passing it on

My daughter and I had an impromptu bag making session yesterday.  I had picked up Lotta Jansdotter's book last week and we were inspired by her simple and stylish tote bags.

So rather than let her waste the day away whilst watching TV, (GAH!) we dragged out all my fabric and played with the colors and textures.  It was fun to see her intuitively pass over lightweight blousy fabrics and focus on finding something sturdy.  Already practical!  That didn't keep her from falling in love with a sweet chinese water color blouse print that I had bought a while back and never used.  Couldn't pass up the rich colors!  Anyway, we decided that it might work as a ruffle on the edge of the bag, so she might be able to use it after all.

Natural Canvas, a fat quarter green blend, and our fancy Chinese print in tow, we trekked downstairs and began our little 3 hour project.  Et Voila!

 

I just couldn't resist binding the seams with the green fab and adding a little hanging pocket for her iPod.  Her machine skills are a little shaky, but I blamed it on my old Brother needing a tune up.  ;)  She was so pleased with herself. 

And I was, too.  Because more than the bag, she got a few hours with mom without her little sister and made progress towards her dream of design...  I love that my daughters will sew, too.