Lisa's Tote
July 22, 2008
For my end of the swap with Lisa, I made her a tote bag.
I used Anna Maria Horner's Drawing Room fabric and some brown linen from the stash. The inside is lined in a pale pink linen and has a pocket, too.
I love adding personalized details to the gifts I make so I embroidered Lisa's initials on the pocket and trimmed it with some ribbon I had on hand. I think the ribbon came from Blair. (Am I right, Blair?). The tote is about the same size as the wool patchwork one I made for myself.
OK - that's all I have for this Tuesday. Fatty's gone home, my parents are off to meet the newest family member who is being born today and the girls are at day camp. I think I will knit - and maybe take a nap. Sounds like a plan.
Beautiful tote! I love the little personal touches!
Posted by: denitza | July 22, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Knitting and a nap sounds heavenly.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | July 22, 2008 at 11:46 AM
swapping is such a good thing. happy knitting and napping. sounds divine.
Posted by: emily | July 22, 2008 at 12:35 PM
ooh i love that. i gotta get me some of that new amh fabric. so pretty!
Posted by: melissa s. | July 22, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Oh..the tote is adorable! Lisa is very lucky, indeed.
I wish I had the luxury of a nap and knitting. I hope you have a marvelous day!
Posted by: Katie | July 22, 2008 at 01:15 PM
love that pocket!
hope you have a great day!
Posted by: katie | July 22, 2008 at 01:17 PM
too cute!! i finally bought some of this fabric as well, and am still not sure which bag to make with it!!
Posted by: natalie | July 22, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Pretty tote, I love the plan for knitting and a nap. Wish I could do that.
Posted by: Senja | July 22, 2008 at 02:18 PM
That sure sounds like a good plan to me! The tote looks great :)
Posted by: beki | July 22, 2008 at 02:19 PM
I have been eyeing that fabric and your tote is perfect for it! enjoy the rest...
Posted by: cindy | July 22, 2008 at 02:43 PM
What a great swap!
Posted by: caroline | July 22, 2008 at 03:10 PM
I like that the bottom is darker. The bottom of my purse always seems to get dirtier than the rest. Its pretty! I like it!
Posted by: Ana | July 22, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Gorgeous tote! The dark fabric on the bottom is so well thought out!
Posted by: Rachel | July 22, 2008 at 03:30 PM
What a lovely tote!
Posted by: Teresa | July 22, 2008 at 03:33 PM
What a wonderful idea to swap. You both made/received beautiful items. Lovely.
Posted by: Mary | July 22, 2008 at 07:18 PM
what a great swap! I love what lisa gave you, and I love what you gave her. Enjoy your nap :)
Posted by: kat | July 22, 2008 at 07:33 PM
Your plan sounds just delicious. That bag is beautiful, too. I love the little details, from your label, to the ribbon, and embroidered initials. Very special! You're lucky that you get to meet a new little human, too. I love dear little babies. Have a great Tuesday.
xox,
Linnea
Posted by: Linnea | July 22, 2008 at 11:15 PM
what a great swap! the tote bag is fantastic. the monogrammed pocket is a beautiful touch.
Posted by: amandajean | July 22, 2008 at 11:32 PM
love the bag and the plan! hope you got a great knit and maybe a nap.
Posted by: heidi | July 22, 2008 at 11:45 PM
Thats gorgeous! I love the personal touches - so thoughtful! And what a lovely pendant you have in return - great swap!
Posted by: maxine | July 23, 2008 at 04:55 AM
it's lovely, those fabrics are gorgeous!
Posted by: Péitseoga | July 23, 2008 at 07:45 AM
Oh I love these- its so fun that it's personalized! She's going to love it.
xo
Posted by: **Morgan** | July 23, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Such a lovely bag and the personal details are perfect.
Posted by: Sonya | July 23, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Wow! That's just beautiful. I love the details, the fabric combinations, everything.
Posted by: Virginia | July 23, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Lisa's a lucky gal!
Posted by: Tracy | July 23, 2008 at 12:24 PM
it's beautiful!
Posted by: nicole | July 23, 2008 at 12:56 PM
So cute!
Posted by: Stacy T | July 23, 2008 at 02:07 PM
nice tote Erin.. Love it...!
if you have time.. do come to my blog @ snazzynsuch.com.. i have something awaiting for you... :)
Posted by: snazzynsuch | July 23, 2008 at 11:57 PM
Great tote. The brown linen looks so good with that fabric.
A knit and a nap - oh that sounds so lovely.
Posted by: Lil' d | July 24, 2008 at 12:04 AM
As someone who loves to sew handbags and totes as well, I appreciate how creative you are! It's the details that make the process fun and rewarding! I love your blog! Sewing offers me peace from my busy life.
Posted by: Liz | July 24, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Wow. The interior initials totally won me over. What a perfect swap - both pieces are so lovely and perfectly personalized.
Posted by: sulu-design | July 24, 2008 at 10:32 AM
oh beautiful! Just beautiful!
Posted by: blair | August 08, 2008 at 03:53 PM
What a gorgeous tote. I wish I had learned to sew, but I am sewing challenged. About ten years ago my husband gave me his Mother's old Singer sewing machine that he had reconditioned and a gift certificate for a begginers sewing class. I just couldn't seem to get the hang of it. My daughter-in-law can sew beautifully so when she is finished with her training and they get a permanent duty station, I am going to beg her for lessons. Your quilts, totes and and other handmade treats are definitely an inspiration.
Posted by: dragonflydreamer | August 08, 2008 at 05:29 PM