I made these bags twice. At first they were too fussy. What I really wanted was something simple, humble, pretty. The bags work. They hang well, are strong, and feel good, with a bit of body and a bit of slouch. And I love the cotton upholstery florals, I hunted for them for a while… Mint with tiny roses. Big luminous flowers on midnight black, like flowers in moonlight. A muted circle of dusty roses on tan. My favourite lilac floral fabric. And lemon-lemon yellow with big pale pink climbing roses too. That one just glows. The interior is lined in light grey with a single big pocket.
I was obsessed with the handles being florals that encircled you and not the regular flat handles. So I made these rounded cotton filled handles, very easy on the shoulder. I love the idea of tubes of flowers. I found matching embroidery thread and hand whipstitched them together from end to end, and hand embroidered the swan logo.
The wood swan charms were made for me by The Wood Garden. They work with “wood from sustainably farmed hardwood trees”. I think the swans are beautiful. They feel great, and the more they are handled the better they will look. They’re tied on with a little fabric loop. Something about threading the flowers through the wood swan, I love that too. I guess I am a little bit in love with these bags.
So yes, finally a tote from me for summer!
Find them in my SWANclothing store.

Finally, after all those teasers, we get to see them in full! :D They’re lovely, so perfectly summery!
elle s'ennuie 26 July 10 #
thanks so much Eline! I really love that dark one too. light flowers on black i find so beautiful.
and elle s’ennuie, i know! i was worried that with all the hints i had better make them nice. i was worried of course! but so happy now. thanks!
SwanDiamondRose 26 July 10 #
Wow beautiful flowers! :)
fashion is a playground 6 August 10 #
Aw, they are so pretty! I love how they are finished and all the fabrics are amazing. I especially love the second to last fabric, so pretty!