Tote bag progress, gifts, and new stitching linen

I am very happy with my progress and how this tote bag is turning out. I have the outside part almost done. This tote is a mix of ideas from several different sources. One of those was sources was s.o.t.a.k. handmade. I watched one of her videos on making a pouch and pinched a couple ideas to incorporate into this tote bag. The rest mostly came from my brain and years of sewing. The pockets construction is slightly different, the size of the bag is completely different, I added handles, the pockets that I am going to put in the lining will different, and the top zipper will be different than the video. I will probably add a clip that can be used for keys or a pair of scissors.   

I put a zipper pocket on each side

and the bottom cut out for boxing the bottom. Tonight I will work on the lining.

My sister received her Xmas present so now I can show you a couple items I sent her. There was this cross stitch piece and a Polish Pottery covered heart shaped box.  I had changed the colors because my sister like lavender.  That skirt too a long time to stitch!  The frame was a 5 x 7.

The peach colored package I mailed last week had a boxy pouch and a curved top pouch in it.

I had watched someone's floss tube and they talked about where they bought some Lakeside Linen. This linen is hard to find! I contacted The Tinman's Wife and she had some 32 count in stock. I bought fat 1/8th pieces in three colors just to see what they actually looked like.

I don't have any plans for this linen right now, but it is good to have it in my stash.