designing a tote bag

The idea of Tiny Pantry Market is to build an identity around Isabel’s cookbook. I love the idea of a cookbook that caters to folks living in smaller spaces. Isabel lives in a tiny house, and I am building a tiny house right now. It speaks to my philosophy on space which goes something like this; it’s not about the square footage but how efficiently the area is designed. Also, I am a subscriber to the idea that it’s practical to create your dwelling spaces around the lifestyle that you hope to live. We are all on a journey, and space is an excellent way to influence your direction.

We hope to expand on these ideas/themes and make products that aid in living a simpler life. We want to manufacture ethically and make inspired objects that solve problems. I love the thought of making a tote because I use them all the time and have some bones to pick with the usual designs/materials.

We wanted to make a tote that was simple, functional, and as durable as possible. Although I tend to have a general love for totes, they are often made of sub-par fabrics. It’s frustrating when a “reusable” article really just isn’t. We were able to find a great tote factory in the US that stocked the fabric we hoped to use - a 15oz/yard 100% cotton canvas. This is hefty fabric (which I love). It reminds me of the WWII canvas backpack I have from my Grandfather. Super heavy-duty and rigid. The design is simple - a gusseted vessel with a front pocket. Our logo is embroidered on the front, color-matched to the color of the bag itself. I love this - it has some character to it but doesn’t draw unnecessary attention. Shoulder-length straps and a medium-sized 17-liter main compartment make this tote incredibly versatile (and cute).

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