TOTE BAGS when done right can be uniquely You in style, function, and PERSONALITY
Today’s post looks at a tote bag that takes a moment to consider a view that’s uniquely YOU! But what does that mean?
When designing a custom tote bag, we don’t just look at function. Although of course, that’s super important. We also want to look at the style of the bag as a representation of who you are personally and individually!
In this case, we use fabric to convey a perspective that might just be the perfect fit for your life.
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Finding You in fabric
For some time now we’ve been in love with the incredible texture of grain sack fabric. It’s not as coarse as burlap yet conveys the same rustic-chic that we absolutely love. You too?!
Grain sack is hard to find and can be expensive, which is kind of funny considering that it’s pretty beat up looking. It’s the charm, in fact, is that it isn’t precious. Like the patina of a copper roof or a lovely pine farm table. Marks and disfigurations are what adds character.
There are tons of examples online although it really hasn’t hit the designer market yet.
Unlined, it’s a great beach bag with the ability to be packed up and tucked away when not in use. Lined, it’s more durable and can handle a heavier load.
Best of all, like many textural fabrics, it’s FANTASTIC in the warm weather. The nubs and imperfections match perfectly with laid back summer days strolling through a market or along the beach.
Grain Sack tote bag: Market day
In our design, we thought of strolling through the market. As you leave the house, you pop in a snack and drink to get you going. Then as you shop the various vendors and stalls, you can tuck away your finds. All uniquely you. The bag, the finds, the day as a whole.
We lined the bag with a fun cotton butterfly lightweight canvas that has a rigid base on the inside and leather on the exterior. That makes it a bit more hardy to hold your goodies.
The details, otherwise, we kept intentionally simple. A heavy leather strap was cut in two for the straps. They’re mounted on the inside to make sure they don’t distract from the graphic lines that are the simple design on the grain sack fabric.
As a last-minute decision, we choose to secure them with gold rivets as opposed to sewing the straps down. This choice had two reasons. First, we like the juxtaposition of the shiny gold (in a small dose) to to the rustic fabric. And second, the stitches would have felt a little too tailored for the back. That’s also why we chose not to add any piping along the leather base. Normally something we like but not in this case.
The shape is a little different. It’s basically a tall box with a clasp to pull together the sides. There are no pockets inside or outside to weigh down the fabric. The simplicity allows the fabric to be the focal point. This shape is also perfect for a lunch tote to work or for a day out and about.
In the end, it a tote bag that will express the perfect “uniquely you” personality of one of our friends or family.
Finding your “uniquely you” tote bag
What qualities make a bag uniquely you? Is it the design, the shape, the materials? Not sure? Contact us to figure it out. As obsessed as we are with bags of all sorts, finding what’s right for you is really totally our groove.
If this is a tote bag that you’d like to buy, please email us.
The price of this bag is $120.
If you are curious about other ways to use texture in your home, check out what we found on Amazon:
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Stay well and keep a bag with you always! XOXO,
Ali.
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