While wandering the aisles I came across a vendor whose wares immediately caught my eye: rag rugs, aprons, and homemade pillow cases. My grandmas both used to whip up some rag rugs that would make your eyes water from the sheer beauty of the colors they intermingled - and I still have handmade pillow cases in my cupboard. Just last week I had been chatting it up with my mom about making a massive one of my own when low and behold there they were! As I zipped in closer I noticed the person had turned the rug into a nifty little handbag that had a flour sack pocket on the outside and the best polka dot lining inside...so many pieces of my childhood all rolled into one.
As it turns out Michael Wells is the owner/operator of Cattle Headquarters, a graphic design company that makes hand-printed t-shirts, flour sack towels, pillowcases, aprons and other items featuring retro-cool Western-inspired images. As we got to talking I learned that his great-grandparents had made heirloom quilts from flour sacks - they, too, had the "re-use philosophy" down pat.
This one ties around the waist, but there were others that
tied around the neck as well. I just fell in love with all the different patterns.
Totally took me back to my childhood.
There's Michael! Sorry about the closed eyes, new friend :)
I'm running out to the store momentarily and about to throw this on.
Taking the bag out on its maiden voyage - it totally gives the outfit some zing.
Cool button, huh? There's a little fabric strap that pulls over to seal it shut, too.
The detail on the bag is wonderful and they retail for $45.00. Handmade!
*once I get my place organized there will be a rag rug diy on the horizon. *take note idea stealers*
57 comments:
What a wonderfully cool idea (and homemade pillow cases are totally reminiscent of my childhood too!) - I love it. And eco-friendly, how perfect. I'm off to check out the other items.
xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com
that bag is actually super cute! when i read this title i was thinking a little too crafty....how dare i doubt you free bird!
My late grandmother used to make rugs, afghan blankets, oven mitts, quilts, you name it. She made rag rugs for everyone. That bag is awesome, and would definitely remind me of her.
First, I need those orange shades! (Don't be surprised if you see them in my collection next!)
Second, this is for sure your best flea market find yet. what an amazing handcrafted work of art and nostalgia. and how cute you and your new friend!!
xo
Daisy
Love the bag. I feel if I had one i could dress lazy and the bag would liven everything up. Or maybe i'm just lazy. That's definitely a possibility.
I love that bag!
Wow! I love that it flaps over. I once went to a flea market where they made shirts and aprons from Rice sacks. They looked cool because they were all Japanese rice sacks.
Your new bag is so awesome, you are definitely right about seeing such a thing at anthro, but I'm all for supporting things hand made in our own country!
and those wedges? seriously they are gorgeous!!
Chic on the Cheap
I love that bag!!! What a great find!!!
Ok, so clearly you took ballet as a kid? Noticing your feet in that one pic. Made me smile. And damn, I better learn how to do this quick so I can get my post up before yours. I need a good idea to steal ;) kidding. My dear, you are an original. Copy cats beware, you will nevaa be as cool.
My grandma made me the most amazing flour sack towels and embroidered kittens on them for my hope chest. We actually do use them (much to my husband's dismay) but I've been trying to figure out a way to incorporate them into something more, uh, not prone to destruction. Maybe a bag would be a good idea! I'll have to start figuring out how to make that happen.
Jenn
I love, LOVE rag rugs! And this is such a brilliant, creative idea. Furthermore, Carrie, I'm obsessed with that outfit. Those shoes are to DIE for.
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com
those shoes are last year's summer loub splurge. i love those little babies too!
ooo, I LOVE flea markets so much! Not knowing what you will find is the best part and your bag is case in point. It is perfect for a lot of things and you're right- could so go at anthropologie or urban outfitters! great find, can't wait to see the new place.
Oh my seriously those CLs are awesome!
xoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living
I love it, Carrie! I was just thinking that it looked "Anthropologie-esque"! Seriously obsessed with those wedges of yours too...
xo
love love love those wedges Carrie!
Oooh wow I love that bag!!! :D That is so cool that his ancestors did that too! :)
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
Love the bag! Love the colours! Love the 'take note idea stealers' the most! Ha! Biatches.
I am in love with that bag! Looks like a successful flea market trip.
Love that bag! Must. Have. One. =)
Okay, I like the bag but THOSE WEDGES! What brand?
So cool!!! I love that bag! I love the concept.
Love this! Your flea markets have real treasures, Carrie! And the outfit you've paired it with is brilliant. (I am jealous of the sunshine you had that day).
xo Marcie
BBBBBAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHHAAHA!!!! (No Comment!) We had a rag style rug in front of the kitchen sink growing up...I think I'l make one now! And post all about it! JK, Can't wait to see!!!!!!
I love it! Seriously love it!
How cool!! What a bag......I remember that sugar logo...looks fab on the bag:) Lucky girl!
I have a rag rug in our home in the hallway, made my D.'s Grandma years ago! Love your new bag!
Really fun bag, darling!
xoxox,
CC
omg...that pattern brings me back to my childhood! love it!
Ahhh I LOVE that bag! And I used to love my rag rugs back in the day too. Good score, darlin!
Hope you're having a great week, sweets :) xoxo
HAHA, I'm dying over the last line, Carrie. That bag is so cool and what a great price! So you totally scored at the flea market! I also love those wedges in the last photo. My grandma used to make those rag rugs and aprons too. They totally bring me back to childhood days.
xo
Val
This is such an awesome idea. Seriously. I would carry something like this every day.
http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88
♥ Oh.. Nice post.)) Love your blog.)) ♥
It's been a crazy day, and your post made me smile. Love your bag!!!!!!
Such a fun bag! Damn girl...you always find the best shizzz when you flea. Love it! xo
you are making me want to go to the flea market! before it gets too hot! must do that soon.
and give me those wedges. that is an order.
Yes, I've seen plenty of those rugs before. Again, back when I was little in my grandparent's home. But never seen it as a bag. It's fun.
Love the wedges.
That bag is divine-so clever! I'm also smitten with those classic aprons-our stiff canvas stripes just don't do a lady-figure justice!
love it! being able to reuse and recycle things is the best!
xx raez
i love the bag! such a great buy :)
That bag is incredible- just so creative. Enjoy it!
totally digging that bag and the outfit you put it with!!
xo
i LOVE it. and you look so cute shopping.
Those shoes are fabulous! Love. I think you could totally rock that bag with them.
Hope you have a wonderful day, Love!
B.
That Girl in Pearls
Totally love the bag and the story behind it! The pics of you guys chatting are cute :)
So chic and utilitarian too. Would really complete an outfit.
I'm a sucker for bags like these. Love the one you chose too! Yeah, bring on the diy:-)
hahaha i love that pic of you chattin it up with your new homie! :) And that bag, honestly... it's too wonderful for words! definitely adds pizzazz to any outfit!
I am soooo jealous of all of your finds!!!! esp that bag, that is way unique. and those shoes. love.
Really cool bag- love the colors. Can't wait to see your DIY!! And those shoes are so cute- I don't remember seeing them before.
Very cool bag, but my eyes are fixated on the shoes next to them. Thrift finds too?
How fun!! My mom would be all over this...mother's day idea, hmmmm...
Um, the shoes! who are those guys?!
shoes = loubs. total show stoppers every time. argh
i pretty much live for flea markets....if only we had more of them around here :(
Omg I'm jealous. I want all this stuff. Especially the bag and shoes. Drool. I LOVE LA. I'd probably be broke if I lived there because of the fabulous flea markets, vintage stores, etc that seem to be on every corner. It's been a year and I think I'm over due for a trip down there!
xo
Rach
love youre blog!,
xx
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