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Monday, March 23, 2009

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Product Focus: Hulla Bags

A short description of Hulla products, when it was invented, and the types of materials it is made of.
I started sewing totes and handbags about three years ago when I was given my great-grandmother's sewing machine for Christmas. What I was most interested in at the time was making totes. I just sat down at the machine and began sewing. I started making my own patterns and practicing my technique every day. Soon I had more bags than I knew what to do with, so I opened my first Etsy shop, "Hullabaloo." Hulla bags tend to be made out of brightly colored or patterned cotton upholstery fabrics with coordinating cotton interiors. The insides are also strengthened with interfacing, which is a product that attaches to a fabric to make it sturdier. Almost all of my bags close with a velcro flap.

Why choose Hulla?
All of the bags at Hulla are handmade, unique creations and I take pride in making them to my best capacity. They are sturdy, multi-purpose bags that always draw attention. The bags are machine washable, which adds to their convenience factor. Also, I love to do custom orders. One of the things I enjoy most is collaborating with customers! I am more than willing to make something to a customer's specifications, add more pockets, different straps, make a certain size/style of bag. I think it is fun to take and idea and bring it to life, and I love how happy people get when they have a new, beautiful bag.

A brief intro about Hulla and about the inventor
I initially opened the shop (Hullabaloo) three years ago on Etsy, but closed the shop last year due to being too busy to put serious time into it. I reopened under the moniker of Hulla this year, and Im loving having the opportunity to make and sell things I love.

I'm a social worker, but I'm not working right now. I spend most of my time sewing--although lately its been hard to sew bags because all I want to do is sew diapers for my baby-to-be (I'm 5 months pregnant!) and obsess about cloth diapers on the internet. When I am not sewing, I can be found hanging out with my husband, irritating him with my crazy home decorating projects, and watching lots of television on DVD. I also am loving listening to relaxing bands like Counting Crows and the Dave Matthews Band and indulging in my guilty pleasure--young adult science fiction novels.

32 comments:

Upstatemamma said...

Congratulations on the new little one heading your way!!! I don't suppose you can make me a Syracuse Crunch (local AHL team) bag can you? That would be AWESOME!! :)

Jess said...

Your bags are so cute! I love them! So glad you're back to sewing cause your obviously good at it! You should post diaps you've made! Congrats on the lil one to be! :D

MuchAfraid said...

Up until recently I have been sewing on my great aunt's sewing machine. But my creations aren't nearly as cute as these bags! I love them!

lsnellings said...

Congrats on your baby to be! Thank is so exciting! Really cute bags!

Kristin said...

Congrats on the new baby - making diapers can be so much fun! The bags are great, I love your fabrics!

Mulberry Mama said...

Such cute bags! Love the prints.

Minnie said...

First of all (totally off topic) your hair cut is adorable Alison! Just had to put that out there. :)

Your bags are great. I love the large front flap detail.

I love sewing too! I'm still pretty new to it. My favorite creation is my Coffee Cozy which I will be selling on consignment in a local coffee & tea shop soon. I'm so excited!

Amanda G.

Montana Mama said...

First of all, congrats on the baby to come!!! :) Secondly, do you make any huge diaper bags??? :) I am on the hunt for a fun, functional diaper bag to replace mine that's falling apart! :)

I'll be sure to convo you on Etsy!!!

Sara in Seattle said...

you sound like a woman after my own heart--obsessed with bags, cloth diapers, and Dave Matthews Band! Congratulations on your little one!

Brittany said...

The bags are all so adorable!! Congratulations on your little one to be! I am also 5 months pregnant! It is wonderful to hear the stories behind all these wonderful products. Keep up the good work!

Shanaka @ Mama Bee Does said...

Those are really nice, love the different prints :) I bet your diapers are amazing too ;) Your lil one is going to love them I bet.

Kelly said...

Congrats on the baby on the way! I am totally obsessed with bags and these look so cool and multi-functional. I love multifunctional bags. And they are bright and unique, which is something I totally love!

hosiewosie said...

Your baby is lucky to have such a crafty mama. I think my summer project will be learning to sew!

AScott said...

These look sooo cute!

Funny about your love of YA Scifi....when I worked at Barnes and Noble, I would work in the childrens/teen section so I could check out the books. =P

Meghan said...

Its so great to hear about you, Alison! Your bags are beautiful and I may just have to save up to buy one if I don't win. I love that you came up with your own design! I am currently trying my hand at making cloth diapers, but I have had thoughts of making some cute tote bags. I'm new to sewing and I feel lost without a pattern and my Mom's help! You are inspiring me to try making my own pattern!

Sara said...

Congrats on the baby! Love the bags. It will be a great thing to do while the baby is napping!

Katrina said...

Cute bags,and congrats on the new little one!

TheClothDiaperWhisperer said...

I just received my first Hulla bag and I am absolutely in love (my daughter is eyeing it up). I am going to take it on my vacation this Spring.
I might have to use this as my new diaper bag!

Happy 2 Be Me said...

Your bags are beautiful...my kinda taste! Congrats on the new baby too!!

PJ said...

These bags are really cute. Glad you re opened your shop.

Michelle J said...

Hi Alison!

Congrats on the new baby on the way! You have a real cute blog and I just love the bags. I also love the idea of the homemade cloth diapers!

I am also a big Dave Matthews fan!

Kristin said...

SUCH. CUTE. BAGS.!!!

I love bags and have wayyyy too many purses. Yours are so adorable. If I don't win one this week (*fingers crossed*), I just might have to purchase one myself.

Congrats on the pregnancy... it's a fun time :)

Diana said...

Nice to meet you Alison! I love your bags....they are cute and functional too! Congrats on the new little one coming to your house.

Katie said...

Congrats on the pregnancy - I'm almost 5months preggie with my second! Mommyhood is tough but AMAZING and so fun!
Your bags are lovely - I hope I win!!

Liz said...

Congrats on your Little One coming :) Now that our spare room is finally guest-free, I really need to pull out my new sewing machine and learn how to sew! Thanks for the inspiration! I also would love to see some pics of your diaper creations!

Denise said...

Congratulations on expecting your first baby!!! I just love your bags, I think the library totes are my absolute favorites. I've added it to my list of things I really MUST get soon.

Lindsay Anne said...

What fabulous totes!

Suzy said...

The bags are awesome! I love the fun prints. Congrats on the baby to be!

Tani said...

Congratulations on your little one coming! Your bags are so beautiful, they put a smile on my face!

Anonymous said...

first, congratulations on your upcoming baby!!! I also love you bags! I just started sewing and I can't stop. It's really fun sewing cute dresses for my little girl who is 11 months. I have yet to try sewing my own diapers for dd :)

Jenn said...

i love bags and yours are adorable ! congrats on your baby to be !

Slee said...

These bags are simply too lovely. I adore the fact that the fabrics are so bright and lively instead of very baby geared. Its always great to see a designer with mom in mind.