a going bag

I might have gotten a little carried away with this one.

I mean - it's a simple money holder.

My version of a card

for female graduates....

~

We've known Maddie for all but a few months of her life,

though,

so I think it's fair that her 'card'

was a little more special.

Let's see ~ where do I start?

The front of the bag was based on / inspired by
(what I remember of) a necklace Maddie wears and loves,

and is so totally her.

It's beautiful.

Happy.

It makes a strong statement,

but it's not at all flashy.

And it goes with pretty much everything.

The bag got a little big 

(probably about 10x8x2?)

because I kept finding fabrics that needed to be included.

That hut! Maddie may live in something (sorta) like that one day....  

I hesitated a few seconds 

before I added the 1 1/2 inch pieced strip 

that was leftover from the label I made for Tyler's quilt

to my little pile of selected scraps.

I couldn't use that for just anyone,

but Maddie was in his class

when Tyler taught Jr High Sunday School a few years back,

and she cemented her special place in his heart,

so I figured she was deserving of a little piece of his quilt, too.

I went with some leftover canvas and a piece of dark gray Kona (pewter, maybe?)

left over from the back of TJ and Keri's quilt

for the back of the bag.

If the front panel is the necklace,

the back 

is how Maddie dresses,

simple. understated.

classic.

My choice for the lining

doesn't go quite as well with my outer bag

as what I'd normally choose,

but it was such a perfect choice for Maddie,

that I ignored that minor detail.

Honestly,

the lining could have been the bag,

and Maddie would have been thrilled.

Her heart beats for missions,

and she longs to (literally) go into all the world and share the Gospel.

I wish I could remember where I bought that fabric

so I could get more.

(I've often thought of pinning a note to each piece I purchase,

telling me where I bought it and how much I paid for it) 

I only have a few tiny scraps of it left.

I bought it for Brandon's quilt,

but only used a little of it on the back

(aka second top...)

because it didn't go with the (real) top.

Then I used a strategically cut piece 

for the mini mini home quilt I made for Allison,

and now this.

I installed the zipper like Anna's open wide pouch,

but I've made enough of these

that I didn't have to actually use the tutorial.

(See one here, and a tiny one here. 

Oh, here are a couple more. And here's one of my favorites :- )

I added hand-stitching 

 because

- well -

I'm me.

Maddie ~ Congratulations on your high school graduation.
I hope you love your card bag

and I hope it goes with you on many adventures

and reminds you that you're loved,

and special

and prayed for.

XO

linking up with scrap star, Amanda Jean :-)