I am working on this for an end of year present for my oldest son's teacher. She is from Texas and loves cowboy/Western themes. I originally was going to make her a rooster kitchen set complete with coasters, potholders, towels & placemats but decided to make her a tote bag. When I saw this pattern it was just screaming her name so I did it....

I have to admit I'm not quite done with it. I need to cut a plastic canvas oval and fabric cover it for the base - and tack down the lining/outer at the bottom seams but those won't take long at all.

I wanted to get started early on the end of year gifts - so they were done!! Last year I slacked off and had to buy a box of candy for each teacher... which stinks. I would much rather make them something I know they'll love and use.

So here's my cowgirl tote link to the tutorial!
http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/projec...ote-bag_1.html

I admit that I did change the layout a bit. I don't like the seam on the side of the bag as done in the pattern so I just changed where to lay the pattern on the fold Wink Easy Peasy and makes it look a lot nicer.

I also made the inside pocket a lot bigger. I have to say I was so tempted to have bib straps come down on the inside pocket. It just reminds me of overalls!!
I put a pair of reading glasses in the pocket so you guys could get a better look at it lol. Those won't be in there when I give it to her - they're definitely not her style!

Oooh- forgot to mention that I opted to not quilt this bag. I kind of regret it but I really really wanted it to be quick and easy peasy nice and cheesy know what I mean? I'll probably quilt the next one I do. It was a nice enough pattern and made a nice looking bag in the end. It looks sooo much nicer in person!

What's not to love about that??? Great job!

Ditter

Cute, she will love it.

I love it so much bec i am thinking of doing one the whole two days but nothing yet

Love it and I know the teacher will love it also. What a great present.

If she doesn't just love it I will be totally amazed.. I adore it and I'm not even into Western stuff.

You did a fantastic job!!! She'll absolutely love it. Where did you find the outside fabric? I would love to get some.

very cowgirl :)

Sadly the outer - and inner - fabrics I picked up second hand from a thrift store that sells donated yardage. I didn't honestly think that I'd ever use it - and I actually sold a lot of it but found a bit that was overlooked before my last yard sale.... I'm glad I found it - it's just perfect for her!

If I ever see more like it I'll definitely let you know. It's pretty cool Western fabric :)