Thanks!! haha!
Check out the separate thread I made! It has pics of all of the different compartments of the bag!!!
I called it "Beggar's Pouch Leather" 
Made in America
- Thread starter CoachCruiser
- Start date
TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
Check out the separate thread I made! It has pics of all of the different compartments of the bag!!!
I called it "Beggar's Pouch Leather" 
I've been on vacation with my husband in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire...we've had beautiful weather, done a lot of hiking, checked out cool new things, and did some browsing and shopping in North Conway, about 45 minutes east from where we are. We leave this morning --- I could stay another 2 weeks!
We came across The Beggar's Pouch on Main Street in North Conway...as soon as you walk in, all you can smell is LEATHER!!!! Beautiful LEATHER. They carry a few brands from other companies, but they're known for making their own products. We met Mike, one of the owners and leatherworkers, and talked to him forever about how he makes wallets and handbags, which he's been making in that shop since 1973. He really seems to love what he does, and he patiently and enthusiastically answered all my feverish questions about the process of making handbags/etc.
My husband bought one of his handcrafted wallets (the one of Abbey Road in the picture below w/the other wallets; he's a huge Beatles fan!), and of course, I had to buy a lovely purse and matching double-coin purse in one of my favorite colors - purple!!! The leather is so soft and smooshy!
I'm attaching pics of Mike behind the counter in his work space, pics of leather in pieces waiting to be assembled by hand into beautiful purses, the finished products in the store, and what my husband and I purchased after looking a long time.
The prices are extremely reasonable -- my purse was $64, and the coinpurse $8. My husband's wallet was $58. Incredibly reasonable, I think!
I think it's so cool that there are still people and shops like this out there -- products completely made with pride in America. If you check out his facebook page, there are pics of customers/women who returned wearing a handbag that they purchased from him 20-something years ago -- not a bad record!
It felt special buying from someone who was working on bags right in his own shop, and from someone so eager after so many years to talk about the craftsmanship that goes into his pieces. I thought all of you lovely handbag fans would appreciate these pics.
Do you know if the Vagabond (the largest hobo) has a brass zipper? The pic of the bags hanging, looks like maybe the hobos in the front may have a plastic zipper.
Love your dark purple purse! I am a purple lover as well, and may just have to get one in purple also.
so, speaking of made in America, i wanted to show this bag to you...i saw this bag in a local gallery of American artisans and really loved it...my husband saw a pic of it in my phone and went and got it for me for mother's day...i still love it, but, haven't used it...and I'm kind of irritated with myself about that...it's as though I've become a bag snob...and no matter how i tried to phrase that, i wanted to just say it and put it out there...i have been looking at the beggar's pouch bags and they are GORGEOUS and the leather is TDF...i love jane yoo handpainted bags and i love a lot of indie designers that no one has heard of....i want to show my husband that i love the bag by using it and i think i need to just use what i love and get off of the whole "it needs to have a name thing"....would love feedback...(please be gentle!!!)....
Attachments
Just use the bag. It's only a bag. It's not your identity. Yes having that little ego bump of the name is nice, but don't let that become something you can't live without. It's a beautiful bag! And your husband surprised you with it!? That is something to feel blessed and special about in and of itself. How many other women have to argue with their husbands about getting another bag? (Another one??!!) Or go through all sorts of shenanigans to hide their purchases? You're blessed and that bag is proof. Think of that when you carry it.
First, I think it's really cool that you put your feelings out there like that. Honestly, that was brave to admit. Second, your husband was sweet to get you that bag, and it IS a very lovely one - love the color. Third, I think it's natural to have this brand/"name" thing ingrained in our heads, because that's all this country feeds us in magazines, ads, etc, etc. I used to avoid labels. When I was younger, I'd scout out artsy bags made at crafts fairs. That's all I wore. Then my mom introduced me to Coach, which I still love and have sentimental attachment for because of her...but then I went more and more "premium." It gets ridiculous, really, and it's a hard habit to break.
Lately, I keep reaching for my Beggar's Pouch bags. I met the awesome guy who made it. I feel good, thick leather in my hands and it didn't cost me my rent money. I think about selling most of my designer bags sometimes - not all, but most. It's just a thought, but it's a thought. And I'm glad it's there.
Give yourself time. Be patient with yourself and don't judge yourself. Use this gorgeous new bag your husband got you a little at a time. Revel in the fact that no one else has one. Take in the occasional compliment on your unique bag and take pride in it. It'll become just as addictive as your designer bags.
I say all this and yet I'm learning with you. Give it time. Give the bag a chance. Give yourself a chance to love it. Mike, up at Beggar's Pouch, amusedly watched me agonize over which color to get when I was in NH. I looked at him for help, and he smiled. This man, who's been lovingly working with leather since 1973, said simply to me, "It's just a bag."
