Library Tote

There is a small part of me, the part I admit is slightly obsessive and insane, that worries one of our checked out library books will get misplaced and will never be found again. So to thwart off the wasted energy I have put into worrying about the well being of said library books, I decided to designate a tote to them.

For this project, I had to head over to JoAnn Fabric to get a few of the supplies, like the ready made tote {I am all about short cuts when it comes to sewing}. They sell a package that includes 3 canvas totes {I used a 40% off coupon so they were roughly $4 for 3 of them}.

Other supplies you'll need:
Brightly colored felt {yes, another felt craft}
Straight pins
Needle and coordinating thread matching your brightly colored felt

Optional library card pocket supplies:
More felt {it's funny, I never tire of saying that}
Some clear plastic {you know, the kind your license is behind in your wallet, they sell it super cheap at most fabric stores}

I printed out R E A D using Berlin Sans FB Demi (I assume it is a basic word font), font size 350, to use as a template for my letters.

I cut the letters out and traced each onto brightly colored felt {using my water solvable pen}.

After cutting out the letters in felt form, pin them to your tote.

I hand sewed my letters down using a running stitch.

Optional Step: Create a pocket for your library card.

I hesitate to even share this step because I am by far a sewing expert but I love the idea of adding our library card to the bag {side note: though I worry about losing our books, I rarely worry about losing our card, at least my neuroses have limits}.

You'll need to make sure the pocket you construct is big enough to hold your card. My pocket, from edge to edge is 5 inches wide by 3 1/2 inches tall. The border of felt around is approximately 3/4ths of an inch.

Using my sewing machine, I sewed the top of my pocket {plastic and felt} to each other. Then, I sewed the other 3 sides onto the canvas bag, sewing both the inside and outside border of felt.

Obviously, with my stumbling how to explanation for my pocket, I am by no means an expert, so if you have questionable skills {like me}, it can still be done...give it a try!

So, there it is, our library tote.

Though intended to hold library books, Grace had other ideas.

I guess when life gives you lemons, put them in a bag and tote them around.

Linked up and big thanks to: