four totes

Just a few little totes that have made their way out of my studio these past weeks. These two above, for our mamas for Mother's Day. We feel so lucky that our babes know their grandparents so very well - three of them living just on the other side of town. And so spending a bit of time with each of them on Mother's Day was a very special and lovely part of our day.

Another Mother's Day giftie, to my little sister. Recently she asked me to show her how to embroider, and she was completely hooked in a matter of minutes. So sweet. So this was for her - some things of her own to get started with.

And this one, headed to another Mama who inspires me greatly. I think this vintage green floral print is my favorite fabric of the moment, and so just as this bag was finished up, I cut into the last piece to make one for myself.  All that green - I love it. I realize now looking at these last two bags that I've been inspired by Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing more than I realized.

Did anyone catch the PBS series Crafting in America last night? I was seriously wishing we had cable, or at least some bunny ears so I could see it. Jennifer at Craftsanity did her most recent interview with the director of the documentary - I was so inspired just listening to her talk about the process of making the series. I don't know if it will be rerun, but the DVD is available for purchase here.

Happy Thursday! (Short weeks are the best).

Comments

[julia]

beautiful totes! what thoughtful gifts for each individual family member!

[kristin]

wow. that green floral is so pretty. glad you were able to enjoy every last bit of it. it works great as a tote. i also did the "simple sewing" tote for a mother's day gift. i like your addition of buttons. sweet.

[KarenV]

What lovely totes! They're all wonderful, but I particularly like the bottom 2 - great idea!

[jean]

that shape, with linen, is my very fave right now. lotta tote love.

[karen]

I saw some of the installments of Crafting in America. Fantastic. The artists I saw seemed so peaceful - probably because they were doing what they love.

[jennifer]

lovely totes and such a sweet gift. we are also fortunate that our children have all four grandparents within 20-25 minutes of our home and see them frequently. although i thought once i moved to vermont, that i was there for good, but here we are in ohio. funny how life takes you places. if you're lucky, you can enjoy it with family along the way.

i recorded some of the craft in america pieces overnight on our DVR and look forward very much to taking it all in, knitting needles clicking away. you might be able to view it on pbs.org, which has amazing archives and state-of-the-art video streaming. or try calling your local pbs station and requesting a video copy through your public library. (pbs and the public library - now that's a terrific combo!)

[Stefani]

Such thoughtful gifts, Amanda! But then, consider the source :-)

[rhea]

Great blog, Soule Mama!!!
That's great to get your sister into embroidery. Crafting in general is so addictive... you just fall into it. In a huge reversal of roles, I taught my Mom to Quilt (and she owns a Fabric shop!) It's so easy to become a fiber junkie!!!

[sarah]

great totes!
i hauled the old vcr out of the basement last night to record crafting in america. if you still have a vcr, i'd be happy to send the tape your way after i watch it this weekend.

[Meredith]

So pretty! I love the way you put colors and fabrics together. I am just beginning to sew, and the Simple Sewing tote is my best project to date.

[Grace]

I love the buttons! All four totes are stunning, as always, Amanda. Beautiful work.

[filambulle]

The last one is for me, right? no? oh well, I must sew one for my mother, one for Al's mother, one for my sister and one for me now.
I just have to find the time, that is easy! (well, maybe not)
Great bags. I wish your sister much pleasure embroidering. I use to do this a lot, I love it, and I kind of miss my linen and silks...
Thanks for the inspiration, and for the reminder. I must think a little bit more of the wonderful ladies around me.
xo

[nina]

short weeks ARE the best....aaah, tomorrow's friday already! love the crafting, and can't wait to get my hands on a copy of lotta's book- i'm on hold at the library, but i know i'm going to have to buy a copy so i can have the patterns, etc. it's the most delicious eye candy ever!

[Melissa]

what lucky mamas and you are such a good sister to give her that giftie as well.

[string*THEORY]

all the bags are beautiful. the craft in america series (i saw 2 of 3 last night & the 3rd will be today with lunch) was amazing! so inspiring...puts things into perspective...all good stuff. i wouldn't mind burning the dvd's for you if your interested...

[Amber]

Those totes are so wonderful. I need to try that photo/fabric thing. I know my mom would LOVE a tote with her grandkids on it---I can just picture here carrying it everywhere!

[Jenna]

wonderful totes! I feel into TV mode last night and lo and behold found that wonderful series....hope your enjoying the long-awaited spring....its already summer here in our new home! Yeesh, 90 degrees today!

[Ginnie]

I love the button fabric on the one tote. I saw Crafting in America, and it was wonderful. You can buy it on DVD or you can watch it on pbs.org. I could watch people make things all day long. I bet your library would get it if you asked them, also.

[Mary-Heather]

I watched all three hours of Crafting in America, and I'm buying the DVD. It was wonderful and I feel like I'm still processing how inspiring I found it. It was so beautiful to see all the creative souls living their passion - and making a living from it - no matter how specific their craft. I just loved it.

[vickie]

i have the sublime stitching kit, it's awesome....so easy to use. I love the bags and the great photo of your kids on the top pic.

[Amy]

Beautiful Totes !!

Did you do the photo copy thing of your son's drawing, or is that fabric pens ??

I am making a memory quilt for my Son's wonderful Preschool teacher, and was inspired by the photo quilt you made for your Meme. I would like to have the children draw a picture, and add some quotes, then sew it up into a quilt. It will be my first...I will send you a photo when it is done...

Your always inspiring me Amanda...thanks...also thanks for turning me onto Crafting in America...going to check that out for sure...can't believe I didn't know about it...

[Stacey]

I DVRd all 3 bits but only watched one last night. It was wonderful...and well-timed as my DH had one of those days that made him question whether he wanted to remain a self-employed artisan. It was inspiring to see Sam Maloof working at 90 years old. I loved Mary Jackson and her granddaughter. Can't wait to watch the others.

[kate]

what an awesome gift for your sister, I bet she'll love it! love all those bags btw, I think I should go home and make a bag tonight!

[joy]

love the button detail on the totes. super cute!

[leslie]

i love those totes, cant wait for a day off to make some myself! i especially love that black and white handle, soooo cool!

[earthchick]

Beautiful work, as always. What sweet ideas for the grandmothers and your little sister.

Bummer about missing the craft show (me too!). When I first cut off our cable after our boys were born, I thought there were zero downsides to not having cable or bunny ears. Now I find that every now and then, there are a few downsides. But they are all PBS-related (esp. now that dh has discovered he can watch The Daily Show online!).

Happy weekend to you and yours!

[littledresses]

you have got to see this! it is girls dresses made from mens shirts!

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=170402.0

[Lizette]

They are lovely totes. Can't like one more than the other :)

[Linda]

Those are lovely! I wish I could sew like that!

[Abigail]

The tote with the drawing is so sweet.