This tote is made from a sturdy neutral canvas for both strength and structure. I designed and cut the bold “EA” letters from fabric, then stitched them onto a black panel that I attached to the front of the bag, turning it into a statement piece. What made this project even more meaningful was the support of my neighbor Jamie who helped me get started and showed me how to sew with confidence, even encouraging me to go “pedal to the metal” on the machine. That encouragement gave me the push to take on more complex designs and keep building my skills.