The Heirloom Crossbody

The Story

This linen tells the story of a household, not a single moment. We acquired a bundle of fabric scraps from an estate sale in Normandy — remnants of tablecloths, napkins, and bed linens from what must have been generations of the same family. Some pieces bear faded monograms, others have hand-repaired patches where the linen wore thin. Rather than choose a single piece, we assembled them into a patchwork that honours the whole collection — every panel is a different chapter of the same story.

The Fabric

Each panel is a different weight and weave of linen — from a fine, almost translucent napkin linen to a heavier, slubbed tablecloth weave. The colour palette is entirely natural: unbleached creams, soft whites that have yellowed with age, and the occasional pale blue of a monogram thread. The texture is what makes this bag remarkable — your hand moves across it and feels the shift between panels, the subtle ridges where pieces are joined, the raised threads of old embroidery. It is a tactile map of a family's domestic life.

The Making

The patchwork panels are joined with a traditional French seam — the same technique used in haute couture — ensuring every edge is clean and enclosed. The crossbody strap is waxed canvas in a dark olive, chosen for its durability and quiet elegance. Hardware is antique brass throughout: a lobster clasp, D-rings, and a hand-forged closure. The interior is lined in organic cotton twill with two interior pockets. Hand-stitched over sixteen hours.

Dimensions

26cm × 20cm × 8cm · Adjustable strap 95–125cm

Care

Antique linen is remarkably resilient — it has already proven it can last a century or more. Spot-clean gently with a damp cloth. The waxed canvas strap can be re-waxed with a beeswax bar if it begins to soften. Avoid machine washing. The brass hardware will develop a natural patina; if you prefer it bright, a gentle polish with a soft cloth will restore the shine. Store flat or stuffed to maintain the shape of the patchwork panels.