Patriotic Tote Bag

This little tote bag marks several items off of my To Do List. 

First of all, for the pocket I used the 6-inch crazy quilt block I created last year for my Crazy Quilt Journal Project 2014 (CQJP 2014) July Block. My goal was to create a purse for every block last year, so one more is now complete!

Second, I created the tote by (loosely) following this tutorial from mommaspocketbook.com that I found on Pinterest. So, I am linking this post with Stop Pinning and Make Something at A Focused Journey. (If you are interested in joining, the rules are here.)

Third, this will be a Christmas gift, so I will be sharing it at 1 Xmas Item a Month.

I had a difficult time photographing the completed tote bag. So, here are a few close-ups.

Here is a close-up of the outside pocket. The tutorial calls for an 8-inch square. My block was a 6-inch square, so it is smaller than the one used in the pattern. I love it anyway! The seams were all created using beaded stitches Sharon B. shared with Take a Stitch Tuesday (TAST) last year. The dragonfly is a piece of white lace I purchased. And I created the white spider using 2 sizes of white pearl beads.

Here is a close-up of the front of the tote.

And this is the back. I used Susan Winget Stars on Wood fabric for the exterior.

Here is a peek at the interior pocket. It is hard to tell in the photo, but there are faint U.S. flags beneath the words in this American Valor Fabric from quiltingtreasures.com. (I think I purchased this at a quilt store. I looked on-line and do not think it is still available.)

This will be a Christmas gift for someone that served in the United States armed forces. I do hope the recipient will like it!

Thank you so much for stopping by!
Renee

P.S.
I have all of the fabric out needed to finally make a Christmas stocking with the Alma Lynne Santa cross-stitch I have shared with you the past few months. I will be piecing the front tomorrow and hope to have progress to share next month!