June has been a busy month for me, so the blogging has taken a backseat to my real world job. However, I have been busy sewing – which is great! Regular readers will know how much I love the Professional Tote pattern by Creative Thimble. I have made a lot of these totes and I truly consider it to be the perfect bag!
My son finished school about two weeks ago and I wanted to make a special gift for his teachers. The Professional Tote immediately came to mind. I knew that one teacher liked green and the other blue, and that they seemed to favor more modern prints, which lead me to select fabrics from California Girl (designed by Fig Tree) and Ruby (designed by Bonnie and Camillle) for their bags.
I loved the fabrics so much, I decided to make one for myself too. Even though I have made this pattern a ton, I only have one professional tote that I use (for the beach). and it would be nice to have one for work purposes. The center zippered divider is the perfect size for carrying my iPad.
Needless to say, while I did have all the supplies bought well in advance, I didn’t actually cut them out and sew them together until two days before. However, the sewing goes pretty fast since I am so familiar with the pattern. Of course, mine (the gray one) was put on hold until the following weekend so that I could get finish the ones for the teachers. I took them in at lunch on the last day, and I could tell the teachers were thrilled with them – and that always feel good when people like your work!
What gifts have you made that really hit the mark?
Keep it Thimble!
Keep it Thimble 
Hmmm I have to make one of these and I have the perfect fabric in mind!
I will be happy to help you! The pattern can be a bit daunting since it is about 20 pages, but she explains everything in great detail. For the fabric you need:
Main fabric – 1 1/8 yds
Lining – 1 1/2 yds
Contrast fabric – 1 1/4 yds (additional 1/3 yd of making fabric handles, or you can use webbing for the handles).
What a wonderful and thoughtful gift! The totes are amazing and I love your fabric selections.
Thank you!
Beautiful, as always
Like the first one the best.
You are soooo clever
I think I like the first one best too! That’s why I ordered more fabric and am going to make a green one for me :).
These are just beatiful. You worked magic to get them all done in time. I don’t know how you manage but for sure you are one special person.
You’re pretty special yourself mom!
I dont suppose you would like to trade a bag in the red and floral fabric like you made for one of the teachers for one of my thread caddys. You make beautiful bags and i am a bag making loser. I buy patterns but never get the job done. I guess they are just not my thing.
Let’s talk! You can email me at keepitthimble@gmail.com.
I was snooping around and found your beautiful Professional Tote pictures.I love the fabrics you used. I am the designer of the bag and wanted to let you know that I have updated the top zipper section to include a pull tab and less bulk. Send me an email and I will send you the updated directions….for your next round of sewing!
Laura Martell, The Creative Thimble
Hi Laura! Thanks for stopping by. I will certainly email you to get the updated pattern.
Lindo esse seu trabalho
Você é uma artesam maravilhosa
Thank you so much Angela! Sorry it took me so long to reply.
Love this pattern. Have made several. Best instructions of any pattern I have used. Please send updated instructions.
Roxy, you can go to the Creative Thimble’s website for any update instructions for her patterns: https://thecreativethimble.com/