Boro Inspired Tote Bag(2)

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, greys and burgundy.  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 using a variety of stitches, some to create spirals and circles as well as straight line stitching and there are also French knots.  A sewing machine was used to insert the lining.   The lining and straps are in burgundy linen.

The bag has a padded feel as I used some midloft interfacing.

The approximate measurements of the bag are:  W14½" x L16½" or W37 cms x L42 cms.  The straps are an additional 15¾" or 40 cms.