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charliefarlie · Sep 9th, 2009, 05:10 PM

Or am I the only stupid one lol!?

I really like this bag, though I have had to change the strap. However, being a Mum, I often have to carry a couple of nappies and some wipes with me, as well as my own stuff and I get fed up of the hand stitched side bulging.

Yesterday I decided to do something about it

. I have started sewing up the fold using a strong linen thread. I have gone through the already present holes for the leather stitching so it is not noticeable from the outside (unless you lift the flap). As you can see from the photo's I have sewn up the fold above the top zip so far but not the lower one. I think it makes quite a difference and I shall do the other one tomorrow. Please note, I don't carry the bag that stuffed, I put a bed sheet in there to exaggerate it for the photos!

It really would be quite easy for BE to do something similar (but more professional to stap the problem in the first place!

Jenova · Sep 10th, 2009, 02:25 AM

I haven't tried it but what you say makes sense and I might have a go as well if your bag doesn't show any ill effects after a few weeks of use. Please post updates!

I did send Jackie a whole set of pics of my bag to illustrate the problem in July when I ordered a Purple Sheen SPM via BEC and the reduced price leather sale. The atelier is meant to be trying to sort this matter out when making that bag. I suggested running another line of machine stitching through all layers of the flap above the decorative 'stitching' but don't know what they will actually do.

lovebags2 · Sep 10th, 2009, 09:05 AM

Hi Jenova,

I'm happy to hear that you alerted Jackie about the SPM's issues. I did myself when I first received it. See that's really a big reason why my first impression wasn't favorable on the SPM - it bulges and the zipper becomes exposed underneath the stitching. Those two issues bothered me and I felt they should've been addressed before the bag went into production.

BUT, I then tried it for a week on vacation and realized how lightweight it was and I learned never to place more then just 2 or 3 items inside it. (Or else it bulges horribly). It really is a sweet bag if you can live with it's drawbacks.

I hope that since other's are starting to email Jackie about the SPM the atelier will be able to resolve for everyone.

It's a shame the SPM has these problems since it really is a nice style and happens to be one of my favorite "go to" vacation bags. On a plus side, it certainly keeps me organized since I can't even think of placing more then my AP, PM and keys inside of it or else!

Even with it's limitations I still give this bag a thumb's up!

Jenova · Sep 10th, 2009, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by lovebags2

Hi Jenova

I'm happy to hear that you alerted Jackie about the SPM's issues. I did myself when I first received it. See that's really a big reason why my first impression wasn't favorable on the SPM - it bulges and the zipper becomes exposed underneath the stitching. Those two issues bothered me and I felt they should've been addressed before the bag went into production.

I completely agree. A bag should not go on sale with a design fault like that. If the pockets on the next one still gape after I have alerted BE to the problem I will send it back and insist on a full refund, BEC bag or not. I wish that I had insisted that the first bag be remade.

pinkdiamond · Sep 10th, 2009, 02:19 PM

you are very brave charliefarlie. i would have definately sent the bag back. i dont think it's right that the bag bulges. i mean surely this defeats the object of it being a messanger.
i think the whip stiching and zips may have worked better down the side of the bag, as an expander if you didn't want the bag to be completely flat

lovebags2 · Sep 10th, 2009, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by pinkdiamond

you are very brave charliefarlie. i would have definately sent the bag back. i dont think it's right that the bag bulges. i mean surely this defeats the object of it being a messanger.
i think the whip stiching and zips may have worked better down the side of the bag, as an expander if you didn't want the bag to be completely flat

Jenova - Good Luck and please keep us all posted. I"m confident Jackie will try her best to resolve these issues now that she's aware.

Pinkdiamond - I agree with you about bravery! I was shocked that it bulges so much since I recall reading the initial review from BE on the Bulge test with all the pictures etc... Maybe I'm doing something wrong with all my contents? If anyone has tips I'd love to hear.

That said, I just place no more then a couple items inside and go! If you can accept that part about the bag then it really is a gem. It's great to just place my AP, PM and cell phone/keys inside it. And then you have a great bag!

Jenova · Sep 10th, 2009, 03:02 PM

Oh and I suggested that a more solid interlining be inserted between the leather and the lining to reduce the bulging too. I am not even sure that it has one.

charliefarlie · Sep 10th, 2009, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by lovebags2

That said, I just place no more then a couple items inside and go! If you can accept that part about the bag then it really is a gem. It's great to just place my AP, PM and cell phone/keys inside it. And then you have a great bag!

You are lucky that you can do that, but as I said I need to carry some nappies and wipes and I refuse to accept that the bag has to control what I carry.

Don't think its bravery Pinkdiamond, just pure stupidity! If BE's had a better re-sale value I may have re-homed it but it just isn't worth it so thought I wouldn't lose anything by taking matters into my own hands! I love your idea of using the whipstich as an expander - that sounds great!

Jenova, I will let you know how it wears, hope your new one comes with the problem fixed. Are you expecting it soon?

Jenova · Sep 10th, 2009, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by charliefarlie

Are you expecting it soon?

Who knows

pinkdiamond · Sep 10th, 2009, 04:45 PM

i just think this is wrong. if the bag doesnt wear like it displays, i think you should be offered a new bag or a refund.

and charliefarlie, if you saw my sewing skills u would know why i thought it was brave!

lovebags2 · Sep 12th, 2009, 10:26 AM

Hi Ladies,

I have some exciting new to share today.

