Vintage Fabric and Tapestry Bags

“The elegant designs and fashion of the 1930s have always been a great source of inspiration for me, so stumbling upon a hand-embroidered silk shawl from that era at a Parisian flea market was a dream come true. Its intricate embroidery and unique fabric captured my imagination, and I immediately knew it would make for an extraordinary handbag. The shawl’s stunning colours are truly one-of-a-kind, and I’m thrilled to have been able to give it a new life as a handbag.” This is a medium size shoulder bag made from a hand embroidered 1930’s silk shawl featuring stunning flowers in tones of coral pinks, powder blues cream and pretty green leaves. It is backed with black suedette, softly padded with interlining and lined in black satin with inside zip pocket. Hand finished with gorgeous large agoya shell button fastening. The bag measures approximately 9 inches by 12 and a half inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

“I have been fortunate enough to be able to source beautiful obi fabrics from Japan and Golden Garden is made from a Japanese obi belt that has travelled all the way from Kyoto. The floral weave brings to mind a Japanese garden full of shimmering flowers.” This medium size bag is made with exquisite silk obi fabric that has a pretty shimmery golden glow. The gorgeous brightly coloured woven flowers and butterflies pop from the coral and cream background with accents of gold enhancing the explosion of colour. It has a cream suedette strap, is fully lined and interlined with cream satin, inside zip pocket and is hand finished with a beautiful Tahitian pearl button fastening. The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

“I was inspired by the onset of spring to create Primavera Lustre after finding a luxurious silk obi fabric with all the colours of spring woven into the fabric. The woven pastel coloured maple leaves and chrysanthemums sit beautifully on the shimmery silver and iridescent gold background. I also love the soft corals, pink, mauve and blue/grey tones that are accented with bright gold silk threads adding lustre to this stunning design.” This medium sized shoulder bag is made a cream suedette strap, is fully lined and interlined with silver satin, inside zip pocket and is hand finished with a gorgeous Tahitian pearl button fastening. The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

“The maru obi belt is the most formal type of obi used today in Japan and is worn on ceremonial occasions. So I was delighted when I found this exquisite silk obi fabric. It is patterned on both sides with traditional motifs including maple leaves, blossom branches, camellias and cranes. The shades of orange greens and deep blue are woven beautifully into the cream background with shimmering gold threads enriching this stunning design to a very glamorous level! I was fascinated by the cranes in the fabric design and hence the name Maru Crane – joining the formal name of the fabric and the beautiful design details on it”. This medium size shoulder bag has a cream suedette strap, is fully lined and interlined with cream satin, inside zip pocket and is hand finished with a beautiful large Tahitian pearl button fastening. The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

“When I saw this gorgeous Japanese obi belt I was dazzled by the way that it shimmers. With subtle tones of pale coral. powder blue, pale green, cream and metallic gold/ silver silk thread, this bag could only be named Razzle Dazzle. I really love the way the woven leaves blend in beautifully over this very pretty background in deeper shades which enhance the design.” This medium size shoulder bag is made with a stunning iridescent obi fabric and is perfect for Spring/Summer. It has a cream suedette strap, is fully lined and interlined with cream satin, inside zip pocket and is hand finished with a beautiful Tahitian pearl button fastening. The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

“When I saw this beautiful ruby red silk obi belt with camellias, I knew it would make a stunning shoulder bag. The fabric is a lush vibrant ruby woven silk obi with styled peonies with bright lime green turquoise and gold leaves. The additional metallic gold and red thread detail within the flowers add charm to the gorgeous fresh design of Madam Ruby.” This is a medium size shoulder bag and has a cream suedette strap, is fully lined and interlined with cream satin, inside zip pocket and hand finished with a beautiful large Tahitian pearl shell button fastening complementing the colours. The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

“One beautiful spring, I created Orchid Lady from a vintage silk thread obi fabric that perfectly captured the essence of the season. The weave design features vibrant colored orchids, butterflies, and gengi wheels in shades of orange, red, and mauve, with black accents set against a lovely pale green and cream background. The result is a stunning handbag that for me embodies the beauty of springtime.” This is a medium sized shoulder bag backed with cream suedette and fully lined and interlined with cream satin, inside zip pocket and gorgeous Tahitian pearl shell button fastening. The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

“As a long time collector of vintage fabrics this plush 1930’s high pile chenille is a favourite as the colours and design are still vivid today. The stunning colours mingle perfectly together with shades of coral dusty blue yellows and greens that shimmer in the light. This is a truly unique bag that you will never find again. Arm candy with hints of Missoni!” This bag is a medium size shoulder bag and is fully lined and interlined with inside zip pocket and hand finished with a giant vintage button fastening. Arm candy with hints of Missoni! The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

I found a beautiful silver tone silk vintage kimono that unfortunately not been well looked after and had many damaged areas. From my time working in print design in New York I was used to looking for patterns within the material and could see that with just the sleeves (that were still in perfect condition) there was still the essence of the beautiful design featuring very pretty soft pink flowers with accents of cream mauve and grey. And so with just the sleeves I was able to create this very special one-of-a-kind bag which I named Flora.” This is a medium size shoulder bag and is backed with cream suedette and fully lined in silver tone silk with inside zip pocket and hand finished with stunning large agoya shell button fastening. The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

