Monday 5 August 2013

luggage tag

I'm back, and back with a snappy post title too.  That was a bit of an unexpected break, I think that's the longest I've ever been between posts.  Without wanting to go into detail, things have been difficult lately, it may be reflected in my lack of making and lack of posting.


Anyway!  I went to Tunisia last week for work - no major disasters, if you don't count the panic attack I had on the plane on the way home.  Seriously, the engine was broken, why noone else could hear that there was a problem, I do not know.  Add that to some pretty hefty turbulence and lightening outside the window and you get a pretty freaked out (i.e. hysterically screaming) Wendy.  Embarrassing?  At the time no, we were all about to die, I didn't care.  Afterwards, yep, pretty embarrassing.  Major thanks to the bloke in the seat in front who talked me down...


I've gone off on a tangent... Before I left,i wanted to make a luggage tag.  I have one of those little black wheelie suitcases.  Like 95% of people who fly.  I can't identify it in a line up.  I have had to take cases off the carousel and open them to see what's inside to find my case in the past.  Let me tell you, people don't like it when you do that to their case...  I clearly needed a luggage tag.  I found a tutorial at Sew Christine which I followed, except for the ribbon to hold it in place, I used a long thin piece of fabric for that.  I also couldn't be bothered to wait for the glue to dry, so top-stitched the front panel.


Once again I used the fabric left over from my Weekender and my back pack (tutorial still to come!) so I do look quite matching when I've got my Weekender (which I use as a carry-on bag, I don't do packing light and certainly couldn't pack for a weekend in my Weekender!)


The strap I made is just a loop which I feed the tag through.  Clearly that is not my suitcase in the picture, it's just my Accordian bag which happened to be close by!  Despite the fact I forgot to write out my address details to put in the window, I did manage to identify my bag without rummaging round in anyone else's dirty pants, so it did the trick.  However, after 4 flights it's not looking so healthy, part of the stitching has come undone, the corners are poking out and it's all dirty (seriously, what do they DO with out bags??) so I feel another one coming on...

16 comments:

Oops-Lah said...

Poor you! I can totally relate to your panic attack. Love the luggage tag. I'm sure it came in handy so you could recognise your suit case?

Anna said...

Quelle excellente idée !!! Et si jolie...
Bonne semaine !
Anna

Celtic Thistle said...

Know what you mean about all bags looking the same. Have had to stop someone walking off with my bag before now, and it wasn't even standard issue black!

Hope things are looking better for you soon too.

Samantha said...

Maybe you should just paint 'WENDY' on your suitcase with glittery paints ;)

pennydog said...

I can't imagine you getting hysterical about anything! Glad you're OK :)

Kerryp77 said...

That's a great idea wendy. Better than my ribbon tied to the handle! I get panic attacks from time to time and the attack itself is terrifying without the added comotions happening around you. Glad all was ok in the end.

Chrissy said...

Sorry things are difficult at the moment. That flight sounds horrendous.

Would making the luggage tag out of oil cloth make it more robust?

Joy McD said...

Glad you're home again safe 'n' sound Wendy.. sorry about your flight home... I hate flying, so don't blame you for panicking... funny, I was looking at luggage tag tutorials yesterday!! xxx

JoJo said...

Sorry you've been having a hard time! :( Love the luggage tag though. I never check my luggage anymore; I will ship my clothes to my destination and fly w/ a carry on.

Sandra :) said...

I don't do light packing either - just ask my husband and kids, LOL. I believe in full preparedness, and I pack for it! ;)

Welcome back ... did you at least get the bloke in front of you 's (I have no idea where to put the possessive 's, LOL) snail mail address so you could send him a little thank you gifty? LOL!

Astri said...

Love cute bag tags and this is really cute. Helps spot the luggage upon pick-up easier too!

Jane said...

Glad you are safely back on terra firma. Lovely luggage tag, no one can ever argue it's not yours

Melody said...

Gorgeous luggage tag. Sorry you had such a traumatic time.

JennyPennyPoppy said...

Glad you made it back safe and sound and in one piece! Nifty luggage tag :)

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about your flying episode. Love the luggage tag - just what I need for my plain black wheely suitcases too!

Pam @Threading My Way said...

Fabulous luggage tag, Wendy!!! Love the fabric. Sorry things are not the best.. hope they pick up soon. You'd be glad I wasn't sitting next to you in the plane, as I'd have joined in with your panic attack and made you worse.