Friday, June 27, 2014

Teacher gifts 2014

Although I would have liked to again make full size quilts for the kidlets teachers this year, I knew that there was no way that I could ever get them done in time plus since both kids moved to different schools this year it was a good time to not do that so there wasn't any expectation from future teachers for quilts too.

But I do like to still give the teachers a handmade gift, something useful and pretty. For this year I chose to make tote bags and I used my Boho charms. I modeled my versions after the one made by TeresaDownUnder. First I laid out the charms how I wanted them and sewed them together (the 2 rows in the very middle are actually the bottom of the bag and the row at the bottom of the picture is the top of the opposite side.)
 Then I added the Bella Sienna strip.
 I quilted it with the Honeycomb design with my domestic machine Lucy. I love that this is so fast and easy, 45 minutes from start to finish for both panels.
 I added handles in the same solid fabric.
 Here is the finished result. I'm really pleased with the way it turned out.
 I didn't want to over quilt it but I think this is just the right amount. I used Cocoa Essentials thread from Connecting Threads.
 I used one of the prints from the line for the lining and added a small pocket on each side using leftover charms.
 This tote is a great size for being on the go, big enough for books or to use as a purse but not so huge like a beach bag.
 Jammer picked that one for his teacher and Sunshine chose this other version for her teacher. I used the other colorways of the Boho line, the Pink and the Yellow prints, for this one. Here is the Pink side.
 And here is the Yellow side. I used Bella Paper Bag for the solid strip and handles.
 This time I quilted a line 1st going down the middle of the panels corner to corner. Then I added 2 more lines on either side of the 1st one. Then I moved over 1 inch and quilted 3 more lines diagonal across the panel. I continued on that way until I got to the end and then flipped it around to do from the middle to the other corner. Again this was fast and easy and I like the look. I originally thought that I'd do the same in the other direction but once I finished the 1st direction, I decided that I didn't want to add any more. I used the Taupe Essentials thread from Connecting Threads.
This one also got a couple of pockets, made with leftover charms. They are just big enough for a cell phone and a set of keys.
 The evening before they were being gifted I quickly ran outside to grab these photos.
 The wind was picking up good because of the incoming thunderstorms so getting some good shots was a challenge.
 I love how colorful and cheery they both are and the teachers were pleased as punch to receive them along with the gift cards that I tucked into the pocket.
I will definitely make these totes again though I'll tweak the instructions a bit the next time.
Whew! Teacher gifts done this year speedy quick and I wasn't as stressed out. That is a good thing. I'm linking up today with a few parties!
Fort Worth Fabric Studio Blog

11 of you added your own colorful comments:

Tanya Quilts in CO said...

Those are perfect teacher gifts. Of course they were thrilled! I am a teacher and I assure you a handmade, useful, beautiful tote bag is right on target. Well done!

Becky (My Fabric Obsession) said...

Those are beautiful!! I did totes for my kids teachers one year and they loved them!! At the moment they have 15 teachers, so that ain't happening! LOL

Paula@TheSassyQuilter said...

What great gifts! Love the fabrics you used. Awesome Totes:)

Lesley said...

Your totes are wonderful! Super gifts for the teachers!

Gina said...

Gorgeous bags and great gifts. xxx

beaquilter said...

great gifts..did you see the bags I was making, a bit tricky but fun bags

Needled Mom said...

I want to be a teacher!!! Those are fantastic.

Vicki said...

These are great! Those are 2 VERY lucky teachers.

PugMom said...

What a lovely gift! I'm sure the teachers will really appreciate them and USE them!

StitchinByTheLake said...

When I was teaching I would have LOVED getting one of these! blessings, marlene

Anonymous said...

I have found that no one can have too many of these bags! Leaving a couple in the car, one by the door at home to grab quick, a couple in DH's pick-up, etc, etc. Wonderful choice and yours are too cute!!! No wonder they were a 'hit'!!!!