This one-of-a-kind Bumbee bag has been created by London-based fashion designer and artist Bethany Williams for TOAST Renewed, using items from past TOAST collections that have been either damaged or returned to our warehouse. Made from handwoven willow and crochet patchwork with a hand-carved wooden handle.

“Bumbee means bumblebee in Manx Gaelic. The bag is inspired by traditional bumbee cages, a woven rattle given to children by their parents,” says Bethany. “I worked with John Dog Callister, who interpreted this traditional shape in willow, making it larger and transforming it into the form of a Hop-tu-Naa lantern, which connects to celebrations around the changing seasons and the return of light through winter. I then worked with Alice Morell Evans to develop crochet panels from waste knit brought through the TOAST Circle programme and sample swatches from previous collections. The handle has been hand-carved by Alice’s father. The idea is that the bag becomes a lantern, symbolically holding light - the light that we carry within ourselves. For me, light is not always bright; sometimes it is soft or almost hidden. It is about having the courage to keep going and allowing the light to return.”

Handwoven willow. Crochet patchwork. Hand-carved wooden handle. Lid opening.

This style is part of TOAST Renewed By, our limited-edition collaboration series, which sees garments transformed by guest artists through traditional textile handcrafts, honouring both their past and their potential future.

Willow & wool.
Made in the United Kingdom.
As this piece has been repaired, extra care should be taken when cleaning. It is also best to avoid jewellery that may catch or snag.

Renewed Bumbee Bag By Bethany Williams

AUD 1,180.00
Colour: Blue Multi
Size: One Size UK Size
Style Code: RNABA00

This one-of-a-kind Bumbee bag has been created by London-based fashion designer and artist Bethany Williams for TOAST Renewed, using items from past TOAST collections that have been either damaged or returned to our warehouse. Made from handwoven willow and crochet patchwork with a hand-carved wooden handle.

“Bumbee means bumblebee in Manx Gaelic. The bag is inspired by traditional bumbee cages, a woven rattle given to children by their parents,” says Bethany. “I worked with John Dog Callister, who interpreted this traditional shape in willow, making it larger and transforming it into the form of a Hop-tu-Naa lantern, which connects to celebrations around the changing seasons and the return of light through winter. I then worked with Alice Morell Evans to develop crochet panels from waste knit brought through the TOAST Circle programme and sample swatches from previous collections. The handle has been hand-carved by Alice’s father. The idea is that the bag becomes a lantern, symbolically holding light - the light that we carry within ourselves. For me, light is not always bright; sometimes it is soft or almost hidden. It is about having the courage to keep going and allowing the light to return.”

Handwoven willow. Crochet patchwork. Hand-carved wooden handle. Lid opening.

This style is part of TOAST Renewed By, our limited-edition collaboration series, which sees garments transformed by guest artists through traditional textile handcrafts, honouring both their past and their potential future.

Willow & wool.
Made in the United Kingdom.
As this piece has been repaired, extra care should be taken when cleaning. It is also best to avoid jewellery that may catch or snag.

Cotton Care Guide

Cotton is a versatile, comfortable and breathable fabric and is easy to look after. At TOAST, we love cotton for its ability to take dye and retain bright colours and intricate prints.

Obtained from the fibres surrounding the soft seed pods of the cotton plant, cotton is a natural and biodegradable fibre that has been used since antiquity. The fibres are cleaned and spun into threads before being made into a variety of fabrics, from denim and corduroy to poplin and twills.

How to wash

Cotton can be washed at 30 degrees in the machine with similar colours. Try to wash your cotton less frequently to maintain the shape, colour, and quality of your garment.

How to dry & store

Reshape your garment whilst damp by holding the side seams together and shaking. Cotton is best dried flat or hanging to prevent the need for ironing. If an item requires ironing, then it is best to do so whilst slightly damp or using the steam setting.

Hang your cotton clothes away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

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