Tote Bag and Placemats, not really related to each other

Well, here we are almost at the end of February.  I sewed a ton leading up to Christmas, blogged most of it in early January, and then disappeared.  Mostly because of work obligations but also because thats how I seem to roll.  Sew for a month or two, blog it all at once, then sew for another month or two, then spill it all on the blog again.  So... its been two months and work obligations have toned down... time to spill a few projects.

These two projects are long lost Christmas presents that didn't get blogged because they didn't get gifted right away.  One family party was rescheduled due to sickness so this post has been sitting in 'draft' mode for quite some time.  The party was this past weekend which reminded me to go back and finally post it.

One of my holiday gifts is this tote bag for my niece.  Nothing too fancy, just a useful and cute bag for whatever twelve-almost-thirteen year olds carry around to and from school and activities.

I embroidered a monogram on the front for her to jazz it up a little.  

The fun outer leaf print was from Hobby Lobby and the lining was more of the leftover knit print from my latest quilt project.

I love piping so a little pop of teal around the top edge seemed appropriate.  

The cut-out shape under the handles is both for fun and also to make a bit more room for putting the bag on your shoulder since the handles are on the short end.  

It was gifted this past weekend and was filled with her art supplies before she even left the party!  

Also gifted at the same party was this next project.  My sister wanted a silverware caddy for her dining table for Christmas.  I couldn't bring myself to give only something store bought so I whipped up some simple placemats and coasters to tuck into the caddy.

They are technically reversible - grey knit print on one side and a cool charcoal grey linen-like print on the other (and a layer of batting in between).  

All packed up in the silverware caddy and ready to go!  

Now that I'm caught up on the last of the Christmas presents I'll post a few of the little things I've made in January and February in between my work projects.