Handcrafted Bags and Totes
I’ve made several of these for friends and family because they are as practical as they are stylish. They hold all your ‘necessities’ and a lot more besides and have a canvas outer and wipe down waterproof lining so could be used as swim bags as well as grabbing for a quick grocery shop.
The sides pull in with an internal fastner giving the distinctive shape reminiscent of origami or open out to hold more goodies.
I liked the last bag so much I made another one, this time in white with faux python (bet real snakes don’t come in this colourway) and a groovy swirly lining.
I saw this fabric and knew I had to make a bag for a friend who is mad about cats and all things gothic. One of the cats even looks like my friend’s current pet so she is delighted with the bag. The black is water proof canvas which will make the bag very hard wearing and the lime green highlights pick up the candle glow in the design. Made from a pattern by Shamballa Bags.
This little cutie reminds me of a Neapolitan ice cream, vanilla, strawberry and chocolate with a raspberry sauce lining hence the title. It is made from a pattern by German designer, Gaby Loenne and, while simple in design, can be endlessly blinged up to create something unique. I particularly like the way the gusset narrows underneath which gives the bag a really nice shape. This one has a wipe clean waterproof lining with a zippered pocket. The two tone strap can be altered for wearing cross body or shoulder style.
Two very different looks for the same bag, one in lovely Yorkshire tweed and faux nubuck suede and the second in zingy pink waterproof canvas. The side pockets keep your phone, keys and other small essentials handy while the main compartment is generously sizes for the bulkier items.
This is a gorgeous drawstring bucket bag that can be worn over the shoulder, crossbody or as a backpack with the additional strap that can be clipped on making it really versatile. The black and lilac vinyl contrasts with the echinacea patterned fabric which is so bright it almost glows. Inside is a zipped pocket to keep phones and keys safe. Height 31cm, width 34cm.
I made these notebook covers for Christmas gifts from a pattern by Diana Spencer Ogg. They are A5 size with either plain paper for sketches of lined for writing notes and journals, recipes, addresses, whatever you can think of. They can be customised to fit any size of notebook and are so tactile and pretty. I just want to start writing with a good old fashioned pen and pencil.
‘It may be rainy outside but in my heart it’s Spring’ so here is a pretty Guadalupe style from Shamballa patterns with a matching purse. It has an all faux leather exterior with a contrasting green cotton lining with zippered pocket. The handles are long enough to slip over the shoulder or carry over the arm. I think this bag will brighten up even a cloudy day.
This Abraham Moon Yorkshire herringbone tweed has tiny flecks of pink and turquoise so I decided to use vibrant turquoise zips and pockets to add a pop of colour. Teamed with soft faux nubuck suede and gunmetal hardware this bag can be worn as a shoulder or cross body style by altering the length of the adjustable guitar strap. Height 14″, width 12″, depth 4″
Gorgeous slightly felted wool checks in lilac and grey make this an ideal tote for misty autumn and winter days. It has a handy zipped external pocket and one inside as well to keep things organised and a magnetic snap fastner for added security. Size 13″ wide, 11″ high and 4″ deep.