“I made this bag from an absolutely stunning hand embroidered 1930s silk kimono fabric that I was very lucky to find in such good condition. Its gorgeous floral and bird detail in vibrant red yellow and blue with soft lilac blossom detail were inspiring to work with. Loretta is a timeless classic as is the fabric it was made from.” This is a medium size shoulder bag backed with black suedette and fully lined in black satin obi fabric with inside zip pocket and hand finished with a large beautiful agoya shell button. The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

“A beautiful woven floral design that came from a vintage cushion was the inspiration for Olga, There is a real richness and depth to the weave that really drew me to it and made me want to create this handbag. I added a large button and backed it with a soft black wool fabric to give a special feeling of indulgence.” This is a large shoulder bag backed with black wool, fully lined with inside zip pocket and lovely vintage button fastening. The bag measures approximately 14 inches by 10 inches with a strap length of 27 inches

“When I found this special piece of vintage French tapestry it had been rescued from a period sofa, the beautiful flowers in the design and the rich colours reminded me of a French drawing room and I just had to get the fabric to create this bag which I’ve named Colette. The finishing touch is the original bakelite button.” This is a medium size shoulder bag, fully lined, interlined and backed with black suedette. It has inside zip pocket and original bakelite button fastening. The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

“I created Iris from a piece of vintage woven tapestry that was originally part of a period fireguard screen. The very beautiful woven fruit arrangement was just too special and reminded me of a Cézanne painting. I added a 1930’s button to add to the vintage feel and backed the bag with soft black wool fabric. If you were going for a stroll along the banks of the Seine this would be the perfect companion.” This is a medium size shoulder backed with black wool, fully lined with inside zip pocket and vintage button fastening. The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

“Another of my favourite periods for design and fashion is the sixties so I was delighted to come across this beautifully preserved 1960’s thick pile chenille tapestry fabric. I finished it with an original lucite button to reflect the mood of the material. The soft colours with a hint of sparkle would look perfect being paraded down the Kings Road in its heyday.” This is a medium sized shoulder bag, backed with cream suedette, fully lined with inside zip pocket and gorgeous lucite button fastening. The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

“This soft woven vintage tapestry fabric is a delight and has a strong 1930’s vibe which is why I gave it an original 1930s lucite button from my extensive vintage button collection as a fastening. Finally, I chose a deep petrol blue velvet for the backing to complete this wonderfully singular bag.” This is a medium size shoulder bag backed with petrol blue velvet. Fully lined with inside zip pocket and stunning 1930’s lucite multi-coloured button fastening. The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

“When I lived in New York working in textile design I used to frequent a fabulous flea market every weekend. And that is where I found this gorgeous 1960s chenille tapestry that I used to create Dolly. To enhance the sixties theme I used a tortoise shell look chain strap and an original 1930s lucite button – this type of button was very popular in the 1960s. A perfect bag for a stroll through Greenwich Village on your way to catch Dylan at the Cafe Wah?” This is a medium size shoulder bag, fully lined with inside zip pocket and backed with orange chenille. Tortoise shell look chain strap and matching 1930s lucite button fastening. The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

“I created Patti from another great find of vintage 1960s chenille. The cream geometric pattern is so sixties and the 1930s lucite button adds contrast but fits the era. I love the ‘groovy swinging sixties’ vibe of this bag! This is the bag for hanging out in Haight Ashbury with the Jefferson Airplane… ” This is a medium size shoulder bag , fully lined with inside zip pocket and original 1930s lucite button fastening. The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

“I made Olivia from a vintage woven silk flower fabric that really caught my eye. The bold red and white flowers really leap out from the deep black background. This is a real statement piece so I had to add a special black tassel to really complete the look and and a stunning 1930s multi-coloured lucite button to give Olivia that extra ‘wow’ factor.” This is a medium size shoulder bag backed with black suedette. Fully lined with inside zip pocket, original 1930s lucite button fastening and optional tassel. The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

“This very special fabric is another New York flea market discovery! The deep orange flower design on this original 1960s chenille fabric really catches the eye and is gorgeous to the touch. I selected a very groovy geometric pattern vintage button to complete the look.” This is a medium size shoulder bag, backed with matching orange vintage fabric and fully lined with inside zip pocket and fantastic vintage button. The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

“Another great find from one of my trips to Paris – the vintage wool tapestry was part of a vintage cushion cover but I could see straight away that the blue flower design was something special and would make a lovely handbag. I backed this bag with cream chenille that compliments the design and gives a really luxurious feel to the bag. A special pearlised button for a fastening goes so well with the overall design. The perfect accessory to walk along the romantic avenues of Paris!” This is a medium sized shoulder bag backed with cream chenille, fully lined and interlined with inside zip pocket and large plastic pearlised vintage button. The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.

“My breath was taken away when I saw this gorgeous vintage obi in a backstreet Paris second hand clothes shop. I couldn’t wait to get home to get to work on creating this special bag. There is gold thread detail in the fabric which really shimmers and gives a very glamorous look and the creamy chenille backing just adds to this feeling. The vintage bakellite button adds contrast and the gold coloured tassel just complete the effect. To be worn to the most exclusive cocktail parties and elite social gatherings.” This is a mediums sized shoulder bag backed with cream chenille, fully lined and interlined with inside zip pocket and large 1930s lucite button fastening and optional tassel. The bag measures approximately 10 inches by 11 inches with a strap length of 27 inches.