A tote purse for Liz

I've had this idea to make a tote purse for Liz for a long time - something a little bigger to use as a purse that you could throw a book in, on your way out the door.  But not so big that you end up lugging everything around and hate carrying such a heavy bag.  Just right - but on the big side. 

So...

Here it is!

The sides are made from an old pair of kids jeans - and include the back pockets.  The outside is patchwork - done with a quilt as you go method.  Then a couple of 1/2 square triangles cut down to diamonds appliqued on both the front and back add a little something something.

 

I wanted to include one sneaky little dragon on this for some reason.  I think I want to add something whimsical to everything - but in this case I didn't want it to look like it was for a child... so I suppressed the urge to inclue pom pom trim.  

But I did include a Laverne and Shirley style "L" on one side.  Liz mentioned a long time ago that she liked that "L" and somehow it stuck with me.  Funny the things I remember.  The straps are added with little loops of fabric and metal hardware, so they'll lie down flat.  First time I've used this method to add straps.  

 

I hope she likes it!!!  Happy Birthday Liz!