Irish Tweeds and Celtic Purses

Top of the day, Celtic style 

As an international purse designer, I enjoy the diversity of designs and materials used in purse designs around the world. This week is a great time to savor the Celtic style, and that's no blarney. Today, the term Celtic generally refers to the languages and respective cultures of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Brittany, also known as the Celtic nations. The Irish tweeds are a most beautiful and durable wool. Here is an Irish Tweed Satchel Bag with Celtic Knot embroidery by Mucros Weavers, made in Ireland. Approx. dimension (14″ x 12″ x 5″).

MJ look at the amazing colors these tweeds have in store for us, a pink plaid . . .

Or a multi vernal plaid crossbody

Oh man Kat, your tweed crossbodies remind me of another Celtic purse in history that's so cool. The sporran shows how necessity is the mother of invention. Kilts have no pockets. Made from leather or fur, the sporran was a wallet. It hung front and center from an ornate belt buckle on a leather strap or a chain. Whenever it got in the way, it was shifted over to hang from the hip out of the way.

Check out this one made completely of leather. Three tassles was a common ornament, the number three of course being significant. They were often hand tooled with Celtic knot, or thistle or other groovy design. They closed with a stud or hook

Back to Irish tweed MJ, it doesn't always have to be a plaid. Here's a picture of a pretty Mucros Weavers of Ireland Niamh Tweed and Leather Bag in Rust Herringbone.

Kat, I'll tell you that as a Flower Child, I've read all kinds of stories, including Irish myths. You'd appreciate the Druid Crane Purses I've learned about, a magical bag. Manannan mac Lir is a major sea god and guardian of the otherworld. He made his bag from the skin of a crane - those birds were the third most common domestic pet in Ireland. His bottomless bag was full of treasures - knife, King of Scotland's shears, another king's helmet, bones of a whale, all kinds of stuff. These Crane bags are also in stories of other Irish heroes. A Crane bag and what it carries is as unique as each person who carries one.

Still true MJ, each purse and it's contents reflect the purse-onality of the wearer. Here's one of my favorites when I'm wearin' of the green, whether St. Patrick's or another day. It's a sleek, beautiful, and functional tote by Iman. Just look at the spaciousness and organization of the interior!  Two easy access side spaces, split in the middle by a roomy, secure zippered pouch. There's even two slip pockets. And just look at those tassels. 

Happy St. Patrick's celebration everyone.

And Katherine, here's my Moonjava meditation, it's an Irish saying - May you have the hindsight to know where you've been, the foresight to know where you are going, and the insight to know when you have gone too far.