I just found out that the SPM issues have been addressed. Thanks Jenova!

From now on if you order a SPM it's a newer and improved model. I can't wait to see it soon.

Charliefarlie - How's your bag?

Jenova · Sep 12th, 2009, 12:00 PM

Lovebags

I think you drew Jackie's attention to the need for improvments earlier than me.

I hope this means that my new SPM will be hitting the production line soon.

lovebags2 · Sep 12th, 2009, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by Jenova

Lovebags

I think you drew Jackie's attention to the need for improvments earlier than me.

I hope this means that my new SPM will be hitting the production line soon.

Yes, your correct but nothing was happening until your email. hehe

Let's call it great team effort!

Yes, I think both our SPM's will be in production soon.

SereneRun · Sep 12th, 2009, 01:33 PM

I wonder if we could send our old one back to be fixed.

Jenova · Sep 12th, 2009, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by SereneRun

I wonder if we could send our old one back to be fixed.

I feel that I have already made a pest of myself over this so maybe someone else would like to ask.

Sep 9th, 2009, 05:10 PM	#1
charliefarlie OP can't spell Joined: Jan 2009 Location: South East UK Posts: 1,475	SPM - Has anyone else tried this? Or am I the only stupid one lol!? I really like this bag, though I have had to change the strap. However, being a Mum, I often have to carry a couple of nappies and some wipes with me, as well as my own stuff and I get fed up of the hand stitched side bulging. Yesterday I decided to do something about it . I have started sewing up the fold using a strong linen thread. I have gone through the already present holes for the leather stitching so it is not noticeable from the outside (unless you lift the flap). As you can see from the photo's I have sewn up the fold above the top zip so far but not the lower one. I think it makes quite a difference and I shall do the other one tomorrow. Please note, I don't carry the bag that stuffed, I put a bed sheet in there to exaggerate it for the photos! It really would be quite easy for BE to do something similar (but more professional to stap the problem in the first place!
	__________________ Wishlist Blue Cracked Metallic Mitzy Hobo

Sep 10th, 2009, 09:05 AM	#3
lovebags2 Member Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 4,264	Hi Jenova, I'm happy to hear that you alerted Jackie about the SPM's issues. I did myself when I first received it. See that's really a big reason why my first impression wasn't favorable on the SPM - it bulges and the zipper becomes exposed underneath the stitching. Those two issues bothered me and I felt they should've been addressed before the bag went into production. BUT, I then tried it for a week on vacation and realized how lightweight it was and I learned never to place more then just 2 or 3 items inside it. (Or else it bulges horribly). It really is a sweet bag if you can live with it's drawbacks. I hope that since other's are starting to email Jackie about the SPM the atelier will be able to resolve for everyone. It's a shame the SPM has these problems since it really is a nice style and happens to be one of my favorite "go to" vacation bags. On a plus side, it certainly keeps me organized since I can't even think of placing more then my AP, PM and keys inside of it or else! Even with it's limitations I still give this bag a thumb's up!
lovebags2 Member Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 4,264	Last edited by lovebags2; Sep 10th, 2009 at 09:09 AM.

Sep 12th, 2009, 10:26 AM	#11
lovebags2 Member Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 4,264	Hi Ladies, I have some exciting new to share today. I just found out that the SPM issues have been addressed. Thanks Jenova! From now on if you order a SPM it's a newer and improved model. I can't wait to see it soon. Charliefarlie - How's your bag?
lovebags2 Member Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 4,264

Sep 12th, 2009, 01:33 PM	#14
SereneRun Member Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 404	I wonder if we could send our old one back to be fixed.
SereneRun Member Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 404

Sep 10th, 2009, 02:25 AM	#2
Jenova Member Joined: Jul 2007 Location: UK Posts: 11,011	I haven't tried it but what you say makes sense and I might have a go as well if your bag doesn't show any ill effects after a few weeks of use. Please post updates! I did send Jackie a whole set of pics of my bag to illustrate the problem in July when I ordered a Purple Sheen SPM via BEC and the reduced price leather sale. The atelier is meant to be trying to sort this matter out when making that bag. I suggested running another line of machine stitching through all layers of the flap above the decorative 'stitching' but don't know what they will actually do.

Sep 10th, 2009, 02:19 PM	#5
pinkdiamond in love.... Joined: May 2007 Location: London, England Posts: 1,112	you are very brave charliefarlie. i would have definately sent the bag back. i dont think it's right that the bag bulges. i mean surely this defeats the object of it being a messanger. i think the whip stiching and zips may have worked better down the side of the bag, as an expander if you didn't want the bag to be completely flat

Sep 10th, 2009, 03:02 PM	#7
Jenova Member Joined: Jul 2007 Location: UK Posts: 11,011	Oh and I suggested that a more solid interlining be inserted between the leather and the lining to reduce the bulging too. I am not even sure that it has one.

Sep 10th, 2009, 04:45 PM	#10
pinkdiamond in love.... Joined: May 2007 Location: London, England Posts: 1,112	i just think this is wrong. if the bag doesnt wear like it displays, i think you should be offered a new bag or a refund. and charliefarlie, if you saw my sewing skills u would know why i thought it was brave!

Sep 12th, 2009, 12:00 PM	#12
Jenova Member Joined: Jul 2007 Location: UK Posts: 11,011	Lovebags I think you drew Jackie's attention to the need for improvments earlier than me. I hope this means that my new SPM will be hitting the production line soon.

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