A good friend of mine that lives in Olympia asked me for a favor. Would I sew something to donate for her son’s preschool. Each year they do a silent auction to raise funds for the next year and general maintenance. I said yes and asked what she thought would be a good donation item, she asked for a bag.
I had no idea which pattern I would do. I bounced ideas of Kristy from Hopeful Threads and then saw Katie from the Littlest Thistle’s review of the Tohoku Tote as part of Purse Palooza this year. I fell in love and knew this was the tote to make. The pattern and tutorial are by I am Momma – Hear Me Roar.
At Anne’s birthday party I had my friend pick out the main fabric and went from there.
I usually don’t sew with such busy prints so this was a bit of challenge for me, especially when it came time to match up with print in the pleat. I decided to make a little wallet to go with it. Sweeten the deal for whomever wins the purse.
The tote didn’t have a zippered pocket in the tutorial but I added one because I always like a secure place to store my keys when I’m out. I thought the winner might appreciate that.
I used A Valori Wells Designs sewing card called “Little Wallet” that I picked up 3 years ago at Sew Expo to make a matching wallet. The best part of the whole purse and wallet set was that I had ALL of the supplies in my stash, right down to the pearl snaps and the pop of color zipper I added to the pocket. I love when I can avoid a trip to the store and sew with what I own. I even had all of the interfacings I needed!
Finally a simple picture of the tote hanging up. I am very pleased with how it turned out and I hope it fetches a good price for the preschool. In October the school was struck by lightning causing over $10,000 worth of damage, they need every penny! If you are local to Olympia, WA, the auction is this Saturday, Dec 7th, and I can get you more information!
This turned out so beautiful Melissa! What a nice gift!
She will be delighted with your donation! What a wonderful thing to do for a friend.
Looking good! Well done.
Oh how gorgeous! I’m sure the women will flock to be the new owner!
Awesome job! I’m sure it will sell well, and make money for the school!
How sweet of you to help out. What a beautiful bag that is, too. I love how you take things and make them your own with your additions.
Very cute, you did a great job on it! Now you can tackle bigger bags :oD
Fabulous.She will be delighted!
Totally fabulous! I’d love one myself! You did a great job for a good cause.
This is so beautiful! I love the fabric!!
I love it!! Such a great pay it fwd! Love the pattern! Love the colors you chose, too!
<3
K-
Love that bag Melissa! Great color choices too!
What a great bag! I hope they do well with their auction! I bet your bag will help a lot! 🙂
This purse is so cute! I would bid on it. You are such a kind and generous friend to donate this bag for the auction. I think I’d want to keep it for myself.