Fringe has been said to be around since 3000 BC in Mesopotamia (now Iraq). The Native American tribes of the North American plains used fringe on their garments to serve as a gutter to repel rainwater from the wearer. Fringe became very popular in the 1920’s with the anti establishment flappers. Fringe continues to be popular with the western cowboy culture, adorning chaps and western bag fashion. In the age of hippies it adorned vests, bags and coat sleeves. In recent years large fringe covered bags have returned as a fashion statement, worn together with the high heeled shoes, chic clothing and urban life. Fringe is not limited to leather.  History shows fringe made from wool, silk and linen. It can adorn a chair, tablecloth or drapery.

I love the way fringe looks on a bag.  The bag suddenly becomes fun and interactive with the free movement of the leather strands bouncing from side to side as you walk and move through your day.

I have been resistant to making fringe bags for my collection. The idea of hand cutting the strands was never on the top of my list. Honestly, a little intimidating. You also have to consider the actual design of the bag. How best to use the fringe. What part of the bag do you want it to be on? Will it get in the way? Does that matter? How much fringe? How long or wide? One also has to consider the market. If I make a bag with fringe this year will it be used next season? I want my bags to be functional and timeless.

The leather crafters that make chaps for a living have the fringe making business a science. They are superb at making fringe, either with the help of a hand held leather lace cutter or lace cutting machine.  Many crafters trust their very skillful hand with a sharp tool. I chose to go small, purchasing a fringe cutting template that requires a cutting mat, a rotary blade and a little muscle power for repetitive motion.

A couple of years ago I started out with baby steps. I made leather tassels. The beauty of these tassels is that they are not permanently on the bag. You can clip them on the hardware or take them off. You could change the color of the tassel to use. They are super fun as a small accessory that can individualize any bag. They still offer some magical movement and flair. You can use them on bags you have had around for a long time to reenergize them. They can be handy as a key chain or to help identify your suitcase.

So for the 2021 collection I decided to try making my first fringe bag. I had encouragement from my fashionista daughter who is insisting the style is still and will remain widely popular and I need to be part of the modern trend. I created my original template and got cutting. The bag shown is my first attempt. I was very pleased. I decided to add a few vintage beads onto kangaroo lace for a pinch of uniqueness and individualism.

The fringe bags are my “Phoenix Collection”.  They almost look bird like with the fringe serving as their wings propelling them upwards. It also has a more personal meaning of a new 2021 season.  It reminds me to look forward and reach for higher expectations and leave behind the chaos of the pandemic, the uncertainty and a difficult time for all of us.