Handcrafted Bags and Totes
I don’t often get asked to make anything for my daughter but she requested a new bag and this is what I made for her. She uses it all the time so I think it was a winner. It is lovely herringbone wool tweed with soft suede upcycled from a jumblesale jacket find. Another win.
Inspired by certain ‘designer’ bags, I’ve been experimenting with variations on a slouchy hobo style in gorgeous soft Italian leather. These are a work in progress but I think the potential is there
So many lovely colours, I had to make them all. Heavy woven wool style fabric with leather accents and cotton webbing handles, closed with a matching zipped top.
I was given a large bag of upholstery fabric and leather samples so, of course, I had to make some bags.
A friend asked for a small navy blue bag to go with spring outfits. As she is French I created something chic and sophisticated. This is quilted, soft Nappa lamb leather. Small and light but big enough for a few essentials, I think it met the brief.
I love this structured boxy bag which looks very high end but is also practical. The blue one is waterproof canvas and mock croc whilst the pink one is metallic faux leather and mock croc so both can be sponged clean.
It can be carried on the shoulder with a detachable strap or in the hand and there is a small zip pocket on the back as well as one inside to keep things organised.
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.
