It's all in the straps

"Finally"....is what my boyfriend said to me after finishing this bag for him. He's requested a bag from me for the past 3 years. If you are wondering what the hold up was...well everything I've made for him over the years were not "manly" or "masculine" enough for him but ironically he emails me this article the other day on (he periodically sends me other designer's works he likes and sometimes will hint he would like a similar design) Makr Carry Goods, a handbag company. The opening line in the article reads "People are sick of that tech look -- nylon, overly masculine," says Jason Gregory, owner and designer of the company. Mr. Gregory is right, his Farm Ruck Sack is not overly masculine at all. So what features or details on a bag makes it not masculine, somewhat masculine, or just simply masculine?? According to him, it's all in the straps but he tells me this after the fact.

Good and bad, I decided to show him what I've made so far and the first thing he said was, "Nice bag but I'm not carrying that." Confused by his statement since we both agreed on the bag design. He says it's the straps, it's not wide enough and too soft - he described it as "wimpy looking". He wanted the wider and thicker nylon straps. Taking his advice, I took apart the whole back section and used his suggested straps and I hate to agree but he is right. The straps make all the difference. I wanted to take this bag and do all manly things like mountain bike, play football, smoke a cigar, and drink a dark brew.