Swap Tote Bag

I am participating in a few swaps over on Flickr and for one we are making tote bags. I really struggled with ideas because my partner likes bright colors and low volume text prints. I have really wanted to play with plus blocks, so I finally just dove in yesterday and came up with this bag. It measures 16 x 16 x 4 inches a pretty good size. I used 2 layers of fusible fleece, so it is pretty sturdy.

I machine quilted it vertically every half inch and used scraps. I also quilted the lining the same way.

I thought the front was so busy, I would just use a solid on the back. It is not solid but a smallish red check.

I used a low volume text print for the lining. I put red pockets on each side for storage.

Today, I plan on working on a goodie to go inside, tidying up my sewing room, and some handwork for my Let It Snow BOM embroidery quilt. I have to go to a charity event that I am on the board for, but I would really just prefer to stay in my sweats and enjoy the rainy, gray day in my sewing room! Our computer died earlier this week, so I am learning how to navigate with Windows 8, it is significantly different, so I have a big learning curve...