They've been designed to hang from a woman's arm but the fabric used was originally meant to “hang” from the walls of RVs.

For the past six weeks Decorator Industries out of Goshen has been putting together hundreds of purses, totes, and shopping bags. They are using millions of dollars worth of cancelled material that was set to be used to decorate RVs.

“I think it was igneous to use fabric that would normally be used for the RV industry. When all the orders were cancelled someone thought of making a bag. It’s been a great idea and the story got out. People came to find them and support the American worker,” says Gingerbread Cottage owner Pam Mitchell.

The business had to close four of their five factories when they lost three of their largest clients. Decorator Industries has been in business since 1953 designing and manufacturing bedding, blinds, and tents for Recreational Vehicles.

Recently a couple of women made a handful of purses on a whim with scrap material and the idea took off. Decorator Industries has now made at least five hundred purses. Ten area stores are selling the bags. They are also working with a representative and thinking about going statewide. They offer 12 different styles of bags costing 30 to 40 bucks a bag.

“Half the bag is the story of the bag, that is what is catching on! People want to help us. People want to help us helping people get jobs,” explains General Manager Randy Ferrie.

At least 150 people were laid off at the Goshen factory but with the recent success about two people are being brought back to work a day. Right now the company is looking for experienced sewers.

For more information call Decorator Industries at (574) 533-8641.

The bags can be found at the following Michiana locations:

Touch of Country – Shipshewana
Essenhaus – Middlebury
The Cinnamon Stick - Middlebury
Absolutely Flowers and Gifts – Syracuse
Old Bag Factory – Goshen
Balloon Express – Goshen
Wakarusa Dime Store – Goshen
Liz’s Furniture Shop – Nappanee
Heart’s Desire – Elkhart
Gingerbread Cottage – Mishawaka
Angelo Bernacci Flowers - LaPorte