The Convertible Mini Tote

The Convertible Mini Tote has been in development for a while and it is finally born.  It was preceded by a prototype that has been in testing for a number of weeks.  With some subtle design changes this one is ready for action.

Some background.  I received a customer commission a couple of years ago for a large, slimline tote bag, big enough, among other things, for a weekend away, the day at the office and for general daily use.  The prototype was made with black English bridle leather with brass hardware (feet, d-rings and sam browne studs).  The customer commission was made with oak bark tanned bridle leather from J & FJ Baker tannery.  The prototype was meant for sale except that I managed to damage it rendering it un-salable.  I started using it and fell in love with it instantly.  The size, stiffness and versatility offered by the side straps and closure method meant that I could carry my flask, documents, lunchbox, laptop and stationery with room to spare for things picked up along the way.  Everything stays in its place and is easily accessible.

This tote bag has received a lot of attention since I started using it.  During my time at Walsall Leather Museum it has become a talking point, most of the time visitors asking about it.  The tote bag is quite large and quite a few people asked if I was to make a smaller version.  Hence the idea of the Mini Tote was born.

The details.  The Mini Tote is 14% smaller in width and height than the large tote.  The depth is the same at 110mm.  I chose to stick with the black on brass combination because I already knew this combination was working for most people.  The combination fits in well in any situation.  Being smaller means it can be carried comfortably under the arm, not only by ones side.  Furthermore I wanted to see how it would work as a backpack, hence the addition of the loops at the bottom on one side.  To enable the conversion to a backpack the handles are detachable.  They are lined and stitched fully to make them more comfortable and long lasting.  For people who have narrow shoulders the straps can be crossed over giving a more secure fit.  All of the handles and straps are removable offering the option to change them to a different colour.

The Mini Tote is large enough to carry most of the things that the large tote can carry but with less spare room for extra items.  It is a good compromise between practicality, functionality and comfort.  Most of my designs are unisex although the Mini Tote was made with ladies in mind who prefer not to carry a full sized tote. 

The Mini Tote pictured below is fully lined with vegetable tanned goat suede.  A very plush lining material.  The outer leather is a slightly softer bridle leather than the large tote.  This model has no additional pockets but these can be specified in bespoke orders.  The side and front straps can be adjusted so that the bag can be used at maximum side extension whilst keeping the contents secure.  The solid brass feet ensure stability whilst keeping the bottom off the ground, providing the leather with protection from puddles up to 5mm deep.

Additional upgrades include internal pockets, a over the top cover and specialty leathers.  The options are almost limitless.

All of my leather goods are hand cut using my own designs and patterns.  All pieces are fully hand stitched;  edges are also finished completely by hand;  leather and thread are of the highest quality making every single piece completely unique and exclusive.

 

Solid brass feet.