Secret Santa Gift

A few months ago I joined the Music City Modern Quilt Guild. For the month of December they are throwing a holiday party. They organized a Secret Santa. To participate meant I would have to put my in progress quilt project on hold. I’m glad I signed up. It’s good for me to get involved, and it pushed me to work a little differently than I would normally work.

Members had a choice of items to pick from. You could also request fabric preferences. The person I was matched up with did not specify which of the listed items she would prefer, but had pretty specific fabric choices. I moved from Tennessee from Washington. The grey weather of Washington is one reason I never moved back. It’s also one of the reason I prefer bright colors, and avoid grey. Many of the fabrics my Secret Santa partner preferred were not sold at the quilt shop I went to. I was able to find some batiks and grey. She said she preferred grey over black.

I wanted to make something fun, or sophisticated. I found a pattern for a gigantic tote. I was positive this was my direction. Before committing myself, I started to Pinterest totes. I found some sophisticated bags that were woven, or knitted, or sewn canvas. I changed my path and decided to make my own design based on some of the images I collected.

I’m happy with how it turned out. I’m glad I was put into a situation to use colors I wouldn’t normally put together. This is the first tote bag I have made since I was in middle school.

I had to miss the party. I hope my Santa pal is happy with her gift. I have this slight fear about its durability, but I always do after I give something away.

I am not a purse kind of gal, but on occasion I have to carry one. I have one purse. It’s the purse I use when I need one. Last time I used apart of it broke. I was thinking I might get a new one after Christmas, but now I’m thinking I might be able to make something.