Wide Shoulder Tote Bag
I call this one 'St Clements'! This lovely bag is a stylish, roomy and practical 'carry all' bag for work, shopping, the beach - or any other occasion for that matter!
The cork fabric exterior is beautifully tactile and very durable in cheerful orange and yellow cork with rolled handles and a neatly concealed, lined exterior slip pocket.
Inside it has a fabulous funky cotton lining with orange accents to pick out the exterior colour. I chose a light coloured lining so that you can easily see everything you put inside. There are two pockets - one zipped pocket for added security and a slip pocket for ease of access and a really useful sewn-in glasses case.
Cork fabric (often referred to as vegan leather) is environmentally friendly, doesn't mark or tear easily and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth or mild detergent if necessary. Please read the additonal information sections below for more information about cork fabric and caring for cork products.
Dimensions: 35cm (w) x 24cm (h) x 13cm (d)
Weight: 244g
Plant-based, Vegan and Sustainable
Cork is a plant-based, vegan alternative to leather and is suitable for anyone looking for products with more environmentally-friendly characteristics. It is a renewable resource harvested from the Cork Oak tree that absorbs CO2 as it grows and can be composted at the end of its life. There is more information about how cork fabric is manufactured and its eco-friendly credentials on my All About Cork page.
All purchases are shipped using recycled or recyclable materials.
Handmade
The bag is handmade by me in my small workshop in North Somerset. I don't mass produce my creations and I like to play with colours and patterns, so it is rare that two bags are the same colour with the same lining or hardware.
If you like any of my bags but would prefer it in a different colour or with a different lining or even a different closure, I am happy to make you a bag to order. Take a look at my Made For You page to have a look at all the fabric and style options or for more information.
Care of your cork product
Cork fabric is a natural product that can be cleaned with a damp cloth or mild detergent where necessary. Like any natural product, and similar to leather, it will soften and develop a patina with age and use.
Cork fabric is what is known as a self-healing fabric that is often used in patterns that involve 'raw' edges (not sewn into an interior seam). The manufacturing process involves laminating very thin layers of cork onto a cotton or polycotton backing.
I finish any raw edges with a sealer to minimise the chance of the cotton backing fraying. In the event that you notice 'wispy' threads, despite every effort to prevent it, please don't be concerned, it does not affect the integrity of the product and they can easily be dealt with by carefully and briefly running a flame over them to singe them off.
You’ll find more info on my All About Cork page.
Acknowledgement
Pattern developed from an original by Sewgnar Patterns - with thanks.