pretty vs. playable

Pengu · Post by **Pengu** » 21 Aug 2006 09:08

I think that's the point a lot of people have been trying to make on this thread dude. You can't judge a bag by appearance only. The point of that thread is to let stitchers show others what they have proudly put together and made. Mind you, a lot of people who comment on the bags don't know what they are talking about, but it's a forum for people to feel proud of their creations and it's a place for new stitchers to have the spotlight.

It's also true that it isn't somewhere to assess how good a bag is. Critical reviews can't be made until a bag is seen in person and broken in all the way. Reviews also have to be taken with a grain of salt because different people like different properties in bags, however there are some general properties everyone enjoys like a round bag that sets well. If you make a good bag and other people have the chance to experience it, then word will spread. I believe this spread of word is more important in assessing how a bag is over merely what it looks like.

A pretty bag does give a slight indication of what a bag will break in like though. Even stitching does usually mean an even break-in, which is very important. However, other things also play a part in that factor too. Someone who is constantly experimenting to find the perfect combination that balances prettiness and playability is what makes a good bag. Some stitchers have reached that realm and are able to consistently achieve this and I have the utmost respect and admiration for them.

Bag-stitching is part art, part science. There's so many variables that make so many different kinds of bags. It's like a fine wine. It takes time to acquire an appreciation of the differences in bags. And like wine, it needs to be experienced and there are some that just stand in a league of their own.

bluntobj3ct · Post by **bluntobj3ct** » 21 Aug 2006 10:05

i agree wholeheartedly with every point you make in your above statement peng! im glad you posted that actually because it reinforces some of the claims ive made about understanding that there is indeed a lot to be expected from a bag when it looks pretty!

i dont believe there is a resolution or an answer to the question ive proposed so i dont want anyone to be dissatisfied by not convincing me one way or another.

my first post was to inspire discussion- and its done just that. im glad that it was an issue that people felt strongly about.

all the mumbo jumbo defending the point of posting pictures on the internet etc. (which i never questioned, and do frequently) really has been a distraction for most people away from what i was trying to get across... but my point was taken to heart by some so im glad it at least inspired some thinking

i encourage everyone to rethink their definition of the ideal bag- no matter your conclusion at least you arent a zombie!

gangsta · Post by **gangsta** » 21 Aug 2006 15:22

An Ideal bag is one that Looks Pretty, And plays well. Noone wants to shred with an Ugly bag, and noone wants to shred with a bag that does Not play well. Beauty, however, is in the eye of the beholder.

Toby · Post by **Toby** » 21 Aug 2006 16:28

bluntobj3ct wrote:im sorry you think the thread is "fucked"- if you disagree with what im ranting about just say so, all im presenting is an opinion so i believe you'll have trouble trying to find inconsistencies/errors- if thats all you're focusing on... you're focusing on the wrong part of the thread.

I didn't need to say that and i'm glad you started this topic. It's just that we all seem to be talking about different things when we talk about bag prettiness.

bluntobj3ct wrote:i encourage everyone to rethink their definition of the ideal bag- no matter your conclusion at least you arent a zombie!

I think an ideal bag for me is a bag that is perfectly round and quite neatly stitched. It shouldn't take more than a couple weeks of breaking in before it plays really well.

Spontaneous Spaz · Post by **Spontaneous Spaz** » 21 Aug 2006 18:28

perfect bag = no bleed holes, extremely sturdy fabric, mushy to stall, shapes are even and stitched to perfection, best color pattern = your choice, filler = your choice, and is # of sides = your choice. + wont' roll off ur foot

i.e. bryce ledner stitches the best bags newhere
<COUGH< lol....

nah, perfect bag is totally in your opinion, i am not the guy that tells you you have n ovoice in what you like. this is a free world... for the most part right?

bluntobj3ct · Post by **bluntobj3ct** » 21 Aug 2006 18:59

i like this! it feels good to be positive! and how do you feel about that?

Wasabi · Post by **Wasabi** » 21 Aug 2006 21:28

Toby wrote:I think an ideal bag for me is a bag that is perfectly round and quite neatly stitched. It shouldn't take more than a couple weeks of breaking in before it plays really well.

