(I've worked very hard to design, prototype, develop and market these bags. I'm so happy that this is being linked to from many DIY sites, but I ask that you do not copy my design for resale. If you would like to purchase one of these bags from me, please visit my shop at www.allysonhill.com )
HOW IT STARTED:
It all started one day while I was driving. I was using a plastic grocery bag hung over my shift for a garbage and I was not happy with its function. It was ugly and just too big. Really now, you don't want that much garbage sitting in your car, right? I thought, why not design a nice-looking bag that could conceal this ugly plastic bag? I wasn't sure if it was do-able, but after many prototypes I figured it out:
WHAT IS SO UNIQUE ABOUT THIS BAG:
First of all, this bag features a fully adjustable strap. Not only can you choose the strap placement (side or center) but you can also tighten the strap EXACTLY how you want it. No more wishing there was just one more snap or one more hole (think about your belt). Next, there is the flexible plastic liner which slips in and out of the fabric case. Simply insert a plastic bag and tuck the excess in between the two layers to keep it concealed. No more ugly bag! Finally, there are tons of fabric choices to personalize your automobile – what could be better?
WHAT IS THIS DESIGNED FOR:
This bag is designed to hang over your stick shift, across the back of your headrest, or wherever you can think of! This bag is NOT designed to hold drive-thru trash, bottles (recycle those!), cans (recycle those too!), etc. This bag IS designed for all that small trash that tends to clutter up your cup holders and such.
THE SIZE:
I make these bags about 8" wide and 12" tall. I like this size because it is not too big to interfere with the passenger's leg room and again you probably shouldn't keep too much garbage sitting in your car, especially in warm weather.
ANATOMY OF THE BAG:
Measures 8” wide and 12” tall. There is an inner liner and an outer case. The outer case is made of the decorative fabric which is lined with black canvas for stability. The inner liner is made of black post-consumer recycled plastic and is specially designed to stay open for ease of use while driving. This plastic liner is not 100% leak-proof so be sure to use plastic baggies for added protection. All you do is insert a plastic bag and then tuck the excess in between the two layers along the top edge so that there is no ugly bag hanging over the side (like a garbage can).
THE STRAP SYSTEM:
The strap measures approximately 25” long and can be attached in one of two ways: on the side for hanging from a stick shift or in the center for hanging across a headrest. The strap attaches with a heavy-duty snap. Once snapped in place, simply wrap the other end of the strap around the shift/headrest, thread through the buckle and tighten as needed. Tuck the excess strap inbetween the inner liner and the outer fabric case. If you ever need to remove the bag you can do so without unthreading the strap, simply unsnap the bag and the strap will remain installed.
WHAT KIND OF PLASTIC BAG DO I USE?
The best option are these handy Biodegradable baggies on a roll from the infant or pet department (diaper/doggie clean-up bags). You can also find these online at Five Star Pet or in my shop. They are about the size of a film cannister and very handy for popping in the glove compartment or storing at the bottom of your auto trash bag. You can also use produce bags or grocery bags with the handles cut off (makes it easier to tuck in).
AMAZING and beautiful! :) I have one and love it!!!
Posted by: Megs | August 21, 2006 at 04:22 PM
Wow. I must have one. Am ordering it from etsy RIGHT NOW!
Posted by: Marti | September 02, 2006 at 05:27 PM
You my friend are a genius.
I saw one of your messenger bags on Etsy and I love it. Sadly I have no money right now, but I was wondering if you could save it for me? I'm not sure how many you sell or how quickly they go. Please e-mail me at [email protected]
Thanks,
Krisse
Posted by: Krisse | September 28, 2006 at 04:34 PM
What a fabulous idea! Thank you for sharing your talent with all of us.
Posted by: Suzy Lorenzen | September 28, 2006 at 07:49 PM
I just bought the two in your store. What a fabulous product!! Yeay!!
:) Abbie
Posted by: Abbie | October 02, 2006 at 08:10 AM
I just found your shop on Etsy...what a GREAT idea. I love these. I'm just trying to decide which one I want.
Angelique
Posted by: Angelique | October 02, 2006 at 11:58 AM
I have a car litter bag and absolutely love it. Its functional without being an eyesore! A definite *must have*!!
Posted by: sharla | October 05, 2006 at 01:33 PM
Seriously, copyright it and FAST! It's pure genious and uber adorable!
I don't mean to sound rude or mean, but I think you should work on the closure for the strap. The brooch, even though it's stinken cute, seems like a step too far for something that should be really simple. Perhaps have a male snap on the top of the bag, and a bunch of female snaps all along the strap for adjustability?
You can go to www.snapsource.com and get snaps of every colour. I'd suggest using larger ones, 18mm or bigger.
sorry about the rant, my hubby is a designer and I've been conditioned to question everything and constantly find better solutions! :) I adore everything you make, and your fabric choices are superb!
Posted by: bubba*tink | October 23, 2006 at 06:27 PM
love it!! Get that copyright girl!! Quick!!
Posted by: Mary Contrary | November 08, 2006 at 10:25 AM
I love my bag and I found another great function for this cute car litter bag. I had a craft fair over the weekend and I forgot to bring a trash bag…so I thought….hey, I’ll just use my cute little car litter bag. It was perfect…I just attached it to my chair. It looked way better than a grocery bag would have looked. I also got a few comments on it too…I made sure to let them know where they could get one of their own. :-)
Oh…and I love the pin, it gives it more style.
Angelique
www.snowangeldesigns.com
Posted by: Angelique | November 08, 2006 at 11:54 AM
I love my bag, but I agree with bubba*tink, I think snaps would be a good idea. or perhaps something a little more hip design friendly than the pin. perhaps a lapel pin? the large black pin kind of sticks out. The rest of the bag is so sleek and cool, the pin doesn't match. Anyhoo...Love the quality and price! thanks so much!
Posted by: violets | November 30, 2006 at 02:05 PM
You are my hero. Maybe that's a bit dramatic, but I totally love your design, and I can't wait to receive my order from etsy. You really have to get this design copyrighted. It is so unique.
Posted by: Missy | January 25, 2007 at 08:48 AM
I received my litter bag yesterday. The lime green dot pattern looks great in my red beetle! Love all your designs.
Posted by: Sara | March 22, 2007 at 04:48 PM
Don't you mean patent instead of copyright? a copyright is for a pattern (book, art, something written) a patent is for an invention/product.
Posted by: Norma | March 25, 2007 at 10:02 AM
I love this idea! Your car certainly looks spotless, and I am sure the litter bag will help lots of others stay much more tidy as well.
Posted by: Nichole | May 17, 2007 at 10:23 PM
You could also hang the bag over the headrest for the kids in the backseat 'throw away your own garbage, ~please~.
Posted by: beth | June 29, 2007 at 10:09 AM
How awesome! This is very creative! Now I'll wait for you to fill your store with more colours and then choose one :)
Posted by: Roxanne | July 18, 2007 at 10:08 AM
you rock my socks off!! i love this!
saw it in your etsy and fell in love in an instant! i must have one. this is going on this mamas christmas list for sure! :D
go get that patent!
Posted by: Jimaie | November 01, 2007 at 10:11 PM
Wow! That's a great idea and a great tutorial. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: jenclair | February 05, 2008 at 03:21 PM
The double layer to hold the plastic bag - genius! That has always been the problem with the purchased bags I have used (aside from being boring black) - ending up with ick on the lining because they don't facilitate a liner.
Posted by: Robyn L. Coburn | February 05, 2008 at 08:44 PM