Need an excuse to go shopping? We have 10!

Last week we filled a custom made order for a bag. The realisation didn't hit me until after I received their thanks back for the gift. I knew the gift was for a present and that there was a particular date it was required by. I knew that cotton was perfect as was the preference for recycled fabric. I thought it was a birthday gift from husband to wife.
Instead I found out it was a 2nd Wedding Anniversary Gift. The traditional gift for 2nd Anniversaries is cotton. A bag was perfect. Our client looked at the styles of bags available and then the fabrics - choosing a bold retro print in a Grandma's tote style with bamboo handles:

The retro print came from a 70's cicular linen tablecloth. The fabric was cut with the grain so the design differs from the front and back of the bag. It was great to have had some recycled handles in my stash - ready to go.

Co-ordinating tan stripe on white sheeting (also recycled) was chosen for the lining - along with 3 pockets: pen/iphone/wallet, rickrack keyloop (the only new component) and vintage button trim. We called it the Burnt Retro Grandma's Tote.

Of course Bessie bags are perfect for 2nd anniversaries (as are our homewares and other ranges), especially for discerning consumers trying to reduce their eco-footprint. We also have some gorgeous contemporary cottons.
Even better news - Bessie bags are perfect for more anniversary presents:
3rd (Traditional)  Leather - we can source recycled handles for your fabric bag.
4th (Traditional)  Fruit and Flowers - why not buy something longlasting? A floral handbag (check out our vintage fabrics - there are loads of florals to chose from.)
5th (Traditional) Wood - we have some beautiful wooden handles sourced from op shops.
6th (Modern) Wood
7th (Traditional) Wool - some of our vintage fabrics are wool. Go for tweed or plaid.
8th (Modern) Linen and Lace - plenty of linen in stock as well as lace lined doilies (an example of how lace is incorporated in one of our latest designs.
9th (Modern) Leather
12th (Traditional) Silk/Linen - lots of silks too!
13th (Traditional) - Lace
So, 10 reasons to purchase a vintage fabric bag. On the otherhand,  because they can be eco-friendly and gorgeous - do you really need a reason?

Pastels are for big girls too!

New towel: present for a new baby girl. Pink broderie anglaise applique.



New patchwork tote. Old and New fabrics called Big girls like pastels too. I considered selling it before it was made, but when Kate loved it too, I realised we had to have it. It will be mother - daughter shared.



Salvaged wooden rings from an op shop. Bias trim is brand new.



Corduroy sides and handles -my recycled cord jeans that I wore to bits. I love it that I can still wear it.



Old and new - salvaged embroidery, contemporary floral prints, plains from my stash and a gorgeous vintage "midcentury" pastel plastered tablecloth.



Kate plans to use it as an overnighter (It's big) and it will be perfect for work and play for me ;).

Brand New Produce Bags for your Fruit and Vegies

Eco friendly Bessie brings the first peek of our produce bags. Are you tired of tossing plastic bags? Most of us remember our green bags for the checkout - this goes one step further. Designed to hold your fruit and vegetables, it is light enough to weigh your produce and carry it home. Machine washable, they can be used over and over.

With a built in drawstring and made from recycled lightweight fabrics or curtains they are a environmentally friendly substitute for the supermarket or produce markets. Versatile- you can also make them a toy bag or for eco-friendly gift wrapping.

Say NO to Plastic Bags! Have fun with your groceries with our custom made bags in your choice of colours. You can purchase three of the same fabric or a variety as pictured. Visit our gallery for more fabric ideas. The bags featured on this page are made from discarded vintage sheets and net curtain- a great way to shop  sustainably.

Enter A $100AU Prize Draw To Win Handmade Vintage Fabric Bags And Homewares

Thanks for checking out our brand new blog page Thrift Recycle Handmade. Now is your last chance for our special offer – to enter our free eco-friendly $100 Bessie prize pack draw. Just comment below, on our Bessie website, or like/comment on the Bessie facebook page. We’ll add an extra entry for each!


We promised that for the prize we’d include a special new release handmade item – great for the environment for two reasons and you will be the first to have one. The first reason is like many of our other products, it is made of recycled and vintage fabric and notions. Secondly, if you use it – you will help save the planet. It is a set of three brand new Bessie produce bags.

What are produce bags? Perhaps you have heard it called something else. Simply, instead of your fruit and vege going into a plastic bag in the produce section of your supermarket or from the markets, you can use a lightweight, reusable fabric drawstring bag. You can even wash them every few weeks if you need to.
Sustainable living has seen us ditch our plastic bags at the checkout for reusable grocery bags. You can go one step further to reduce your plastic bag consumption with our produce bags.

If you check out recent blogs or our Bessie website you will know that we have loads of fabric to choose from and for a short time will we will custom make your orders.

Inject some flair into your shopping, and salvage some of our precious resources for our planet. Naturally, they are perfect for vintage and retro lovers.

The prize includes postage, other Bessie homewares and bags that will lift your spirits every day. We would love to hear your comments. Like or subscribe away as the more you do the more chance you have to win our $100AU prize pack.

Learn more about our selection of vintage and retro fabric available. Or have a look at our articles where you can find out all about recycling vintage fabrics and what it can do for you.