first day second grade

Rebecca started the second grade today, and I've been feeling ridiculously anxious about it for over a week.  Also, lately, there have been some worries regarding relatives on both sides of the family, so I crafted up a storm to distract myself. 

 

Rebecca  needed a new lunch tote, so after *much* time spent looking at my books,  magazines, internet bookmarks and saved files, I finally settled on the oh-so-awesome Vintage Pillowcase Lunchbox tutorial from Oh, Fransson!  I skipped the iron-on vinyl, and instead of a vintage pillowcase and fusible fleece, I used yardage I had on hand (look familiar?) and some insulated batting from an oven mitt project I never got around to. 

Shoelaces (washed, of course!) from a pair of sneakers I just threw away serve as the drawstrings, and I rubber stamped her name with a fabric inkpad on twill tape, hand tacking it to the interior. 

The lining was also hand sewn into the exterior, while sitting on a quilt under a tree in the park, watching the kids ride bikes and have their scraped knees and elbows tended to by Daddy.  Rebecca loves the bag, and it's quite roomy.  This was just the trial run, actually.  She (and Jessie, too!) has fabric picked out for her "real" one.  Next time, I'll probably add a small pocket just below the name label, a safe place to store the notes I include with her lunches.  She told me she and her friends love reading what I write, so "please keep doing it but nothing too mushy or embarrassing, okay?"

I also wanted to give her another first day mascot, so I sewed up two teeny little softies, one for Jessie, too.

 

 

I used this amazingly adorable fabric I got on clearance at Hancock's of Paducah a while back.  It's by Timeless Treasures, and was unbelievably cheap so I bought like 5 yards.  I cut out two of the same kitties (they aren't mirror images, but pretty close), held them up to the light and lined them up with right sides together, and then just hand sewed them together with a really small running stitch with the occasional backstitch thrown in for good measure.  Left an inch open, turned it right side out, stuffed with the teeniest bit of batting, slip stitched the opening closed, and the softie was born.  You could add a little ribbon loop for hanging, too, if you wanted.  I made both last night watching TV and putting positive thoughts into every stitch.  It did the trick, soothed me... and of course Rebecca had a great day today, as expected.

 

 

Spoonful of sugar?

Comments

[Jhoanna]

Love the lunch bag! Especially the way you pulled it all together from stuff you had on hand. And the little mascots are so cute! Can't believe how quick your girls seems to be growing :-)

[Ali]

Crafting is the best distraction - hope she had a great first day.

[dottycookie]

Lovely ideas - and I think I may be stealing the mascot one, though probably more as a comfort for me than for them!

[dottycookie]

Such lovely ideas - and I'm glad the first day back was fun. I think Rebecca is the same age as my elder daughter and I must admit the thought of the transition into (what is here) year 3, combined with the little one starting school in reception (kindergarten?) for the first time is proving very stressful for me. I need some crafting therapy to chase away my start-of-school nerves too. Though, of course, the girls are fine with it all!

[regina]

too cute! Happy first day!

[Pokey]

So very cute those little "softies" are. She will enjoy school, you'll see! (this advice coming from a second grade teacher * smile* )

[Liz]

Sending positive thoughts for your family Michelle. Of course everything you made is adorable. Hang in there girlie.

[Sandra]

AAAH! They are so cute! As is that gorgeous tooth in your profile picture. TO die for!

[pam]

Very great ideas. The lunch tote is such a great idea, and beautifully executed!

**thanks for your kind comments on In My Shoes.