North St Bags

It’s 2012!

Curtis — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:19:49 +0000

The past several months have seen many changes for North St. We’ve moved into a brand new location on SE 23rd and Clinton. It’s in a beautiful, light-filled industrial space called Patternworks Studios. It’s across from local bag mainstay Beckel Canvas, and mere steps from A Better Cycle on Division. We’ve got more machines, an incredibly talented new seamstress, and some big plans for the future.

First and foremost, our friends at Bike Craft are working on a new website where you will be able to get all the handmade goodness 24/7.

I’ll be set up at Trillium Artisans on Thursday 2/23 from 10:30 to 5:30. They were offered the chance to keep their pop-up shop location on SW Taylor and 3rd, and have just reopened! Stop by for local goods made from salvaged materials.

There’s plenty more in the works, but in the meantime, we’ve got a lot of old stock bags left over from the holidays. Come on by for some great discounts – everything from hip pouches to convertibles.

We’re open 11 to 6 Tues, Wed and Fri, and 11-4 on Sat (closed Sun & Mon)

cheers!

Curtis

Open

Curtis — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:17:07 +0000

DJ Pannier Back View

Curtis — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 01:04:50 +0000

DJ Pannier Inside View

Curtis — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:50:06 +0000

Pump Sleeve – $6

Curtis — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:18:35 +0000

Keep your travel pump tucked away in the corner with this handy sleeve. Fits into the new Woodward bags.

5″ Sleeve – $6

Curtis — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:09:11 +0000

A simple sleeve to help organize the little things inside your Woodward bag.

5″ Internal Organizer – $12

Curtis — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:58:28 +0000

5″ Internal Organizer features one zippered pocket, and a sectioned sleeve perfect for holding a pen and other small items.

10″ Internal Organizer – $16

Curtis — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:44:46 +0000

10″ Internal Organizer features one large zippered pocket, plus some handy sleeves to keep your stuff sorted. Fits into the newly designed Woodward bags.

Inside View

Curtis — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:31:26 +0000

Internal Pockets

Curtis — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:24:26 +0000

Choose from a selection of handy add-ons to keep your stuff organized inside your bag. The new velcro system makes it easy to add or swap out pockets, depending on what you need for the day. Custom work is also available.

Sizes:

10″ pockets fit well into the front of the bag’s interior
5″ (or smaller) pockets fill out the sides

Colors: Black pockets, charcoal trim with a red zipper pull.

Prices: See below for pricing on stock items. Pick out your own trim color (add $8 per pocket, or $20 for three or more)

Select pockets when custom ordering a Woodward bag, or make your existing bag even better by getting some more – just drop me an email to order.

Note – the new pocket system only works with the new version of the Woodward bags – older bags must retro-fitted to take new pockets.

curtis [at] northstbags [dot] com

Bungee Flap

Curtis — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:33:23 +0000

A small flap pops out to stow the bungee so it doesn’t get caught on your clothing.

Holiday Break

Curtis — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 19:05:42 +0000

There are only 3 spots left in the queue before the holiday break, so now’s your chance! We’ll be closed from Dec 19th thru Jan 8th. I’ll be heading back to VT for the holidays, then catching up on some random projects around the studio before starting up production in the new year.

Get your order in now, the spots are going fast! Not to worry though, there will be three more chances to get a North St. deal!

Our first ever Holiday Trunk Show – Tues, Nov 29th at the Trillium Artisans Pop-Up Shop 11am to 7pm

Bike Craft is on in full force this year – Dec 3rd and 4th at Sandbox Studio 11am to 6pm

and Crafty Wonderland is bigger than ever at the Convention Center Dec 10th and 11th - 11am to 6pm

Hope to see you at one or all of these wonderful handmade shopping events!

-Curtis

Trillium Trunk Show!

Curtis — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:20:55 +0000

Come on out to Trillium Artisan’s Pop-Up Shop for our first ever North St. Holiday Trunk Show!

Tuesday, November 29th from 11am to 7pm

I’ll be there all day with some amazing deals on panniers, pouches and more!

318 SW Taylor St

Check out www.trilliumartisans.org/welcome/ for more info. See you there!

Yoga Mat Pannier – Prototype

Curtis — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:35:19 +0000

I’ve been working on a new pannier made for a yoga mat.

features:

grommet vents (shown in chalk)
large pocket for water bottle or yoga clothes
interior pocket for valuables, and key clip
shoulder strap, positioned so pannier hardware faces away from you

It still needs some refining and testing, but I hope to have them ready for the holiday season.

-Curtis

Belt Loop

Curtis — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:30:12 +0000

New Product – Hip Pouch Mini

Curtis — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 02:52:58 +0000

A small, waterproof velcro pouch for a phone, camera or other small item. It has a belt loop in the back.

I’m doing a first run deal of $15, and have a variety of colors.

