“Old Country”  CO-155

A medium-sized bag, worn over the shoulder, by hand, as a crossbody, or on the back, in chestnut suede and geometric patterned wool fabric, with a viscose lining featuring a geometric motif.

"Cogitations" Range / Collection Memory Blending rustic and contemporary. A demonstration by example with this highly versatile hybrid bag.

Its story

“Country Chic”: the vintage countryside codes of the 1980s in the USA, blended with references to Native American patterns, merge with the sophistication of a very modern and versatile pattern.

When I stumbled upon this huge jacket (size 54!), I found it so kitschy that for me, it had exhausted the topic and transcended it. I challenged myself to extract its essence and make it as modern as possible.
The Welkin pattern from Lavender & Twine didn't convince me when it was released; all the interpretations I had seen were too “precious”, “stuffy”, even “saccharine”. I wanted something different. The idea of combining it with the vintage jacket didn't come to me right away, but once it was there, it became obvious.

Like in cooking, I “deconstructed” the jacket to combine all its components in a new form, adding an as-new thrifted cotton sheet and luxury brass-colored hardware.

I'm glad I overcame my reluctance because the alliance is very successful: a bag that is both soft and strong, both visually and tactilely. I loved taking many constituent elements as they were and distilling them: the decorative ribbon from the lining into a handle, the brand label inside the lining, the zipper...
But above all, a very versatile bag with its multiple carrying possibilities, comfortable volume, and internal storage.

Caracteristics

  • Type: Hybrid Bag ;
  • Model: Firmament ;
  • Dimensions: 30.5x29.2x10cm ;
  • Lines that are both retro and modern ;
  • A surprisingly spacious interior volume despite a compact exterior ;
  • Closure with flap and magnetic button ;
  • Inside, a zip pocket and a slip pocket ;
  • Can be carried by hand, over the shoulder, crossbody, or on the back with its two removable handles or its adjustable and removable dual-material strap.

Materials

  • Exterior: Upcycled leather (cow suede?) and 100% wool knit ;
  • Interior: 100% cotton poplin, synthetic fleece viscose (100% polyester) ;
  • Interfacing: 100% cotton interfacing and Decovil Light (42% polyester - 35% viscose - 23% polyamide).

This piece is based on the "Welkin" pattern by Lavender & Twine.

Care, Shipping & Warranty

Care

Take good care of your piece: keep it away from direct light and humidity to preserve its colours, and stuff it rather than flatten it so it keeps its shape.
Care instructions specific to its materials are included on the ID card shipped with it.

Shipping

Shipped within 24 hours (except weekends).
With tracking and insurance, worldwide.
Free in France.
Would you rather collect your piece from the workshop (Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert, France) than have it shipped? Contact me before placing your order.

Warranty

14 days money-back guarantee,
2-year legal conformity warranty.
Learn more about your rights.


Your testimonials are
my guiding thread

This bag is a work of art 🤩
Marie is an artist; she waits for the fabrics to speak to her, searches for the perfect color harmony, has an eye for extreme detail, and transforms luxury industry waste into unique pieces!
Thank you for your work, Marie ❤️💙

Brindille D.-J.

THE BAG, WHAT TO SAY. Mind blown.
Finishes carefully considered at every stitch.
Lightweight, sturdy, very good quality materials, colors chosen with care and taste, everything is crafted with applied expertise, I love it.
It’s my first bag and surely not the last!

Irina R.

My bag is amazing, it’s a marvel of craftsmanship and inspiration. I never leave it, and it’s very practical and holds a lot of things. I love it.

Michèle L.
  • Exalt
    your stories

    Bring your memories and
    original ideas to life
    through my exclusive and
    custom creations.

  • Become
    inimitable

    Break free from standardized
    and industrialized fashion,
    find accessories that
    reflect your personality.

  • Embody
    your values

    Celebrate French Artisanal Craftsmanship,
    encourage slow and virtuous fashion
    that gives a second chance
    to materials rich in stories.

Discover my values

Would you prefer a fashion or home decor item that reflects who you are?
Discover my custom service!

From the idea in your mind to the finished piece in your hands, a co-creation process designed to honor your memories and your identity.
Fashion and home decor items made from your sentimental fabrics, crafted according to your wishes, needs, budget, and timeline.

Charlotte’s baby wrap

After ordering a bag from stock, Charlotte realized it would be too small. I offered to make her a custom, larger version, and she sent me her baby wrap to transform.

Discover their story

Before
After

Muriel's small birds and jacket

When Muriel discovered my custom sentimental-making service after walking into the studio during my 'Studio Clear-Out' sale, she asked me to help her enjoy her favorite bag of the last 30 years all over again...

Discover their story

Before
After

Browse the designs I have my idea

Common questions

Why are there "Near-Perfect" items and what are they?
As part of my sustainable view of the modern luxury fashion, creating as little waste as possible is central. You can learn more about this on my Soulful Values page.
What are the payment methods and conditions?
Payment can be made in several ways:
  • Right away on the website, by credit card or PayPal: your order will be shipped immediately ;
  • In 4 installments with PayPal (on the website, subject to acceptance by PayPal) or with Alma (you’ll need to contact me first so that I can provide you with a dedicated link): both are offered at no additional cost to you, and your order will be shipped immediately ;
  • Deferred payment by bank transfer (with direct contact according to your preferences): your order will only be shipped upon receipt of the full payment.
What is the protective pouch included with the bags?

Every bag I create comes with a bespoke protective pouch, made by hand in my studio.

This isn't throwaway packaging — it's a permanent accessory, meant to be used every day to store your bag when you're not using it, protect it from scratches and dust, or keep it safe when travelling.

It's made in organic cotton satin, sewn to the exact dimensions of your piece, with an organic cotton drawstring to close it. It's branded Marie Alhomme.

For wallets, coin purses, and smaller accessories, I wrap the piece in tissue paper produced locally and sustainably (Papeteries de Montségur, Loire), rather than in a pouch.

What do you do with your production offcuts?

Your own bespoke fabric offcuts aren't covered here: they're always sent back to you with your finished piece, unless you tell me to keep them or dispose of them differently.

As for my own production offcuts: nothing is thrown away if I can help it. They're reused in my workshop for reinforcement, worked into mosaics to create larger pieces, or used as is for small creations (keychains, bookmarks...). The rest is given away depending on its nature and size: to other artisans (such as jewellery makers), or to associations, community centres and schools for their workshops.

All your questions