Hey, Fly. I think you're talking about Vera Bradley, right?

I have only waterproofed things (for boat life) with sprays, which I bet are like the Scotchguard you are looking to avoid.

I would probably just use the bag and then put it in the washer on a hand wash setting if you have it, then hang it to dry.

YES,--Vera Bradley! I remembered it *just* before I opened this thread again :)
Ah, o.k., I appreciate your reply...let's wait and see if anyone else has any wisdom to impart. This tote took such a great deal of work, it's so incredibly cute--I hate to think of it ever getting used, but I need to use it!

You can use Scotchguard to make it soil-resistant, but that will not waterproof it. I do know that if you coat your bag with something that would truly waterproof it, you'll change the feel of the bag. It will be stiff and waxy feeling.

Just use the bag. It's cotton, and it's washable. Spoken as a professional quilter!

Another quilter here -put it in the washing machine! Should NOT be a problem. You can line-dry it to keep it looking nice. Honestly, when I put a lot of work into something, the best gift I can receive back is to see someone wearing it out!

I've washed my daughter's Vera Bradley bags in the washing machine with great results. The only advice I'd pass along is to make sure you wash it when it first becomes dirty. My daughter waited too long on one piece and we just weren't able to get the handles completely clean- probably a combination of ground in dirt and oils from her hands.

O.K., thanks, all of you accomplished women! I'm really impressed with people who can quilt. I can sit and do somewhat insanely detailed mosaid for hours on end, but when it comes to cloth I get fearful and I want to pull my hair out after about 10 minutes..go figure.

So I'll go ahead and use this beautiful thing, and wash it immediately if it gets dirty (thanks for that tip). You have freed me from concern! Thanks very much for your help.

(If anyone wants to show any pics of their quilting work, it would be really great :))

Nowadays, promotional tote bags can be seen everywhere. Do you have an assortment of eco-friendly totes at your house? These tote bags aren't just eco-friendly, they're also excellent advertising for your business, as people take them everywhere for shopping and use them for a variety of purposes at home. Your logo will be constantly on display. It's a reality that if your company doesn't have an eco-friendly promotional tote, chances are your competitors do.

Consider the reasons for giving your customers free green totes. First, it's important to let your customers know that your company is environmentally aware. Not only that, customers feel like they're doing their part for the environment when they do business with a company that is clearly eco-friendly. It may be that your customers aren't all that environmentally conscious; nevertheless, they'll feel like they're making an important contribution when they know about your company's green involvement.

Second, a tote can provide you with unprecedented attention. Whenever your customer uses the tote, your logo will be there to remind them of you. Wherever your customer takes the bag, there will be another group of people who will see your name.

And don't forget how many members of the general public will see your logo, slogan, and other information about your company every time your client carries the bag to and around the market. It's just about impossible to count exactly how many people will see and be made aware of your company through your green promo bag. It's like having an ad campaign that travels wherever your customers go. Where else can you get exposure this broad for less than the cost of a bagel and a latte from Starbucks?

Finally, you'll be able to improve your company's image by demonstrating that you are a company that fosters an environmentally responsible culture. By giving away tote bags, you're prompting people to give up those plastic bags that the stores use. You can take it one step further and encourage your customers to bring they're old tote bags in for recycling when they're no longer useful.

There are endless benefits to using eco-friendly tote bags as a promotional tool for your business. These simple little totes are a wonderful way to spread the word about your concern for the environment and to advertise your company. Your customers will appreciate your willingness to make a difference and will be glad they do business with you.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ecotrendbags

I wondered when I saw this thread resurrected. GO AWAY.

Flyleft,

I bought one of those Vera Bradley bags when they were on sale this summer. I love it, but it did get a bit dirty. I washed it on a gentle cycle and hung it up to air dry, and it looks as good as new.

Go ahead and use yours and enjoy it.....that's what it's meant for. They are very well constructed and should do fine in the washer on a gentle cycle.

Thanks, nanny -- I'll probably hand wash it since I'm such a coward :) Haven't had to yet since ESOL tutoring is over for the summer, but I'll do it before September classes start up, so I can start clean :)

fly - I don't know how you could "waterproof" the bag. I do think you might want to use something like Woolite or similar product to wash your great new bag. I have washed similar items and have never had a problem. Just block it out back into its shape and air dry. If it is a quilted like the Vera Bradley bags, you may want to use a warm iron if you find it has wrinkled after washing.

I have to agree that the best thank you can give the creator of your bag, or any homemade gift, is to use and enjoy it!