Sailcloth Large Tote Bag

One of the most popular creators at Repurposed is the Barnstable Bag Lady. It's a challenge to get her bags online, though, because she makes so many different styles and designs, and they sell so quickly!

This large tote bag is made from upcycled boat sails right here on Cape Cod. These are not factory-manufactured. Marti, the Barnstable Bag Lady, designs, cuts, and sews each bag herself—she even makes the trip to Provincetown to share her new creations and replenish our stock. She always strives to keep as much of the sail's character as possible when she constructs a bag. The colorful designs are all sewn-on appliques, not printed or painted; occasionally (when noted) the bag will have only original sail details or printing.

This Large Tote measures 18" x 14" x 6". The handles are made from a single piece of rope that goes under the bag twice. Marti hand splices (either a long, straight splice or a pair of eye splices that are linked together, which can be seen in most of the pictures) and then whips the ends. Load it up! The rope bears the weight of whatever you’re carrying, not the fabric of the bag, and the Bag Lady’s splices are not going to come apart! In between the handles on each side you have a deep, flat pocket, so you never have to go digging for the items you want to keep close at hand.

These photos are not stock images. They show the bags in stock at Repurposed, the actual bag you would be purchasing. The photography is far from perfect, but we hope it gives you an idea of the design.

All of the bags shown are made with used boat sails. Any blemishes are a reminder of their original purpose and add to the character of the bag.

Don’t see the design you’re seeking? The Barnstable Bag Lady has so many different ones that we can’t possible keep them all in stock at the same time. Click the chat button in the lower right corner and we’ll be glad to assist you with another pattern or a custom request.