I agree with Toby on this factor as well. Plus, Peng makes remarkable points on what goes into an ideal bag.

I have taken some time to experiment in my stitching and filler formula over the weeks to find what is suitable for me as an ideal bag. Stallability isn't an ideal goal in my mind, as when a bag breaks-in it will have that quality nonetheless. How well the bag will set depends on how round the bag will be and the type/amount of filler you put into the bag is my goal in stitching. Cleaniness on the panels and stitching, thickness of the material, and color contrast depends on the eye of the beholder, which I try to look into just as much.

The stitcher I admire and respect the most is Lonn Irish, and have tried to implement her needle placement into my bags recently. Though that is the case, I'm still learning and advancing in my stitching - hoping to create a style of my own that people would love to see in my bags. Maybe I should try Lonn's unique stitching on my bags? It may take me weeks, if not months, for me to fully understand her technique. Like freestyle, focus on the basics for a good foundation, which I am now doing.

That's what I believe my goals are in stitching are.

Though this topic may take some eccentric turns, I like reading what is being discussed here. Some people can definitely learn and reevaluate their goals on bag stitching.

HG · Post by HG » 22 Aug 2006 07:02

Spontaneous Spaz wrote:perfect bag = no bleed holes, extremely sturdy fabric, mushy to stall, shapes are even and stitched to perfection, best color pattern = your choice, filler = your choice, and is # of sides = your choice. + wont' roll off ur foot

I dont think you understand what bleed holes are. They are MEANT to be there to change filler. You WANT bleed holes on a bag

richardabshire · Post by **richardabshire** » 22 Aug 2006 11:30

Both are important. Performance stands out more to me for this reason. A great looking bag may not perform up to your level of play, but a bag built on performance will. There have been stitchers in the past who made great looking bags, but did not have a high performance value. A nice looking bag may sit on your shelf at home and that sweet , mushy high performance bag is the one you carry in your pocket and can't wait to shred with everyday. Hope this helps, Richard Abshire

PegLegHolly · Post by **PegLegHolly** » 22 Aug 2006 11:55

good bleed holes... that wont leak filler

Mowley · Post by **Mowley** » 22 Aug 2006 12:14

I think at first when you stich, you want to make bags they looks shit hot so others notice them, but when you've made a few bags and your bags start being stiched consistently good thats when you tend to expermiment and try to make the best playable bags

well i know thats what i've done

and now i couldn't care what my bags look like as i know i can make "nice" bags but i want bags that ppl want to shred with not look at

james_dean · Post by **james_dean** » 22 Aug 2006 18:01

mushy?

Wasabi · Post by **Wasabi** » 22 Aug 2006 18:05

james_dean wrote:mushy?

More like muschi.

james_dean · Post by **james_dean** » 22 Aug 2006 18:18

Yeah but... meaning what?

gangsta · Post by **gangsta** » 22 Aug 2006 18:25

james_dean wrote:Yeah but... meaning what?

Mushy: http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=mushy

james_dean · Post by **james_dean** » 22 Aug 2006 18:44

I love mushy bags!

My current one is not... but, new bag soon... mmmm... can't wait.

bluntobj3ct · Post by **bluntobj3ct** » 22 Aug 2006 19:43

abshire has quite the stupendous process that he puts his bags through that costs (i think) 6 bucks more or something... you recieve the bag half broken in (or so).

ive seen the before and after, its fucking amazing and id kill to know how he does it... but like i said its nothing short of AWESOME. theres no extra stress or damage on the bag but it feels well... mushy!!!!

check it out on freedom:
http://www.freedomfootbags.com/shredsho ... -p-29.html

its most definately worth the 6 bucks-

anyway i dont know if he was specifically referring to that in his post, but it doesnt hurt to add this little tidbit as long as people are inquisitive!

meanwhile, i just finished a new bag! im stoaked and i hope brett is too!

modified

pretty vs. playable

my bag is fuzzy and cute and pretty!!!