Step 1: Cut the fabric. You should be cutting 3 different pieces:

-One front & bottom piece: 20” L x 8” W (cut on the fold)

-Two side pieces: 12” L x 6” W

-Two handle pieces: 20” L x 4-1/4” W

Step 1 - Cut your fabric

Step 2: Sewing the sides. First, cut one of the side pieces in half lengthwise. This will allow the bag to easily fold in half when it’s not in use. Once its cut, sew (right sides together) the halves to create a whole piece again. Press seams. After pressing, sew the seams down. Use the seam as your guide and sew ¼” from the seam…not only will this re-enforce the seam but it gives the bag a finished look. Repeat with the other side piece.

Step 2 - Cut side pieces in half

Step 2 - Lining up/sewing the seams

Step 3: Sewing the sides to the bottom. First, press the front/bottom piece in half widthwise. With the right sides together, unfold the front/bottom piece and match the center seams of the side pieces with the center crease you just made and pin. See picture for clarification. Once pinned, sew the sides to the bottom of the bag.

Step 3 - Pinning the Sides

Step 3 - Sewing the sides to the bottom

Step 4: Sewing the four walls of the bag. Now that the sides are already attached to the bottom, pin the edges of the bag together (right sides together).After sewing each of the four sides you’ll end up with a rectangular shaped bag like this (see photo).

Step 4 - Rectangular Bag

Step 5: Reinforcing the seams. Lunch can get heavy so to ensure that the seams don’t rip you’ll need to sew the seams down. Flip the bag right side out. Sewing as close to the seam as you possibly can, stitch the side seams and bottoms together. Attention: this can get tricky so pay extra attention when sewing this part.
Step 6: Sewing the handles. You’re almost done. Take the two handle pieces you’ve cut and fold them lengthwise and press. Unfold them; now fold each side (lengthwise) to the center crease you’ve just pressed. Fold once more lengthwise to enclose the raw edges inside. Press. Bring the ends together and sew to create a circle. Press flat. Now that you’ve created a reinforced handle, simply sew the side lengths together.

Step 6- Making handles

Step 6- Sewing the handles

Step 7: Finishing the top of the bag: With the wrong side up, press a ½” seam around the entire top of the bag. Once complete fold the bag down 2 inches and press again to encase the top edge of the bag. Pin the handles to the inside of the bag. Now sew ¼” seam around the top of the bag. This will attach the handles. Sew another seam, but this time about 1-1/2 inches from the top. This will secure the top hem of the bag.

Step 7 - Pin the handles

Step 7 - You're done!

Whew, now you’re done and you can finally pack a lunch in your environmentally friendly and visually appetizing Marimekko Bo Boo Print lunch bag!

Marimekko's "Helsinki-Helsingfors" print as designed by the late Per-Olof Nyström.

In celebration of Helsinki, Finland being named World Design Capital 2012, Marimekko is also launching Marimekko Village—both physically and digitally. “In 1962 Armi Ratia, the founder of Marimekko, defined Marimekko as ‘a cultural phenomenon guiding the quality of living’”. Years later, Marimekko is still that vision, but it has also stepped into the digital age. Ratia may have had her own idea of a Marimekko village in the ‘60s, but now in 2012, things have changed a bit.

From the Marimekko Village website:

“The Marimekko Village of 2012 brings together people through numerous events and activities in Marimekko spaces in Finland and abroad. We will create interesting encounters, encourage people to make things together and get inspired by colours and patterns in our everyday life. All happenings will converge in this digital space, a virtual village where people can learn about and follow the Marimekko Village throughout the year.”

Of course, Marimekko Village isn’t all digital; there are lots of events happening around Helsinki worth checking out. Other events in the Marimekko Village in spring 2012 include:

- Designer Erja Hirvi’s Bökars Revival photo exhibition in the Marimekko Marikiska store in Helsinki
- Off to the Woods! exhibition in Helsinki
- Marimekko’s legendary summer fashion show spiced up with new elements in Helsinki
- Open house events and talks as well as factory tours at the Marimekko-house in Helsinki
- etc..

Marimekko Uno Bag - Lukematon Collection

You can always count on Marimekko to create bold and modern prints but this season they’re playing it by the numbers, literally. The fall 2011 collection of bags feature an expressive pattern called Lukematon, which means “innumerable” in Finnish. Created by Marimekko designer Marjaana Virta, she re-purposes  numbers by completely filling her print with a jumble of digits to create a bold and energetic pattern where the numbers become an engaging, artful design.

The sporty silhouettes of these bags were designed by Mika Piirainen, whose eye for shape and comfort is unsurpased at Marimekko. Smart yet stylish, own an edgy piece of Marimekko design as the addictive collection of Lukematon bags are available in eye-catching colors such as hot pink or graphic black and white.

