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Would you believe me if I told you this gorgeous parachute bag was designed and handcrafted in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania? Sometimes we are mislead into thinking that we need to travel to experience history.

On a visit to 40th Parallel Leather Goods studio, I had the pleasure of meeting Laurie and Peter Eaton and found that not only are their goods amazing, but they weave their family history right into their products. Being a 2-person quintessential small business team, Laurie and Peter design and craft all of their products by hand. The parachute bag pictured above is one of my favorites from their collection. The bag design was inspired by Laurie’s father, Stan who was a member of the 11th Airbourne Division, 127th Airbourne Engineering Battalion, honoring his WWII journey from Fishtown, Philadelphia, to Japan. 

Lovingly held together with copper and brass fittings and fasteners, this bag is made from rare North American moose hide leather which is becoming nearly impossible to obtain. It looks like a duffle on one side but has padded straps to allow the bag to function as a backpack, which makes the bag so comfortable to carry. No one appreciates a duffle with straps that dig into the shoulders, am I right? Being so spacious, there is room to fit so much in here; travel or camping items, school supplies, thanksgiving leftovers… Kidding… I ate them all :)

Thanksgiving has come and gone but I’m reminded to give thanks to our brave men and women who serve; past, present and future.

I’m so honored to photograph fine products from local artisans! Discover more 40th parallel products at http://www.40th-parallel.com or pop into Madcap & Co. in downtown Lancaster, PA.

Love,

&annabelle