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

I have made these. Rounded the ends of the tape measure and tape (painters tape). Also put a thin piece of batting on the ends.
Duck taped the end of the tape that is still attached to the original retractable tape measure.........let go and its gone. LOL
Machine quilted the bag and then did a double layer binding to run the tape measure into. Makes a great change purse.

That's the same as above, and it uses the flex frame. You must have copied the wrong link.

Yep a lot of these links are the same as the ones above them.. I lookedat the flex frames and the straight ones that looks just like measuring tape but it is a lot stronger. I bought a regular measuring tape and one at the $1 strore and the $1 store one was very flimsy but it would still work but not as strong. These are easy little bags to make but I bought a kit with the pattern in it and 2 fq and the 4 pieces of tape already with masking tape on the ends.

Friends have warned me not to use dollar store measuring tapes. They wear out too quickly and won't shut anymore. They recommend buying the regular more expensive tape measures.

I have found a nice heavy Dollar Store tape measure, but if others have had bad luck at their stores it may not be the place to go.

I agree as I have used both.

Thanks, Everyone! Lots of great ideas and links here. My hubby said they go through lots of measuring tapes at work, so he'll have them save one for me. I can't imagine what they're doing to them!