In motion: large Zinis, Kipsters, mahjong tote and tile bag sets, Raccoons, Tootsies, Matties.
In the planning stage: large Kipsters, Alpacas, Rackers, Supa Dupa mahjong sets, deluxe mahjong sets, Foxes.
Contact me to place a custom order, ask for help, or receive a "newly in stock" email for mahjong sets.
Only Colorado residents pay sales tax!
Welcome to Zoe's Bag Boutique, the online store of Zoe Designs Ltd.
Hi, I'm Karen Norback the owner of Zoe Designs Ltd., which I started in 1995.
I live in beautiful Colorado.
I am a one person business. I handle it all, from maintaining the web site, to designing, making, and photographing the products, shipping, and everything else you can imagine. Plus a whole bunch of things you can't even picture! When you buy from me, be assured I will be following your order every step of the way.
I work with customers every day to create something special, just for them. Please ask for a custom order, it's my specialty!
Background
I love fabrics! The patterns, colors and motifs constantly amaze me, many are true works of art.
The array of fabrics available motivated me to create my business. Using design and sewing skills, acquired during 25 plus years manufacturing outdoor gear, I created a line of eye catching and functional products, which I hand craft, in beautiful Colorado.
Learn more about the path that led me to open my shop.
How designs are created
Many bag designs spring from the fabrics first. How to best feature them is the initial consideration. The Tallullah, for instance, was initially designed to showcase larger prints. Following form is function. The focus shifts to making each bag useful, as well as attractive. This led to the creation of one of Zoe Designs most popular features, The Zoe Pocket Set!
Because I have so many fabric options I found my customers were struggling to decide on just one print for their messenger bags. Light bulb! I created my Morphin line of messenger bags, which have removable flaps, now you don't have to decide on just one. Plus I now have someone else to share my fabric addiction with...you
How the bags are constructed
Since my background has long been in the world of outdoor gear, I use top quality webbing, fabrics and hardware. I do not use leather, so my bags are perfect for vegans too. The majority of fabrics I use, for the foundation of the bags, are comparable to those you would find on a backpack. However I make the bags unique by overlaying parts of the body with a cotton print. This makes for a sturdy, but attractive and lightweight bag.
Zoe Designs bags are made to last! I take pride in creating extremely high quality bags. I use large seam allowances and copious amounts of reinforcements on stress points.
Unique One of a Kind Bags
Many of the bags, especially the larger styles, are one of a kind, unique pieces. Most fabric options are purchased in small quantities, usually a yard. Only a few prints, such as mahjong, sheep, roller derby and classic books are replenished due to their popularity, the remainder are used for stock items, or custom orders. Cats are popular, especially black cats, and I always make sure to have lots of options for the cat lovers.
Why buy such small pieces of fabric?The large selection I am able to offer my customers is one reason. An additional benefit is that it makes each product that much more special, in most cases you will be the owner of a bag that is truly unique to you. No one else, on the entire planet, will have one like yours.
It's rare, in this world of mass production, to be able to say that about your bag. You can tell the person, for whom you bought a Zoe Designs bag, I had this custom made for you, no one else, but you, has one.
Besides, as I said above, I love fabrics!
What customers sayMy friend Katie (who has one of your bags) and I were at an arts and crafts event in Indianapolis last weekend. We saw several vendors with all kinds of bags - some using the same fabrics as you. But we agreed that nothing we looked at came close to your quality. Extra kudos for your customer service! I think we've gone back and forth on just three Zeldina flaps as much as we did on my big custom bag. You are a gem, Karen!
Becky
You've definitely raised the bar for online shopping! This was by far the most fun and the most pleasant "purchase" I've ever made via the Internet and the bonus is that I know I'm getting EXACTLY what I want.
I am sure you'll be hearing from me again in the new year... I already have ideas for more bags!
Alanna -Alberta, Canada
Bramble
Keeper of the toys
Lover of the cookies