Last month one of Violet's teachers asked me if I would make a custom bag...for another of Violet's teachers. I, of course, was happy to squeeze it in! We have been so lucky in each of our school years to get amazing teachers for each of the kids...and this year is no different, Violet adores her two teachers this year. That being said, I am always a bit nervous when it comes to making custom orders. I worry that they won't like the fabrics I chose or the pattern or the pockets, etc. etc...It makes me even more nervous when I'm making a custom order for someone else to gift!
Anywho...I moved passed my apprehension (one of Violet's vocabulary words this year) and the result was a pretty amazing bag...I think!
The idea was a "big teacher bag", she loves black and white with pops of color (like turquoise, purple or pink...) and geometrics...like chevron.
The poolside tote pattern from Noodlehead seemed like the perfect "throw it all in there" size...
And, while the fabric isn't exactly black and white, it's more of a greyish blue...and it's certainly not chevron, but arrows...when I found it at Joann it seemed perfect! I paired it with some black denim (from Imagine Gnats) straps which I think gives it just the perfect amount of black.
The inside is turquoise chambray with polka dots for the facing and a little ruler twill tape to hold a key fob...
I used turquoise for the topstitching as well for a little pop of color on the outside of the bag...
And, who doesn't love a bit of a gold touch...
I really love the way the bag turned out. Large, functional and pretty!
I know that the teacher who ordered it was pleased...and I'm hoping that the gift recipient loved it too! This was the first poolside tote I've made and it really is such a great pattern...simple enough but with fun pocket options as well. I'm thinking I might, at some point, have to make one for myself...
Of course, after making something for one teacher to gift to the other...I couldn't/wouldn't pass up the opportunity to make something for each of them as well...
I whipped up a little round fabric "bucket" for each teacher with that same black denim on the inside and Cotton and Steel Trinket Pens (left from Violet's backpack) on the exterior (also one of Violet's vocabulary words, hahaha!).
Inside the fabric buckets were tucked some goodies and gift cards (inside handmade leather gift card wallets tutorial over at Petit a Petit and Family) from the class...
because I think gifting a gift inside a gift is alway an extra special bonus! Right?
Have a great day!
