Ode to Summer Tote

Last month I didn't post much about the tote for my calendar project, so here's what happened with it.

It started as another fail, as if May's problems were still clinging to me. The thrifted fabric I chose was too short. My hands wouldn't cooperate with hand-stitching so I doubted I could do any quilting or embroidery. I felt defeated before I even began.

My spiritual studies have taught me that it's important not to linger in the past or worry about what might happen in the future, so I set aside my negative emotions and started problem solving.

I went out and thrifted fabric to solve the shortness issue and to line the tote. I picked out embroidery threads I love from my stash and did a little stitching at a time, as much as my stiff fingers would allow. I embroidered intermeshing circles, which I also love, over as much of the top portion and some of the print as possible.

With this tote I wanted to express my happiness (and relief) over summer's arrival. I may have had a lot of bad news health-wise lately, but I'm determined to stay optimistic. That's why I chose this leaping dolphin silver and abalone pin to embellish the tote. This is my joy, my delight, my summer.

It was not easy, and I definitely had some issues I couldn't solve. Still, I finished the tote on in the early morning hours of June 30th. I think it's one of the prettiest I've made this year.