Sometimes we have to learn a lesson the hard way... Several days ago as I was packing the car to head out to teach a class, I pulled my sewing machine wheeled carrier-tote to the car and "swung" it around to lift it into the backseat. I guess I must have twisted the handle slightly as I did this, and the plastic handle snapped. I immediately regretted my haste and carelessness, and yes I
might have even thought a bad word
(or two.) Several small pieces of plastic flew off. (Hubby later said "Well you did a good job of it, broke it on both sides..." I've always thought you should "go big or stay home"...haha) I knew right away that the handle would likely no longer collapse down. Needless to say it was awkward get it into the backseat; it's heavy anyway, and now I also had a fully extended handle to deal with.... All the way to my class I was sputtering to myself.. how stooopid I was... would it be worth even using the tote without the ability to pull it... how much might it cost to replace... grrrrr....
I love this tote, and use it a LOT. I always have a lot of stuff to "lug" when I teach, and being able to wheel instead of carry a heavy machine sure makes things easier. I stopped on the way home to price a new carrier at Fabricville.. $199.00!! UGH. Much more than I had expected. Insert sad face here...
So when I got home I challenged my handyman hubby (in my sweetest voice, of course) "Do you think you might be able to somehow fix this, deeeeear?" I was hoping that between my hubby and our friend/neighbour who is also very handy and makes beautiful things with wood, they could come up with a plan....
Annnndddd here it is... all done and ready to roll! I'm back in business! Bill fashioned a lovely handle and between them they have it rigged so that the handle will telescope all the way up/out for ease of use, and will collapse part way down for storage and in and out of the vehicle. It won't collapse ALL the way down, but I'm okay with that. I am just SO grateful to have it this way and not have to totally replace it. Thanks guys! You made my day!!
So, those of you who have these wonderful carrier totes on wheels - take a lesson ! Treat them gently and with respect!! The plastic handle is just that - plastic.... and it can break!!
Peace,
Linda
"There is great satisfaction in seeing a thing take shape and form under one's hands, especially if they are made from oddments into something worthwhile." ~ Nella Last
Annnndddd here it is... all done and ready to roll! I'm back in business! Bill fashioned a lovely handle and between them they have it rigged so that the handle will telescope all the way up/out for ease of use, and will collapse part way down for storage and in and out of the vehicle. It won't collapse ALL the way down, but I'm okay with that. I am just SO grateful to have it this way and not have to totally replace it. Thanks guys! You made my day!!
10 comments:
Thank you for the warning! I'm always concerned that my wheely bag won't be strong enough for all that is carried in it......my friend's bag is disintegrating.
Oh, how super that they could fix it! I do not deal well with the breakage or loss of a favorite tool, so I can well imagine your feelings.
I checked my library for My Secret Sister, but they didn't have it. So instead I topped off a really extravagant week by getting on Amazon and ordering a used copy for a penny...plus $3.99 shipping. :) Looked forward to its arrival.
I use a wheelie bag for my machine, and also a wheelie brief case when I need to cart around a laptop plus paperwork. I have found that neither has a particularly strong carcase, and I have already had to replace my brief case for the same type of breakage as you describe. The repair is really splendid.
Yup, yesssss. It is so nice to have a handy hub. Mine has this motto:
I can fix anything from a broken heart to a hole in the sky. And he CAN!!
xx, Carol
Yay - a happy ending, and a beautiful wooden handle. Kudos to handy husbands!
Wow. These guys did a great job at repairing your tote handle, Linda.
Nice job guys , Papa here is like that to can fix anything and make it better then it was ! Things aren't made like they used to be that's for sure , Glad all worked out . Thanks for sharing , have a good weekend !
The handle on the bag now looks very sturdy and hopefully will stand up to your moving it in and out of your car.
You wrote the story so well, Linda, that I had to smile many times when reading it. :) Fortunately the men were able to fix your really beautiful and practical tote, and the new wooden handle looks much nicer than the plastic one.
Here, I send you virtually a big bunch of heavenly blue cornflowers! Have a great week ahead! <3
I love the new handle. It is so much prettier than the plastic one, for sure.
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