Although I recently struggled with sewing beautifully, I finally finished my fourth bag. Let’s introduce it.
A short-height tote
The bag I made this time is a short-height tote, as shown in the following image.
The bag’s height is determined by the size of the items we put inside. When we put items that take a lot of space, like groceries, a taller bag is suitable. On the other hand, when we put in only small items, a lower bag is more convenient to put in and take out.
That is why handbags usually have a low height and a wider width.
In other words, this short-height tote is suitable for daily use and organizing smaller items rather than grocery shopping. This kind of bag is easy to use as a storage bag that is frequently used inside a closet, on shelves, and in a pantry.
Bags that overcome the limits of minimalism
Bags, shelves, and boxes allow us to manage items efficiently without stress. They are an alternative to minimalism.
Although minimalism can easily free us from the stress of managing items and make our lives easier in the short term, it often limits our opportunities for new creation and making money. This is because it also limits our surplus resources. To create something valuable to share with others and make money, we need excess materials. However, minimalism also excludes those extra resources.
That may be why independent minimalists often struggle with earning money, except for teaching minimalism.
On the other hand, we can improve our management skills. Although it requires some effort, it provides us with opportunities to spark curiosity, increase surplus resources, and earn money without stress.
Bags are the most lightweight management tool compared to shelves and boxes. The first lightweight item that a person who graduated from minimalism uses would be a bag.
Compared to the previous bag
Let’s compare the bag I made this time with the previous one.
Despite the similar appearance, small differences can make managing items more convenient.
I removed the outside pocket because it is unnecessary. The outside pocket is useful for bags that are difficult to put things inside. The bag I made this time is easy to put things in, so I removed it.
Not only did I shorten the bag height, but I also placed the handles further outside. It stabilizes with heavy items.
In addition, I widened the gusset, the bottom seams that make the bag roomier.
In other words, this bag allows me to manage smaller, heavier things.
Modifying our management tools
Even if it is a small modification, a slight change can make our lives easier dramatically.
For example, suppose we always use a handbag to carry items. Although a handbag is useful, it occupies one hand. If we frequently use our hands, a shoulder bag or backpack will be more convenient.
In such a situation, sticking to one bag, one management tool, is pointless. We can free both of our hands.
That means our productivity suddenly doubled. Naturally, it reduces our stress in life.
You may have experienced that your bag slipped off your shoulder while you were walking and felt annoyed. That is one symbolic phenomenon where we don’t focus on management. We have to be aware of the stress we have gotten used to.
Focusing on management tools, such as improving bags, can reduce such stress, secure surplus resources, and increase opportunities.
Conclusion
Anyway, I finished my fourth bag. Although I am still learning how to make beautiful bags, making this one gave me a good experience.
Now I am thinking about what to make next.
Thank you for reading this article. I hope to see you in the next one.
