I was just blog browsing, and saw some of the cutest little bags, called flex frame pouches. I found a tutorial, but I have no idea where to buy the actual metal frame. Any ideas? I have seen some little bags that use metal tape measures, too. Are they essentially the same? Tape measures I can get my hands on easily (hide the toolbox, Honey!! :mrgreen: )

Hopefully someone can help me out in time for me to pull one together for my August secret pal!

Are these the snap closure thingy's .... two bands of metal, snap together to close and then you pull them apart and they stay rigid to let you get into your bag?

I'd start by checking out Michael's and your LQS

I myself have never made one but I have read several tutorials on these as I do want to make one. Most that I read did use the tape measures! You can get them at the dollar store for $1.

I found this tutorial and yes the flex frame looks very similar to using pieces of measuring tape and putting duck tape around the ends. Make sure the curved side of your tape goes towards the inside of the bag
http://mel-allwrappedup.blogspot.com...-fold-and.html

I have a friend who made several and gave one to me. It is the handiest bag for quilting tools. I love it. And she DID raid her husband's toolbox.

Linda Ghee's site has all types of bag hardware:

http://www.ghees.com

Not inexpensive, but she does have everything (and then some)

Is this what you are looking for?

Ghee's Straight Hex Open Frame...

http://www.ghees.com/html/handbag_frames.html

It looks like a tape measure would do the same thing, just wrap the cut ends with tape before inserting into the bag :D:D:D

great web site. didn't know it exsisted. thanks for posting it.

I found this tute on the internet that uses the tape measures instead up buying the mechanism.

http://mel-allwrappedup.blogspot.com...-fold-and.html