Trunk Style – view 2

Curtis — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 00:15:50 +0000

The harness stays attached to the bike. Straps velcro in place to stay clear of the wheel.

Wish List

Curtis — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 18:32:44 +0000

Here at North St. we love using salvaged and upcycled materials to make bags. If you have any, or know of a good source, please let me know! I am currently in need of the following:

banners or signs (vinyl or mesh)
truck tarps
awning canvas
old bags or luggage
any nylon, cordura, or outdoor fabric scraps I can use pieces as small as 12″ square.
I’d also take some square buckets, like the ones that kitty litter comes in

Again, if you have any of these, please be in touch!

Thanks, Curtis

curtis [at] northstbags [dot] com

917-922-6507

250 Bags!!

Curtis — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 19:18:25 +0000

North St. Bags has been in business for just over a year and a half now, and I’m proud to report the recent sale of our 250th bag! In case you’re wondering that count is of for-real bags, and doesn’t include pouches, wallets or accessories (the count for all products is closer to 300). Needless to say, things are looking up, and I couldn’t be happier.

We’ve got over a dozen products available through this website and Etsy.com, as well as over 65 bags at 6 local retailers here in Portland. I’ve shipped as far away as Hong Kong, Australia and Germany, but remain first and foremost a local maker, here to provide quality products for a simpler lifestyle.

I am pleased and excited to be sharing a studio space with Rachel of Bike Cozy. After a several long days of moving and reorganizing, we’re now set up in a larger space at Switchyard Studios. We are currently on the lookout for a larger space with a storefront.

As always, I’ve got several designs on the drawing board as well as dozens more on my wish list. I’m currently testing out new features for the Woodward Convertible design, which I hope to have ready by the fall.

Whether you’re in the market for a new commuter bag or pannier set, or just want to come down to talk bags, my door is open. I am open to new ideas and feedback (positive and negative), and still adore designing, selling and talking about bags.

cheers,

Curtis

1″ Strap

Curtis — Sun, 29 May 2011 19:40:57 +0000

2″ Strap

Curtis — Sun, 29 May 2011 19:39:03 +0000

made with big, comfy seatbelt webbing

Shoulder Strap

Curtis — Sun, 29 May 2011 19:37:08 +0000

Add a strap to your pannier order.

2″ Seatbelt webbing ( black only) – $8

1″ Webbing (choose from colors below) – $5

Browse Stock on Etsy – Or come down to the studio to see the selection in person

curtis [at] northstbags [dot] com

Trim Colors

Curtis — Fri, 20 May 2011 18:12:23 +0000

Left Column: Black, Gray, White, Brown, Taupe, Burgundy, Purple, Hot Pink, Reflector (not used for trim)

Right Column: Navy Blue, Royal Blue, Sky Blue, Teal, Emerald Green, Mint Green, Red, Orange, Yellow

Blinky Loop – $1 each

Curtis — Thu, 12 May 2011 00:09:16 +0000

I can add one to the front, the side or both!

Side Compression Straps

Curtis — Sun, 08 May 2011 18:09:42 +0000

To help secure the load.

Red & Brown

Curtis — Sun, 08 May 2011 17:54:17 +0000

w/ gray, xpac liner

also includes compression straps

qty: 2

$75 each

Retail Locations

Curtis — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 22:07:47 +0000

Where can I find a North St. Bag? Here’s a handy map.

View North St. Bags – Potland Locations in a larger map

A quick repair

Curtis — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:06:42 +0000

I just did a repair job on one of the first Woodward bags I made over a year ago. It’s owner, a friend of mine, is an ideal product tester. He uses the bag all day, every day both as a backpack and a pannier. He loads it up too heavy to carry on a regular basis, and isn’t gentle on it in the least. I’m pleased to report that the wear on the bag was pretty minimal. After two winters of incredible abuse, all the straps, hardware, and seams are still intact and holding strong. The only real damage was a zipper on the back flap.

The bottom corner of the zipper was damaged

There are also the usual scuffs and smudges. You can see where the fabric is worn down slightly from wearing against bicycle parts. Aside from the dirt, this is still a great looking bag!

The zipper problem was caused by the fact that the back flap was an older design, in which it flipped around to the front for use as backpack. That corner was under a lot of stress, being tugged apart with every conversion. The current design has the back flap simply folding back underneath the backpack straps, greatly reducing the stress on those corners.

Now I have him testing out some new ideas which will hopefully make it into the next redesign. I’m also getting a lot of great feedback from other convertible owners.

-Curtis

Small – Navy Blue & Orange

Curtis — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:35:27 +0000

w/ tan liner

plain – $45

Purple & Yellow

Curtis — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:30:07 +0000

$35

belt style

Gray & Black

Curtis — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:29:10 +0000

$35

belt style, messenger style

Mint Green & Purple

Curtis — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:27:57 +0000

$35

belt style

Beer Cozy – Belt Accessory

Curtis — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:48:18 +0000

Also fits a small klean kanteen, or similar water bottle. This padded cozy folds flat when not in use. Add one to your stock or custom order in matching colors for $12, or get one on it’s own in any colors for $15.

