Using Tamara's preliminary sketches, the brief was to pattern and help design a collection of vintage inspired bags using salvaged antique materials. I worked on tote shoppers, backpacks and clutches using vintage grain sacks from Belgium, antique mattress ticking, army kit bags, and raw cotton web straps, and full grain bridle leather. I was particularly proud to work on these bags, as so many of my design elements were used.
Front of bag
Reverse of bag
Detail showing leather back-plate.
Strap detail.
Leather draw-string detail.
The panels were cut from the grain sacks to show as much of the printed detail as possible.
Detail of rope handle.
Lining and pocket detail.
Detail showing the side attachments for the shoulder strap.
Detail of the strap side attachments waiting to be edged and polished.
One of Tamara's rough sketches.
A simple, unlined backpack.
Detail showing the internal collar, and bound internal seam construction.
Detai showing leather draw-string closing mechanism.
Embossed logo detail.
Side Eyelet detail.
Top eyelet detail, showing the leather reinforced panel.
Draw string top detail.
Another version using the stripes of the grain cloth.
Internal collar construction.
Draw-string detail.
Mock-up for evening bag, with pinched seams on the corners to create volume.
Detail of side strap attachment pieces.
Side detail.
Antique mattress ticking lining.