Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Rag Rug Chic

On Sunday afternoon I peeled over to the local Flea Market late in the day to see if I could find any treasures for my new abode.  Truth be told I was all kinds of hoping to find that psychedelic Austin Powers-ish type jersey dress I left behind last time...no dice.  Talk about a lesson learned.  Sigh

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 ended up buying the cheeriest bag and wanted to give you a peek at it.  It's perfect for casual days, store runs and trips to the beach - totally something you would find in Anthropologie.  I hope you enjoy...if you're interested in picking up one of your own visit Cattle Headquarters here.  Lots of great stuff to choose from and eco-friendly, too.

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:

Courtney Erin said...

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

Lisa Griffin said...

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 Heart Blogged said...

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.

Kristen said...

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

Anonymous said...

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.

RosaLovesDC said...

I love that bag!

Tiffany Kadani said...

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.

LyddieGal said...

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

Caroline said...

I love that bag!!! What a great find!!!

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

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.

The Suburb Experiment said...

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

Josie said...

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

this free bird said...

those shoes are last year's summer loub splurge. i love those little babies too!

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

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.

little luxury list said...

Oh my seriously those CLs are awesome!

xoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living

Jess said...

I love it, Carrie! I was just thinking that it looked "Anthropologie-esque"! Seriously obsessed with those wedges of yours too...


xo

Lilacandgrey said...

love love love those wedges Carrie!

Closet Fashionista said...

Oooh wow I love that bag!!! :D That is so cool that his ancestors did that too! :)
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

annelise said...

Love the bag! Love the colours! Love the 'take note idea stealers' the most! Ha! Biatches.

Anonymous said...

I am in love with that bag! Looks like a successful flea market trip.

Colleen said...

Love that bag! Must. Have. One. =)

Stephanie Shepherd said...

Okay, I like the bag but THOSE WEDGES! What brand?

KatiePerk said...

So cool!!! I love that bag! I love the concept.

Marcie said...

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

Taylor said...

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!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I love it! Seriously love it!

Collette Osuna said...

How cool!! What a bag......I remember that sugar logo...looks fab on the bag:) Lucky girl!

Marie a la Mode said...

I have a rag rug in our home in the hallway, made my D.'s Grandma years ago! Love your new bag!

Couture Carrie said...

Really fun bag, darling!

xoxox,
CC

Discovery Street said...

omg...that pattern brings me back to my childhood! love it!

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

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

Valerie said...

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

Bonnie said...

This is such an awesome idea. Seriously. I would carry something like this every day.

http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88

Anonymous said...

♥ Oh.. Nice post.)) Love your blog.)) ♥

torrie said...

It's been a crazy day, and your post made me smile. Love your bag!!!!!!

FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION said...

Such a fun bag! Damn girl...you always find the best shizzz when you flea. Love it! xo

drollgirl said...

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.

Unknown said...

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.

A Crimson Kiss said...

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!

Raez said...

love it! being able to reuse and recycle things is the best!

xx raez

Isabel said...

i love the bag! such a great buy :)

Marissa said...

That bag is incredible- just so creative. Enjoy it!

Blair McLeod said...

totally digging that bag and the outfit you put it with!!

xo

Jenni Austria Germany said...

i LOVE it. and you look so cute shopping.

That Girl in Pearls said...

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

alli/hooray said...

Totally love the bag and the story behind it! The pics of you guys chatting are cute :)

stylenuggets said...

So chic and utilitarian too. Would really complete an outfit.

Stacey said...

I'm a sucker for bags like these. Love the one you chose too! Yeah, bring on the diy:-)

heather said...

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!

k said...

I am soooo jealous of all of your finds!!!! esp that bag, that is way unique. and those shoes. love.

Kara Endres said...

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.

danielle said...

Very cool bag, but my eyes are fixated on the shoes next to them. Thrift finds too?

Ashleigh said...

How fun!! My mom would be all over this...mother's day idea, hmmmm...

Um, the shoes! who are those guys?!

this free bird said...

shoes = loubs. total show stoppers every time. argh

beth said...

i pretty much live for flea markets....if only we had more of them around here :(

Rach said...

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

Chloe Chante Leenheer said...

love youre blog!,
xx

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