Boro Inspired Tote Bag(17)

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 modern 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 for the tunning stitches as well as the French knot circles. The majority of the bag was sewn by hand.  A sewing machine was used to insert the brown lining.  

There is a pocket with a brown zipper.  The pocket lining is a modern print in browns.    In addition there is a magnetic fastening snap in gun metal grey.  There are dark brown leather straps  fastened with gun metal grey rivets.

The approximate measurements of the bag are:  W14 1/2" x  L12" or W37 cms x L30.5 cms.  The straps add an additional 8" or 20 cms.  The pocket measures approximately  W6" x L7" or W15 cms x L18 cms,