Reclaimed Sail Cloth & Leather Bags by Susan Hoff

Calling all bag ladies! Are you like me, with three or four totes in rotation at a time? You know, one for the gym, one for the laptop, one for the mysterious odds and ends that seem to accumulate throughout the day? When I was recently introduced to the lovely and talented Susan Hoff, who makes bags from reclaimed sail cloth and leather horse reins, I knew I'd met a girl after my own tote-lovin' heart.

Susan is now based in San Francisco—these photos are of the studio she built herself!—but the inspiration for her pieces comes from years spent as a sailing instructor and captain in Outward Bound's sea program in Maine. The light, airy quality of these tote bags captures the essence of the ocean. Carrying one would make me feel so jaunty, like I was about to hop a Tall Ship to Barbados. 

In addition to the reclaimed sail cloth and horse reins, Susan uses vintage kimono fabric in her creations; learn more about the production process here. I'm so smitten not only by the aesthetic of these bags but also the history that is sewn into each one. Imagine the voyages the materials have taken to arrive in your hands, and how fun it will be to add your own journey to their story!

P.S. More handmade accessories to covet! Block printed scarves from India; raw, organic jewelry with a feminine feel. Images: Abby Wilcox for Refinery29 San Francisco.