Lately, I keep reaching for my Beggar's Pouch bags. I met the awesome guy who made it. I feel good, thick leather in my hands and it didn't cost me my rent money. I think about selling most of my designer bags sometimes - not all, but most. It's just a thought, but it's a thought. And I'm glad it's there.
Give yourself time. Be patient with yourself and don't judge yourself. Use this gorgeous new bag your husband got you a little at a time. Revel in the fact that no one else has one. Take in the occasional compliment on your unique bag and take pride in it. It'll become just as addictive as your designer bags.
I say all this and yet I'm learning with you. Give it time. Give the bag a chance.
Give yourself a chance to love it. Mike, up at Beggar's Pouch, amusedly watched me agonize over which color to get when I was in NH. I looked at him for help, and he smiled. This man, who's been lovingly working with leather since 1973, said simply to me, "It's just a bag."
First, I think it's really cool that you put your feelings out there like that. Honestly, that was brave to admit. Second, your husband was sweet to get you that bag, and it IS a very lovely one - love the color. Third, I think it's natural to have this brand/"name" thing ingrained in our heads, because that's all this country feeds us in magazines, ads, etc, etc. I used to avoid labels. When I was younger, I'd scout out artsy bags made at crafts fairs. That's all I wore. Then my mom introduced me to Coach, which I still love and have sentimental attachment for because of her...but then I went more and more "premium." It gets ridiculous, really, and it's a hard habit to break.
Lately, I keep reaching for my Beggar's Pouch bags. I met the awesome guy who made it. I feel good, thick leather in my hands and it didn't cost me my rent money. I think about selling most of my designer bags sometimes - not all, but most. It's just a thought, but it's a thought. And I'm glad it's there.
Give yourself time. Be patient with yourself and don't judge yourself. Use this gorgeous new bag your husband got you a little at a time. Revel in the fact that no one else has one. Take in the occasional compliment on your unique bag and take pride in it. It'll become just as addictive as your designer bags.
I say all this and yet I'm learning with you. Give it time. Give the bag a chance.
OMG, this post made me cry!!! You were actually part of the reason that I decided to talk about this! Your posts about beggar's pouch were so lovely and I've been stalking the website! The bags are gorgeous! The leather on the bag I posted is beautiful and the leather lining is also amazing. I am going to start using it and work on getting over the designer "thing". I love my designer bags but there is room for the beautiful, artsy bags as well!
Aww, now you're making me cry...and my husband is looking across the room at me like I'm crazy. I'm on my cement-brick of a cell phone (I'd have a fancier one if I didn't spend my money on bags -lol), or else I'd write more...but pm me anytime you want, and I'll do the same. Both your posts were very moving...you sound like a lovely soul! Thank you for making my night. Hugs!
Thank you for making my night. Hugs!
Hey there! I'm sorry for the delay in my response. I'm pretty sure that all Beggar's Pouch purses have brass zippers....I meant to ask you, did you write/get a response about shipping to Canada? I hope it works out for you!Do you know if the Vagabond (the largest hobo) has a brass zipper? The pic of the bags hanging, looks like maybe the hobos in the front may have a plastic zipper.
Love your dark purple purse! I am a purple lover as well, and may just have to get one in purple also.
If it did, please share what you got!!!
Hey there! I'm sorry for the delay in my response. I'm pretty sure that all Beggar's Pouch purses have brass zippers....I meant to ask you, did you write/get a response about shipping to Canada? I hope it works out for you!
Hello!! Yes, I did get a quick response from Mike and they will ship to Canada - YAY!! I am thinking of getting the Vagabond in black and burgundy. I love the Coach Daily and find this to be similar. I am on holidays now and will place an order when I get home
Also, to add to the comments above about only liking or using name brand bags - I am sort of like that too. I love my premium brand name purses, but find that I am scared to use them sometimes. It's irrational and stupid, but it's true! I don't wnat anything happening to them and I am one of those crazies that lov etheir purses looking like new. With that said, I do love gorgeous leather - and the fact that it's hand made is super special.
Songofthesea - enjoy your gorgeous new bag and the fact that your husband got it for you is extra special
Last edited:
Hi, kings!! Tell you what....if you get a couple of bags from The Beggar's Pouch and you don't like them, I'll buy them from you at double the price because that is what they are worth!!! Seriously, the leather is as soft as Bottega, and holds up as well as the old Koobas of yesteryear. I am the kind of person who changes out bags at least every other day. I have always done that, but since I got my Chatham, I've been using it every single day now for....well...over two weeks. A record!! I will, as I mentioned before, get a garnet identical style here any day now.