Context

A garden apron and tool roll designed to carry and store tools, crafted from materials that can safely return to the earth.

Indigo supports the daily needs of gardeners — keeping tools organized, hands free, and harvests close. Rooted in Cradle to Cradle principles, every material was chosen for how it performs and for where it goes at the end of its life.

Research

Sustainable options are too limited. Versatile ones are made without consideration.

Looking at the market across two axes — how well a product functions and how it's made — revealed a consistent gap. Tool rolls are sustainable but limited. Synthetic aprons are versatile but made to be thrown away.

Sustainably Made Environmentally Damaging Limited Usability Versatility

Indigo

Competitive landscape: sustainably made vs. versatility

Ideation

From context to form.

The process started by mapping where and how gardeners work, then explored a wide range of forms before converging on one. The final design wears as an apron, stores tools in a roll, and collapses into a compact bundle for transport.

Garden context sketches

Early concept sketches — form exploration

Early concept exploration

Form refinement — apron, tool roll, worn views

Storyboard — garden use scenarios

Final design combines the apron and tool roll into one multifunctional piece

Construction

Pattern to prototype.

Pattern cut on 14oz raw selvedge denim

Pocket assembly, rivet placement

Completed pocket layout

Materials

Conscious material choices.

14oz Raw Selvedge DenimWoven on shuttle looms for a tighter, more durable weave with minimal fraying and low-waste cutting.
Cotton Canvas WebbingStrong enough for daily use without synthetic reinforcement. Holds shape over years of wear.
Steel RivetsPress-applied for lasting pocket reinforcement. No adhesives used anywhere in construction.
Stainless Steel G-HooksChosen for corrosion resistance and long-term hardware durability in outdoor conditions.

In context