Do you have them? Little things you do every year around the same time…that by now have become a ritual? I do! I’m ending my 33rd year in the teaching profession and I can finally say that I will be retiring at the end of the next school year! Woo hoo! Longgggg time coming…
One of my rituals through the years is buying or making a new purse for Back to School. The night before the first day of school for teachers every August, I would put away my fun summer bag and put all my stuff in the new purse as a way of changing my mindset from summer time off to back to school/work!
So, when I saw this purse pattern the other day, I knew it would be just the perfect one to make for my Back to School bag! I just love it!!
What do you look for when making/buying a purse? I use a purse insert instead of a wallet and checkbook, card case, etc….
so the first thing I look at is the size to make sure it will fit in the bag. Second is the straps. Most of the time I like a shoulder strap so my hands are free.
And of course, the color…well, it’s hard to find one purse that goes with everything… but this one has ties that can be made to match just about everything! And what’s more, I made this quilted purse last year
and wore it out… but it has a bunch of ties that would fit this new purse perfectly!! So, I could quickly make this purse and already have many ties to choose from. This is the pattern I used..,very quick to sew up!!
So, I am all ready for my late August ritual!! Now, on to bigger and better projects!! Today is the last day at summer school!! I am SOOOOO glad it is finally over! It will be really good to be off for a few weeks before it starts all over again on August 29th! Still in the mood to sew on fall fabrics… hoping to cool off these hot temps, I guess!!
So, what are you working on?
How cute Polly! I love your new back to school purse.
ReplyDeleteYes. I, too, had rituals before going "back to school" each year. I usually liked to buy a new dress for the open house day when students and parents visited to meet teachers, join PTA etc. I also bought new school supplies (office supplies).
ReplyDeleteWhat exactly is a purse insert? Do you make them or purchase new ones for each new purse? I usually purchase a purse with a built in wallet and lots of pockets. This insert looks like something I need so I can purchase or make other purses than "organizer types." Have a great weekend! Teachers in Georgia reported to work on Monday. Student report on Monday. You will LOVE retirement:) I feel blessed everyday!
Rituals for back to school i would say getting my hair done and a new outfit for the first day of school as i am a school principal at a small school.
ReplyDeleteI'm working on a quilt for my son who is 7 years old, i will back it with fleece and do a fence rail pattern.
I had made a coaster with applique and now all my friends are asking for one so i though i give them one as a gift.
Love reading your blog Polly
Love the purse and the idea of purse inserts. It would make changing purses so much easier. I have never heard of them before. Love the idea of changing the ties on your purse. Great way to get a new look.
ReplyDeleteVery cute 'back to school' purse! Changing the ties will be so fun. :-) A new look every day! Seems we still buy new shoes for back to school, even though the kids are in college now. lol Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea! In the last month I've just officially retired after nearly 40 years in the classroom and I can't recall any rituals except perhaps going to the large educational resources warehouse to look for new texts and charts etc...and always 'running into' teacher friends doing the same thing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful new purse.
ReplyDeleteNo I don't really have any rituals.
What are you going to do when you retire?? ( besides sew)
While I have not commented much on blogs OR been a very good blogger of late, I do read through them.
ReplyDeleteThe school year is going to fly by with this being your last year. What ever will you do when retire??? :-D You'll be missed greatly, I'm sure! Congratulations!
And that purse! I just purchased that Juliet pattern!!! The insert is a great idea, too. I'll have to look that one up.
Have a wonderful few of weeks off before school starts again.
...Karen
What a fun purse- and congratulations on celebrating 33 years of teaching. I began teaching in the fall of 1978 and still am teaching a full day kindergarten. I don't know when I will retire - not for awhile yet.
ReplyDeleteI have never made a bag for school but I begin by getting a new binder for lesson plans and a few things for the classroom. I like to leave the classroom behind for awhile so I stay away from school for the month of July. In a couple of weeks I will go to school to get the lay of the land and then go in for a couple of days when I am not required to be there to set up the class. This year my bookshelves have finally been painted so I will be able to set up my books for the first time in almost two years. Our school had a major reno and most of it was completed last fall but my bookshelves have waited and waited ... It will be nice not to have a pile of boxes in the middle of the floor!
I am off to finally quilt my father's quilt today.
Warmest regards,
Anna
Cute purses, Polly! What is the name of the pattern for the purse you made last year with the interchangeable straps? It's darling!
ReplyDeleteGreat purse - you inspired me to run out and buy the pattern - you should host a sew along, love your blog. Bernie
ReplyDeleteThere's a free pattern for a purse insert here http://www.thegivingflower.de/patterns/Purse_Organizer_Recipe18_11.pdf but it doesn't look nearly as nice as yours! Yours is more of a small purse and this one isn't connected at the ends, if that makes sense. But not having the pattern you have I just might have to improvise with this one. :) And I used to teach so I understand the new purse mindset. Have a wonderful last year! blessings, marlene
ReplyDelete