Boro Inspired Tote Bag(1)

The inspiration for this tote bag comes from Japanese Boro work.  Boro was originally a method of repairing or reworking textiles, often by piecing, patching and stitching and it was a way of prolonging the life of a garment.  The patches would be stitched with Sashiko running stitches often in cream thread.  Today Boro and Sashiko are often regarded as an art form.

I used a combination of linen and cotton fabrics in blues and browns.  As the edges of the patches are raw, some fraying may occur, which will add to the authenticity of the bag.  Each side of the bag is different.  I used cream Sashiko thread.  The majority of the bag was sewn by hand.  A sewing machine was used to insert the lining.   The lining is dark blue cotton.

The approximate measurements of the bag are:  W16" x L14" or W40.5 cms x L35.5 cms.  The straps are an additional 14½" or 37 cms.