This is my self-drafted, put together bag which is a homage to Edson Raupp. The bag is made from a man’s jacket – the front of the bag is from the 2 front jacket panels and the flap is made from the sleeve. You can see more of Edson Raupp’s bag on the Suitcase Website

On the back I took the front lapels and stitched them together and added a fake handkerchief from the material I used for the lining and straps. I wanted to give the bag a more feminine look although Edson Raupp bags are unisex.

Edson Raupp is an ingenious designer who saw the potential in recycling men’s suits, bought from charity shops in London, and turning them into hardwearing and very useable unisex bags. I first came across his bags on a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum shop in London. I was intrigued with the design and decided to have a go at making one for myself. First, take one man’s no longer required jacket! I found mine in a Marks and Spencer Outlet. They have a great clearance sale and this jacket – brand new – was £9! This is cheaper than the used jackets found in charity shops. I do have a confession to make as Steve bought the jacket for his son. Unfortunately the sleeves were too long for him so I volunteered to shorten them until I remembered Edson Raup! As a sidenote I did get permission from Steve to use the jacket as a bag before I set to it with my seam ripper!

I wasn’t sure how this bag was going to work out so didn’t really have a plan so just got to it with my seam ripper and pulled the thing apart. Actually it was quite interesting to see how the jacket was put together. Once I pulled it apart I just cut out the panels I wanted and made up a simple messenger bag.

I am really pleased with it although if I were to make another one I would do things a little bit differently. I now have a plan and a method for making the bag.

I am going to enter this bag into the Pattern Review Handbag Contest so please pop over there and give me your support! The latter is barefaced begging!!