The White Pomegranate’s Classic Tote Bags

This blog is about a very special project. As independent textile designers who keep fabric in stock, we are always left with end-of-roll fabric and some unsold waste fabric. This could be due to slight production issues, and we don’t know what to do with it. So, the next best thing is to upcycle and repurpose it. Most small businesses do this now, and so do big companies. To be sustainable is a given now for any business, not an exception. In fact, it is the reverse. 

This project was special because we managed to sell this product to beautiful resorts in the Maldives, all thanks to my dear friend Maya. I don’t think Tote bags can ever go out of fashion or be a waste of space. They work well as grocery bags, travel bags, beach bags, and bags for miscellaneous items for mothers, etc. And that is why they are so loved: their versatility. 

Maya visited the studio some years ago, and our brainstorming sessions really paid off. We realised something amazing could come of this and began prototyping. We arrived at this comfortable bag size with pockets inside, made of washable, thick cotton canvas, and it has a magnet to hold it in place. The chosen designs were island-friendly, and 6 months after the development, they landed ashore in paradise at Niva Kuramathi.  

I am not a great believer in having the same print on many items, such as dresses, curtains, and napkins, as I feel it just looks a little strange. But these bags made sense, and they looked good! And Maya was kind enough to share images of these on the island. We have only shown a few here but there are others prints of end of the rolls. The prints keep changing. 

Here is our ‘Maze’ tote in Black. It’s hand block printed and goes with any type of clothing. 

‘My Garden’ tote. Most of the botanicals drawn on this fabric are also grown in the Maldives. 

Designing the ‘My Garden’ design

‘Hexad’ tote in green and neutrals on a lovely light linen and cotton blend. 

Hand printing of the Hexad design is done block by block. This design used 10 blocks. 

And here the bags are in the shop at Niva Kuramathi.

And they are sailing away on different continents across different waters, which I am thrilled about.

 Image courtesy Karina  – a dear friend

These bags are also available at the lovely Pepper House in Fort Kochi India and of course we sell it from our studio too. Until next time…