Quick and Easy Summer Fun Totes!

I thought you all might like to see some totes that I whipped up!  They were quick and easy to make, and I used the Green Pepper market tote pattern (yes, I actually used a pattern, but there’s a reason for that).

totes.jpg    mat.jpg rotary.jpg

The pattern is basically a large rectangle, and a small one for the pocket, so I just used my Comfort-Grip Rotary Cutter and Fiskars mat to cut my fabric.   It was very simple and easy to put together, even the straps! I made one for a boy, and one for a girl. 

 

Now, the reason I used a pattern:

 A while back, the ladies from ConKerr Cancer  had gone to sew with some kids at a nearby school that serves low-income, challenged children.  The plan was to have the kids make a pillowcase for Conkerr Cancer, and then they could make one for themselves (after it was determined that each child had a pillow - that’s how low-income these kids are).  Well, the kids were amazing, so the ladies wanted to do something for the kids.  They have a school picnic at their teachers house at the end of the year, and were in need of towels, sunscreen, etc.  It was decided to make a tote for each child, and fill it with sunscreen, a beach towel, a book and a small toy.  We wanted all of the totes to be the same style, hence the pattern.  One of my sewing buddies, Irene, had just had surgery, so she said she’d buy the stuffings if I would make two totes.  Here are the totes all stuffed and ready to go:

totes girls.bmp totes boys.bmp totes teach.bmp

We even made a special one for the teacher!  The kids loved them!

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32 Responses to “Quick and Easy Summer Fun Totes!”

  1. connie #2909 says:

    Rebecca what cute totes! I finally have my sewing machine out of the box and threaded and one of the first things (other than sewing on scrapbook pages) was to do a pillow case for the cancer patients. This was a great idea for the kids and they will be so happy to receive this!

  2. Jeannie #5377 says:

    Rebecca you are so kind and giving! May God bless you! The totes are great!

  3. Rosalee says:

    Those totes are so amazing. Great job Rebecca.

  4. Linda #4949 says:

    These are adorable!! I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t want to post a picture if I attempted to make one. You gals just amaze me…Bless you!!

  5. Laura #1943 says:

    These are just adorable and I’m sure they will be cherished !!

  6. Connie #627 says:

    what a awesome thing o do !!!

  7. Laura #5939 says:

    Rebecca - that is SO COOL!!!! Almost makes me want to get back to my sewing machine! WTG supporting the kids

  8. kimberlee #2494 says:

    Those are so cool and the colors are great for kids! What a great thing to do for them. Love it.

  9. Debby 2852 says:

    Rebecca this is awesome. What a great inspriation you are to use your gifts to bring joy to others. Wonderful job.

  10. Meghan E says:

    How wonderful!

  11. kim3timemom #2117 says:

    Rebecca, that is so cool. I love that pattern..and what a neat idea for those children…I bet it was such a blessing to them.

  12. Pinky #3405 says:

    wHAT An easy and fantastic idea!!!!!

  13. Stampingal #3510 says:

    Amazing..These totes are so adorable..so bright and cheerful.May God bless your generous heart!

  14. Carol 6158 says:

    The totes are great, Rebecca. And I’m sure the kids will appreciate them and the “stuffing” so very much. WTG!

  15. maryannehoekman5271 says:

    what great totes!!! what a great cause as well! If you need any help sewing totes, I would be happy to give them a try!

  16. Tifany #5942 says:

    Awesome - what a fantastic idea!

  17. Colleen #2970 says:

    Those totes are so functional and cute. I totally love the idea. I am trying to find some sort of service project for my children’s 4-H clubs. please keep posting the ideas.

  18. Tona #4437 says:

    How wonderful! I can just imagine how thrilled those children were.
    You’re the best, Rebecca!!

  19. Patty 2832 says:

    Rebecca, you are such a sweetheart! I know those kids will be thrilled with these! The totes are so cute and how thoughtful! I especially love the teachers tote’s fabric, so pretty!

    Big hugs and God Bless you !

  20. Lesa #5200 says:

    Great job! Those totes are marvelous and a true blessing for the children. You and your ladies have big generous hearts and hands. Thank you so much for sharing.

  21. Amanda #1485 says:

    These totes look lovely! I can imagine how touched those kids were to get them. Bless you for being so giving.

  22. RobinV #4844 says:

    You are truly a wonderful giving person. What a blessing you are to all you help.

  23. Merlene #1166 says:

    What a great cause Rebecca!

  24. Julie O. says:

    They are soooo cute! Can’t believe you just ‘whiped them up!’ LOL!

  25. kim3timemom #2117 says:

    Hey Rebecca…I need to purchase that pattern for a sewing class that I’m going to teach..this would be a great beginning project for them to make..just a quick question..what size are the bags you made? Small, Med or Large?

  26. wanda #5068 says:

    Rebecca, I love the totes idea. I know the children must have been thrilled to have gotten one. Thank you for sharing this wonderful cause with us! I appreciate your giving spirit. Hugs

  27. Shannon says:

    I love this! What a wonderful idea. And they turned out so amazing!

  28. Laura B says:

    beautiful totes and the bears are even dressed. Outstanding

  29. Susan #5746 says:

    Rebecca, you are very special! I am sure the children were thrilled.

  30. Mary #135 says:

    Love these totes! What a great idea!

  31. Suzi #5563 says:

    What’s not to love?!! I know you touched many a heart!

  32. Angela #3100 says:

    Those totes are awesome. What a fabulous idea for those children!

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