I’ve been going through Physical Therapy all summer, to heal a broken wrist. While I’m very grateful to the Orthopedist I saw, and the Surgeon who repaired the bone, the real hero has been my Physical Therapist. Without her hard work and support, I’m certain I wouldn’t be quilting again yet (or possibly at all). She has truly been amazing, so I wanted to make something to say Thank You.
Brandi just helps people with hand trauma & injuries, so I decided to use this print, called Helping Hands, from the Open Heart collection by Art Gallery fabrics. I loved that it features two different hands, holding one another. It felt fitting, without being too cheesy.
I wasn’t sure how I was going to quilt it, because I didn’t want the quilting to cut off the designs of the hands. I ended up going with a free-motion looping scribble. To contrast, I quilted the bottom of the bag with straight lines.
The pattern was the Quilted Tote Bag Tutorial from Jedi Craft Girl. While I could have drafted my own pattern, I was in a rush, and this one was the two-toned look I was going for, and the direction were simple, and easy to follow. The only change I made was to cut out the boxed corners ahead of time, rather than box them, then cut. I find it simpler, and easier to match up, to start with the cuts done.
It calls for one long inner pocket, that you can divide up for pens, notebooks, wallet, etc. I liked the simplicity of that one, but I decided to add a second pocket on the other side for something larger, like a planner.
It’s quite simple, but I’m very happy with how it came out. The simple quilting lets the hand print shine. And best of all, Brandi was delighted when I gave it to her today. Hopefully it gets lots of use.
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What a thoughtful gift, and so beautifully constructed. That fabric is perfect!
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I love the functional nature of this gift. It came out so nice and you truly did find the perfect fabric!
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What a gorgeous and sweet gift! I love the little swirleygigs!
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Lovely and heartfelt gift!
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What a lovely, thoughtful, beautifully made gift!
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The absolute perfect fabric. Such a thoughtful and sweet gift.
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Every detail is so thoughtful and perfect for this recipient! I’m sure it will be well-loved and well-used! And I’m so glad to hear that you’re recuperating so nicely.
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I love that scribble quilting, especially contrasted with the straight lines at the bottom. A beautiful and functional make that’s sure to be put to good use. 
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This is such a thoughtful gift- perfect fabric choice, too!
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Thank you Friends!