Sentimental Tent Turned Into Travel Bags
While 2025 was the year that my sewing journey really developed and Subtle Harlot was born, 2026 has been a year of pushing my skills and trying to find a blend of practicality and fashion that works for me.
Think less boobs out, more tote bags out.
Somehow it's taken me to nearly 40 years old to realise that having an extra bag in your handbag is worth the hassle of remembering to put it there.
It's also the first year I've remembered to actually sew my label inside something I've made.
So when a friend of mine had to retire her well used bright blue tent I decided to make the very first Subtle Harlot bag called "The Jess".
It's a delicious mix of 80s bright colours, just calling out to be paired with my Umbro sweater, mum jeans and sambas 🤌
I tried to keep some elements of the tent there, including the inner bedroom as the lining, the bug net as an outer pocket and the bright red/pink zipper attachments. My favourite part is the little hook used to roll the bag up, originally for holding the front of the tent open.
I made two and sent one off to catch up with my friend, who had not long left with her shiny new tent to Ireland. Her bag has now been all over Europe with her, having a second chance at life.
Meanwhile, here in the Highlands, my Jess Bag makes a great errand bag for out on my bike.
It's probably one of the most satisfying projects I've had in a long time. I used it so much I bust the inside seam so that will get repaired... eventually. I'm still using it so much I don't have time to fix it!