Belt Style

Curtis — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:17:24 +0000

This version comes with a 2″ removable waist belt.

Belt Style 2

Curtis — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:16:57 +0000

One size fits all, it adjusts easily with no slack end. It’s removable via a long strip of velcro. This allows you to add other accessories, or switch to a different belt. It also stiffens the belt considerably, preventing it from bunching up in it’s sleeve.

Messenger Style

Curtis — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:12:06 +0000

Comes with a matching, removable shoulder strap.

Handlebar Straps – $5

Curtis — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:43:17 +0000

Attach your bag securely to your handlebars (and under certain saddles) with two velcro straps. Available for the small size only.

Handlebar Straps – View 2

Curtis — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:41:18 +0000

Surprise St. Patrick’s Day Special – Free Beer Cozy!

Curtis — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:11:19 +0000

Buy any stock Hip Pouch and get a FREE Beer Cozy in matching colors!

It fits a small Klean Kanteen (or similar water bottle) just as easily, or a 22 oz bottle, if a tallboy just isn’t enough. This padded cozy collapses when not in use.

This deal is good for St. Patrick’s Day 2011 only, so come on down to the shop to get yours (tallboys included). One per customer, while supplies last. I’ll be in from 11am to 5pm.

Teal & Orange

Curtis — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 23:40:49 +0000

w/ light gray liner

$35

mini messenger style

Side Strap Buckles

Curtis — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 17:03:02 +0000

Great for securing larger items to the side of the bag. Choose for one or both sides.

U-Lock Sleeve

Curtis — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:58:46 +0000

Belt style only.

Grocery Pannier Setup

Curtis — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:52:51 +0000

standard hook & bungee system

Shoulder Strap Tabs

Curtis — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:51:38 +0000

Comes with d-ring tabs on the sides for adding a shoulder strap (sold separately)

Small – Burgundy & Royal Blue

Curtis — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:39:25 +0000

w/ yellow liner

handlebar attachment – $50

WW Convertible – Chocolate & Sky Blue

Curtis — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:37:34 +0000

w/ light gray liner

extras: interior organizer

$225

2011 Updates

Curtis — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 19:39:19 +0000

It’s a new year, which means a new way of doing things here at North St. I’ve finished up the (quite long) list of of orders I got over the holidays, and have now shifted my focus to the next phase of growth for the business. In short I want to make more bags.

I’ve decided to focus on building up a stock of bags. This is a bit of a change, as up until now I’ve been making bags to order, one at a time. I’ve been doing some redesign and redrafting of patterns to accommodate this shift (as well as some price adjustments). The first design to undergo this change is the hip pouch, which is now made in less time and produces less scrap waste than before. As I complete stock bags and post them to the site, I will also be raising the price of custom orders to reflect the extra time it takes to do them. I will do my best to keep the stock prices close to what they are now, but I do expect that some prices will be going up over the next few months, so get your orders in now! These price changes also allow me to get into some more retailers. I hope to get bags into several more shops by the time summer rolls around. I’ve also increased my Etsy presence quite a bit, and will be working on my pedalr account as well.

The switch to assembly style production also allows me to delegate more of the work. Mara is back doing most of the cutting and marking, and I’m pleased to add Jennifer to the North St Team – she’s a talented sewer who will be taking over on some of the sewing. This frees me up to focus on design. I’m thrilled to announce the new duffel bag design, with options for bike attachment! My current project is a much simpler (and cheaper) convertible backpack pannier. It will be waterproof! I’ll be posting photos and a better description soon. After this I’ll be working on some smaller accessories, and then gearing up for a redesign to the Woodward.

Hope the new year is treating you well,

Curtis

Small – Teal & Yellow

Curtis — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 01:29:09 +0000

w/ silver liner

handlebar attachment – $50

Messenger Style – Handlebar View

Curtis — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:22:35 +0000

This version attaches securely to your handlebars, or under certain saddles.

What’s in a name? – Wightman Duffel

Curtis — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:17:46 +0000

The new Wightman Duffel’s name comes from a street I lived on very briefly in Pittsburgh PA. I stayed with my older brother Peter for a summer while working as an intern at a theater there. I worked mostly in the scenery shop, and used a duffel of similar size and design (though, inferior quality) to carry my tools. The bag was insanely useful, and I’m thrilled now to bring it back in style. It comes in two sizes, and has options for bicycle attachment (what kind of bike bag maker would I be if it didn’t?). Order yours now, as the price will likely go up a bit after the first run.

http://northstbags.com/products/wightman-duffel/