Check out the Uno and Etta Bag online at AlwaysMod.com

Marimekko Uno Bag - Lukematon Collection

Marimekko Etta Bag - Lukematon Collection

Marimekko Olkalaukku Bag by Ristomatti Ratia

The first Marimekko Olkalaukku bag was designed by Ristomatti Ratia in 1971, when men dressed in white were walking on the moon. Back on Earth everyone was falling for bell bottoms and trouser suits. Much has changed in these 40 years, but one thing is certain: the Marimekko Olkalaukku Bag hasn’t. It is still true to its original mission: To offer outstanding durability and functionality.

1) PERSONALIZE. No bling-bling required, just write your name and address on a tag with funny Finnish words.

2) SHOULDER THE LOAD. Adjustable shoulder strap with long-lasting performance guaranteed. Original straps from the 70s still in use.

3) MADE IN FINLAND. In Marimekko's own factory in Sulkava. Master artisans make sure your Olkalaukku is stitched to last another 40 years.

4) ZIP AND GO. Heavy-duty zipper on front flap keeps belongings safe. Legend has it that no Olkalaukku zipper has yet to unzip.

5) MATERIAL MATTERS. Made from durable, sturdy cotton canvas. Hand wash, air dry. Color may fade with 40 years of us, but so what? It adds character.

6) 101% FUNCTIONAL. Justy like Ristomatti Ratia intended when he designed the first Olkalaukku in 1971.

Marimekko Mansikkavuoret by Maija & Kristina Isola

I just can’t get enough of the colorful strawberry-filled print so June’s 2011 desktop calendar features Marimekko’s Mansikkavouret print designed by Maija & Kristina Isola.  Let the red berry mountains, bright blue sky and fluffy white clouds cheer up your computer screen. Designed by Isola in 1969 after listening to The Beatles songs “Strawberry Fields” and “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”, this happy-go-lucky print is sure to perk-up any desktop! Love this pattern as much as I do?  Check out AlwaysMod for the matching Marimekko Vuori Backpack, Marimekko Mansikkavuoret Tea Towel Set, Marimekko Mansikkavuoret Throw Pillow and the Marimekko Blue Mansikkavuoret Fabric.

If you have a favorite pattern you’d like to see please let us know.

 Download in these sizes:

1280×1024, 1024×768, 1280×960, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Download Wallpaper only:

1280×1024, 1024×768, 1280×960, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Marimekko Pilvi Tote Bag

This summer Marimekko unveils a juicy new print that is guaranteed to make you drool with delight. Maija Isola’s 1969 Mansikkavouret print is back just in time for the summer sunshine. Finnish for “strawberry hills,” this print is encapsulates the 60’s and 70’s with colorful and cartoon-like imagery. Inspired by pop tunes sung by The Beatles, Isola created her magical floating strawberry motif while listening to the songs “Strawberry Fields” and “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.” Check out AlwaysMod for a wonderful selection of Mansikkavouret print purses and bags and get complimented on your light-hearted style.

Marimekko Vuori Backpack

Marimekko Mansikkavuoret Half Coin Purse

Marimekko Mansikka Coin Purse

Proving that the company’s mod prints and bold colors are seeing a revival, the Pantone company (the world renown authority on color) has divulged it’s Top 10 Colors for Spring and well, Marimekko seems to be doing things right. This year Pantone predicts that colors such as Regatta (royal blue), Blue Curacao (turquoise), Peapod (light green) & Beeswax (yellow-orange) will be among the hottest colors for Spring. Executing their own interpretation of many of these fancy-named colors, Marimekko’s Spring Collection is spot on.

Here are few of my favs which will be available on AlwaysMod.com so grab yours before Spring’s in full swing.

Marimekko's Ramiro Handbag

Marimekko's Green Green Cotton Fabric

Marimekko Unikko Blue/Lime Bedding

Marimekko Winter 2010 Interior Catalog Cover

Let the Gift Giving Begin! This season’s Marimekko catalog is filled with things to keep you warm and delighted during the wintry months. Cozy prints, heartwarming gifts and creative crafts abound the catalog to ring in the holidays with Marimekko-minded design. Like what you see, many of the holiday items are already available on our Marimekko site!

Photo taken from HollyBaby.com

Actress Kelly Rutheford from television’s Gossip Girl was seen taking a stroll with her baby daughter in New York while toting a Marimekko Unikko print tote bag. To learn more abut the print’s designer, Maija Isola and to search for more Unikko print bags, check out AlwaysMod.com.

Marimekko Bag Factory in Sulkava, Finland

Above is a picture of the Marimekko bag factory in Sulkava, Finland. Yes, it really is a factory. Yes, it is where Marimekko bags are made. Enjoy!