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Tote Progress

Along with the crochet project I'm also working on my calendar tote project a little at a time when my hands allow.

After deconstructing the black canvas bag serving as the foundation, I handsewed a layer of batting to the outside.

Now I'm piecing the patchwork out of silver, black and garnet colored fabrics and scraps on top of the batting, also sew by hand (although I will use the sewing machine if my fingers stop cooperating.)

Back in the 80's (yep, I have been quilting that long) I worked in darker, jewel-toned colors, but as I've aged I've gravitated more toward lighter and neutral/natural shades. Red usually makes me nervous, but not this time. This palette does invoke my grandmother for me, and I loved her very much. Working on this has brought back lots of happy memories from when I started quilting, and has helped keep my spirits up during this month, too.

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