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Published on September 7, 2007

A new store, Apostrophe S in Chatuchak Weekend Market, has launched its own line handmade bags and accessories for women as well as vintage-style cards for any occasion. Opened about five months ago by graphic designer Chanida Oradidolchest, who has a longstanding passion for fabric bags, the shop is fitted with white wooden shelves, filled with an attractive range of handmade cloth bags in smart, plain style. The products are mostly made of cotton, canvas and linen fabrics that can be found at Sumpeng and Pahurat markets.

"I love using cloth handbags and now I can accumulate more than 100 bags," says Chinida, 30, a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology's Department of Computer Graphic Design. "I got the idea for opening Apostrophe S after I displayed my collection in the 2005 Bangkok International Gift and Houseware Fair, and I found that many shoppers liked them."

Chanida's creations are inspired by flowers, dots, stripes and plaid designs and come in pastel shades of red, green, purple, blue, orange, as well as black and white.

"My design focuses on plain patterns and I play with products by adding some details for function and beauty. So most of my bags have many pockets or some might be two-toned bags," Chanida says.         

Apart from beautiful handmade bags, customers can also find other handmade fabric items, including pencil pouches, eyeglass cases, cosmetics bags, notebooks, T-shirts and leather keyrings.

"I'm planning to produce and design textiles of my own design, and I will also expand a line of products to other accessories like neckerchiefs or hats," Chanida says.

Chanida has also collaborated with her sister and some friends to form company, called Just Because about three years ago. The company has produced a line of vintage-style cards used the old letter-press technique. The cards are available at Apostrophe S and local department stores. 

Greetings

Vintage-style greeting cards featuring graphic designs cost Bt49, while an embroidered cotton notebook cover is Bt290.

Dotted line

A square-shaped cotton bag (Bt680) features big straps running through leather loops and a bold dotted pattern in red and grey.

On spec

Keep your eyeglasses in these small cotton bags  (Bt250) featuring strawberries or flowers, in white-blue and light green.

Love handles

A white-and-blue, rose-patterned linen bag (Bt850) has both shoulder straps and a sturdy handle.

Draw!

Drawstring-closure bags (Bt380 each) come in simple patterns of either dark purple or a lighter shade.

Big red

A vivid red handbag with graphic design is made of linen and cotton (Bt480).

Canvassing

A cotton handbag with an orange and light brown plaid pattern and canvas handles is priced at Bt750.

Pattarawadee Saengmanee