Thursday, September 10, 2009

Covent Garden Bag "Tents" (Khaki) $285

Although tents are not a subject that most would think of when reflecting on our Judeao/Christian heritage, they were certainly embedded in the day to day norms as part of a way of life. Within the tribes, one tent would generally consist of the parents and children, as well as grandparents. "Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes." (Isa 54:2) Because of the pressing need for expanding tents and growing clans and tribes, weaving and tentmaking were an important part of the economy. With "Covent Gardens", I have utilized a "patchwork" style on the bag, which is my modern interpretation of the hand-sewn tents, bringing attention to the community and culture of our biblical patriarchs. "Tents" Covent Garden Bag $270




This bag is composed of leather handles, crocodile embossed faux leather, linen, cotton blends, and nickel hardware. Large nickel purse feet are a handsome feature.

Click on any photo to get a larger view.








The distinguished pockets that grace the front and back of the bag, come secured with nickel turn locks.










The tents were made of hand-woven black goat hair. "I am black and beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon." (SS1:5). Occasionally, sheep or camel wool would be added as an additional source of fibers. When woven in with the goat hair, this would lend a streaked brown/black appearance to the large woven cloths. Otherwise, the sheep and camel cloths were brown and tan. The black cloth roof of the tent would allow filtered light to shine through at night, appearing as stars in the night sky. "He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in." (Isa 40:2) When the goat hair fibers were exposed to water, fibers would swell shut, forming a protective watertight roof.

Staying true to form, I always pay particular attention to the interior of the bag, which is a quality that makes Scarlet Clover unique. The black, brown, and tan colors represent the variation of color frequently seen on the goat hair tents. The center dividers also function as
pockets, complete with brass zippers.
This photo affords you the study of details on Covent Garden.

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