“Old Country” N° 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

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.

Common questions

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.

What's the difference between the 'Cogitations' and 'Intuitions' ranges?

These two ranges reflect two different creative intentions, but share the same level of care and craftsmanship.

Cogitations: these pieces carry something. They illustrate a reflection, stand for an idea, can spark a conversation. Feminism, heritage, ecology, identity... When you wear a Cogitations piece, you're making a statement, sometimes subtly, sometimes very clearly.

Intuitions: these pieces exist for pure pleasure. A colour that vibrates, a texture that draws you in, a graphic tension that knows how to stay elegant. No declared message, just the feeling. Guaranteed to give you a little thrill.

In both cases, I only create what I feel a genuine need to bring into the world. Not to please everyone: to speak to someone. Maybe you.

Where/How are they made?

I make all my products in my workshop in the city of St Just St Rambert in the Loire department (42). I use several machines depending on needs: a professional sewing machine, an industrial sewing machine, a serger, a press (for eyelets, rivets, etc.), an iron press, and a motorized skiver.

I carefully choose my technical supplies (interfacings, hardware, etc.) and some innovative materials (such as cotton-backed cork or silicon faux leather) from trusted suppliers.

My other fabrics and materials are mostly upcycled and come from renowned babywearing brands, dormant stocks from Haute-Couture/High-End houses (clothing and furnishings), scraps from High-End leather goods houses, as well as “seconds” from specialized boutiques (especially for faux leather) or from personal collections found at flea markets or on specialized second-hand websites.

Find out more about this on the Soulful Values page.

Can I change my delivery address?

It is sometimes possible to change a delivery address as long as the order has not been shipped. To do so, please contact me as soon as possible via hello@marie-alhomme.com or by phone at +33(0)661356222.

Once your order has been shipped, it is no longer possible to make changes. In that case, you will need to contact the selected carrier as soon as possible (but with no guarantee of results).

I have more questions

This is all lovely,
but do you want something that's just yours?

Discover the bespoke service: from the idea in your head to the piece in your hands, made from your sentimental fabrics, shaped around 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.

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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...

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After

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