A friend’s little boy just had his first birthday! After “toying” (ha!) with a couple different gift ideas, I decided it was a good opportunity to try this reversible tote I had seen on Dana’s amazing blog a little while back. I’ve given totes as gifts before, and they are always a big hit. Really, who doesn’t need a cute little bag for playdates, outings to the library, or just to store stuff in around the house!?! After a quick assessment of what I had on-hand in my fabric stash, I set off to make this bag a one-of-a-kind gift, including an appliquéd monogram and my twist on the stars and stripes!
Lots more pictures after the jump!

I can’t say enough about this tutorial – it was easy to follow and the bag’s design is awesome! I can’t wait to  make some more in some other fabrics. I just LOVE the reversibility of it. Instead of using four different fabrics, I used the same fabrics on the inside and outside of my bag, just in opposite locations!

I didn’t use the heavy-weight fabric she recommended so it didn’t turn out quite as sturdy as I hoped! My stripes are a home decor fabric, but not as stiff as some (and didn’t fully realize it until the bag was mostly done!). The stars are a light-weight cotton, so it definitely serves more as a lining than a true reversible look…but I just love that bottom with the stripes making a checkered pattern, don’t you?!?

Since the tote is definitely more of a gift for Mom rather than the one-year-old, I tucked in some age-appropriate puzzles for the birthday boy!

I made a cute coordinating birthday card using MDS and tied it right on to the tote like it was a gift bag!

Such a fun project and such a fun gift! The possibilities are endless..I can’t wait to make some more totes to tote around all our stuff!
I am linking this post to:

The 36th AvenuePositively SplendidLil'Luna

See You Soon!
Megan