Tote-ally Thankful for Our Teachers

Every new school year (or new-school) I feel compelled to sew something for The Peanut. I forge a shield of protection out of fabric and mother's love to send with her off into the world. It's the end of the school year and the last year of three in her current program. Once again I was driven to sew something imbued with all my love and gratitude and awe. This time I'm sewing for her teachers.

The Peanut started at a nearby public school as a non-verbal child just shy of 2 1/2  years-old. She was so very tiny. She leaves that school next week as a big-kid 5 year-old, able to introduce herself to another child in the library; able to tell me exactly why she plans on being sick until the 21st, the day after the last day of school (she doesn't like the current music playing during center time); able to stand with me and tell her teacher that she doesn't like the current music during center time; able to sing along to Paul Simon in the car (apparently that's acceptable music); able to share stories with us about her school day and with her teacher about her upcoming vacation; able to express herself in words. There are not enough thanks or gifts for all that her teachers have given her. Have given us.

As I sewed these bags I try to put all of that into each stitch. 

I am not a fan of batch sewing. I dread sewing more than one of any item. But for these teachers I made an exception. I used my own Lined Canvas Tote Tutorial and banged out four at the same time. I will add a gift card, a "Thank You" card, and a cheesy tag. And it will never be enough.

Ren Murphy writes for The Inspired Wren.

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You should really see all that goes into each project!

See outtakes from our Hogwarts photo shoot and follow along daily as The Peanut dresses in handmade clothes for #madeforkidsmonth. Updates on Instagram (and Flickr) of works-in-progress will give you that behind the scenes view you’re looking for, and sneak peeks of First Tuesday Tutorials, too.

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