Short-Handled Boro Inspired Tote Bag(9)

The inspiration for this short-handled 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 fabric.  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 a Japanese print.  

The approximate measurements of the bag are:  W16 1/4" x  L12 1/2" or W42 cms x L32 cms.  The straps are an additional 5" or 13 cms.