Sunday, May 2, 2010

Tote Virgins


It all started in Kim's Kristmas Klass last fall.  One of the items she had on a long list for us to make for Kristmas was a tote.  She had all the bells and whistles on her cute sample tote and the pattern for us to make one in klass along with the tons of other Kristmas stuff.  Most of us just quietly sat there and wondered where the heck to begin, we were so blown away from the projects she had for us - truly some of the neatest Kristmas things I have seen.  (fyi - she had peppermint designs in everything....)  

Oh, back to the tote story - In my recollection.... 
Someone quietly said, "But, I have never made a tote."  Then another voice said, "I have never made a tote either."  Another said, "I have never made a tote either."  It was like popcorn popping all over the classroom, only instead of the popping sound it was,  "I have never made a tote."  Then someone said, "We are a bunch of tote virgins."  Well, that was all it took for us to loosen up and with our hooting and howling she lost complete control of the Klass.  We were not quiet about it all after our confessions about being tote virgins and we begged Kim to create a class for us.

She did!  Picnic Tote and Quilt Class (aka For Idiot Tote Virgins....)
on May 1st.  Who new there was so many of us....

You can check out her post for all the technical details, since it was my "maiden voyage" I do not feel confident in passing on the ins and outs of how to make a tote.  HOW EVER!  I made a tote in class.  From beginning to end!  It was so cool, and we had a blast working together.  Each tote and quilt was completely different and it was fun to see how each one progressed.  We made the basic quilt block for the quilt and brought  it  home to follow in the construction of the picnic quilt.  I am excited.  My quilt will be out of these same fabrics plus some other pieces from the same line.

Inside of my tote.


Goodies that Kim gave us in class.  Two plastic bases to go in the bottom of two totes.  She had them pre-cut for us, special, and her DH sanded off each of edges and corners to make them smooth.  I have to make a cover for mine and pop it into the bottom of my tote.  She also made up lavender sachet bags for each of us.  I have mine beside me right now and it is fresh and oh, so nice.  I do not have pictured the pattern and the cute notepad and mechanical pencil she gave each of us.  Also, I do not have a picture of the picnic luncheon that she made for us.  Fried chicken fingers, two salads (one macaroni and one fruit).  I think I forgot something...  For dessert she had ice cream bars and cones!


I made it, I made it - thanks to Kim!
It was Lindy's (Quilt Shop owner of Bearpaws and Hollyhocks) birthday.  Kim being the thoughtful and generous person that she is had a card for us all to sign for Lindy and the tiara with birthday candles on it.  Lindy could not stop laughing.  She is such a good sport she wore it around the shop for the rest of the afternoon.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you had peace this weekend.





10 comments:

Orcsmom said...

You ladies were off the hook yesterday!! I came home, and was exhausted!! Lots of cute totes were made!

Hugs!

Pam

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

That's a lovely tote. I like all the pockets inside it.

Sandy from Thimbleberries said...

Well, I finally figured out how to leave you a comment. I had a great time Saturday. It is so much fun to be with quilters. We laughed and teased each other. Your tote looks great. I can't wait to finish mine.
Sandy

Anonymous said...

Your tote is delightful...I was at Kim's blog earlier and saw so many great fabric choices for the totes! Enjoyed!!!

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

AWESOME! I love it!! Looks great and I can't wait to see your quilt to go with it. Great job, Gran!

Jan said...

Oh Gran, I adore the tote! You my dear did an awesome job :) I remember when I finished my first tote ... I thought I was queen of the world (LOL). Loved the post below too ... awesome pictures and so happy that I have another Blog to follow. Eileen sounds like a wonderful lady and how kind of her to gift you that gorgeous TR!!! I had no idea that you were a Breast Cancer Survivor ... hugs to you and Praises going up :)

Mona said...

Hi Gran! First off, let me comment on your new blog look. I love it! It's so bright and vivid (just like you) and your pictures are gorgeous! Good job. I love, love, love the fabrics you chose for the tote. Never any question that you could make one. But you finished it! Yeah! I can just see you with your little grandbabies on a picnic. And lastly, I had so much fun at the tea party. You really go all out and we all felt so special. Talking and stitching with all the ladies was relaxing and fun. Just what the doctor ordered. Have a fun week and I'll see you soon. Love, Mona

Pat / Silver Thimble Quilt Co. said...

I love your tote..what fun. Happy Birthday to Lindy.
Pat

quiltmom anna said...

What a nice tote you created- I could not have joined your tote virgin group- I used to make tote bags from pre-quilted fabric and bias tape- I had forgotten about them. I have not made the more complicated version that you made with Kim.
Sounds like a terrific way to spend a day..
Regards,
Anna

StitchinByTheLake said...

I've just found your blog and I'm thrilled to meet someone else who loves embroidery. The tote is wonderful and what a great pattern - do you know the name of it? blessings, marlene