A Fun Summer Tote Bag with Pockets

Okay, first things first. I have no idea what's going on with the color in these pictures, so I'm going to go ahead and blame it on the weather conditions. I only remember sunny skies, but hey, the problem couldn't be me, right?

Anyhoo.

I was green way before it was widely accepted, as I used to make myself tote bags back in high school. They were known to hold flowers on occasion, the ever-present glass bottle of Lemon Iced Tea Snapple, writing journals, knick-knacks, sometimes even my flute! So maybe I was more of a dork than an environmental activist, but I loved to sew, and I loved bags. I saw it as the ultimate win-win.

For whatever reason, I hadn't sewn totes or pouches or clutches in a really long time until just recently. I had this one in mind for Isabelle's teacher, who is such a sweetheart; she also just lost her Mom two weeks ago after a long illness, and we feel so sad for her and her family. Isabelle and I decided on a tote bag with lots of pockets because we could fill them with goodies for her for the summer.

The colors are bright and fresh, but since they are cottons, I added a little quilt batting for some stability. I realized too late that I should have added batting or at least interfacing to the straps, but they are layered and stitched together, so unless she's using this tote to transport bricks, she should be set.

The straps are long enough for the tote to be worn on the shoulder, but not so long that they'll be a pain simply to carry. I like that in a tote.  =)

There are no pockets on the inside, but there are six outside. They're rather narrow but not too deep, so they should hold sunglasses, phones, water bottles and the like very well.

Some of the fun things we included were small bags of candy, pens, a crossword puzzle, a cute spiral journal/notebook, some sparklers and a few other simple items. We sure hope she loves her new tote bag and the surprises inside.

I shared a photo of the bag on IG and a few people asked if it will be for sale in the shop...I don't know! (But thanks for the vote of confidence!)

I wrote about some of our summer traditions over at Celebrate...the post is here if you want to read it. Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

New Item at Rose and Ruffle: White Cotton Nightgown or Portrait Dress

I just love watching my little girl twirl and dance around in some of her summer nightgowns. Her smile lights up her whole face- as well as everyone's around her, too- and she tells me how much she feels like a real-life princess. She literally beams, and I soak in as much as I can.

I've just added a new listing for a white 100% cotton muslin nightgown for baby, toddler and little girls. It's so soft and delicate, has a generous ruffle at the hem, a white ribbon bow, and flutter sleeves. I can also add lace to the sleeves for an additional fee. Sizes are Newborn through 5t.

This would be a wonderful portrait dress as well. I can imagine how pretty it would look for beach portraits, or even portraits in the park.  (No, it doesn't have to be just a nightgown!)

If you have any questions, you can reach me at 3sonsplus1@gmail dot com or simply contact me over at Etsy in my shop, Rose and Ruffle.

Have a great night! We are glued to the TV (well, obviously some more than others, ha) watching soccer. GO USA!

Favorite Recipes for Dads

Happy Father's Day a little early! I'm so thankful for a godly husband, who is such a wonderful and caring father to our children, and for my Dad, who I just adore and still to impress on a daily basis (in the good way).

In honor of special Dads everywhere, I put together a round-up of some favorite recipes over at CELEBRATE!. I hope you enjoy them!

Here is a little preview to whet your appetite...  ;)

Friday Feature: Little Girl's Summer Halter Dress

Watermelons and halter straps just say it's summertime like nothing else can.

This adorable halter dress is made from a cool, lightweight cotton blend that mimics seersucker, minus all the wrinkles.

This is the LAST ONE!

An oversized red and white polka dot bow and a ruffled bodice...yes, please!

Size 5/6

This dress can be in the mail today!

See this link for order/purchase details: https://www.etsy.com/listing/126592046/girls-summer-halter-dress-red-and-aqua?ref=shop_home_feat_1

This is the last of my sweet watermelon fabric, but there are other prints and colors available in this halter style. Contact me through my shop and I would be happy to create a custom dress just for you!

Happy Friday!