16/05/2021 17:12

@Hopdathelf

That’s a terrible attitude Bluntness. We should be trying to repair all we can and it obviously has a value to the OP in that she likes it and it suits her enough she’s used it to breaking point b
Seriously? It’s a done in bag she’s had for years.
WilsonMilson · 16/05/2021 17:15

Agree with @Bluntness100, it would probably cost more to repair than it cost in the first place. Bags like that are ten a penny.

Bipitybopityboop · 16/05/2021 17:17

If repairing it costs more than a new one then you might as well get a new one and repurpose the old bag.

If the handles are broken then the bag itself can be used for storage and organisation somewhere where it can remain stationary.

Freixene · 16/05/2021 17:19

Definitely try Timpsons- they are great with stuff like this

SappysCurry · 16/05/2021 17:25

@ShinyMe
With the waterproof lining OP I think they were beach bags - I had one similar to yours but the print was in the outside and I do remember it being a giveaway as a ‘beach tote’
I’ve just searched ‘clarins beach bag’ on eBay and got loads of results there are some lovely ones on there BNWT as well

SmallPrawnEnergy · 16/05/2021 17:33

I agree @Hopdathelf. It's the reason the environment is utterly fucked because people have the attitude that it's more costly to repair so replace and leave things festering in landfill. The bulk majority of the bag is fine and new handles would be a pretty straightfoward repair. But people don't like hearing it. Especially the middle class MN users.

Original poster
ShinyMe · 16/05/2021 18:13

I would love to be able to repair it, and trust me, I'm very much not someone who uses disposable fashion and buys lots of new stuff to replace perfectly good stuff. I haven't bought a bag in decades as it happens, most of my bags are ones I've made myself. If my sewing machine was tougher, I'd repair this myself - although it would need entirely new handles as they've disintegrated completely, they can't be just stitched back on. If I do buy a new one, this one will probably become a storage basket for crochet supplies, so it won't have done badly for a freebie from at least a decade ago.

OP posts:
mainsfed · 16/05/2021 19:12

And a YT tutorial on how to make own box tote bag