When my two girls were little, we lived on a very tight budget. My daughters didn’t have bedrooms full of the latest toys, but what they did have was plenty of imagination. They would do things like cut out paper dolls from old magazines and spend endless hours creating little stories for their paper friends.

Their play was never stunted by a toy’s limitations because they were making it up as they went along. I’ve never forgotten how much this shaped them into the creative women they are today.

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Recently, I watched my granddaughter create her own imaginative world with a fabric dollhouse I made for her, and I thought about the children in your lives whose imaginations would also grow from this kind of open-ended play.

Many of you have written to tell me how much you love to create special, handmade gifts for your loved ones to enjoy. As someone who feels exactly the same way, I want to help make it easier for you to accomplish that.

I used to sell a pattern in my Etsy shop called The Dollhouse Purse and have always dreamed of re-imagining the pattern into something for all children. After spending time redesigning, remaking, and even renaming it (thanks to input from you!) that day has finally arrived.

Introducing the new and improved Tiny Town Tote PDF Pattern!

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—> Purchase the Tiny Town Tote PDF Pattern Today

The Pattern Details

From start to finish, the pattern has been completely redesigned with helpful graphics and new, easy-to-follow instructions that simplify the entire process. Here’s a peek inside:

What’s Included

The pattern is available as a PDF download, which means you’re able to download it instantly to your computer, tablet, or phone when you purchase it. (Note: Be sure you have installed Adobe Reader [which is free!] on your device.)

The pattern includes 18 pages of professional graphic designs that explain step-by-step how to make a Tiny Town Tote. You’ll also be able to access links on your device directly from the pattern to find specific supplies mentioned.

• It comes with a set of Pattern Piece Labels that identify each pattern piece, including interfacing. No more scratching your head and wondering what this or that pattern piece is called. When the pattern calls for the Exterior Tote Side Wall pattern piece, you’ll know exactly where it is.
• If you own a Silhouette or Cricut, you’ll love the SVG files that come with the pattern, allowing you to cut out all of your design elements much faster.
• The finished Tiny Town Tote measures 8″ w X 8″ h X 5″ d.
• The pattern includes four pages of design templates including a fireplace, door, and window to create the sweet cottage design seen in the images above and below (the framed fox is my own embellishment). The cute critters and furniture are, of course, not included. However, I have a few links listed near the bottom of this post with some additional inspiration for your own handmade tote.
  

  

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For Girls and Boys!

When I first starting thinking about redoing this pattern, I knew I wanted to make it into something both girls and boys could enjoy.

See how easily the pattern changes from a cottage into a barn.

Now imagine how easily the Tiny Town Tote can become a zoo, hospital, fire station, or anything you can dream up. The pattern allows for unlimited personalizing for individual children.

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Where to Purchase the Tiny Town Tote

Click the button below and you’ll be taken directly to the pattern. Follow the rest of the steps to complete the transaction. Once it’s finalized, you will be able to instantly access the pattern. It’s that simple!

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Additional Supplies

You may be wondering exactly what you’ll be using to make your tote hold it’s shape. The pattern uses flexible foam interfacing, and it’s ideal for this project. If you’ve never used it before, you are in for a treat. It is incredible to work with and makes the tote soft and sturdy at the same time. Below are two different options (with affiliate links) for flexible foam interfacing. Either one of these will work for the pattern.

[amazon_link asins=’B016CALEEM,B007F0Y7DY’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’seasonedhomemaker-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’1f9c356d-e736-11e6-8516-e565135c57db’]

(Note: For those of you who aren’t ready to try using flexible foam interfacing, I’ve included an alternate method using plastic canvas which usually can be found at any store with craft supplies.)

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Every tote needs a few friends to make it personal. Below are affiliate links to some cute critters, furniture, and vehicles.

[amazon_link asins=’B009AWICNQ,B00004U327,B005P02K6W,B00HEYGRZM,B000EGFLL8,B01M752LQQ,B00JIJI22M,B00NHPGW0M’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’seasonedhomemaker-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’e59ca40c-e6f6-11e6-9d60-21fa9ef8ef9c’]

Image Source

Another alternative for figurines are Peg People. I love these because you can buy inexpensive pegs and paint your own. You can also buy Peg People on Etsy. This collection from Indie Bambino Toys is a great example. Several other Etsy sellers make them in all sorts of sets which are too numerous to list. Type the words Peg People into the search box and find everything from Nativity sets to Superheros.

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Perks of using the Tiny Town Tote Pattern:

1. It’s ideal for using scraps. One of the best features about this pattern is how little there is to buy. It’s likely you have a few scraps or orphan fat quarters that will work for the bulk of this pattern. The rest can be purchased at most hobby/craft stores like Joann’s or Hobby Lobby (be sure to use those coupons!).
2. It’s easier than you think. The easy-to-follow illustrations help break down each step to make the whole process extremely simple. Before you know it, you’re done!
3. It’s easy to personalize. Even better, build a personal village that tells your family’s story. Daddy is a firefighter (Firehouse Tote), Mommy is a Nurse (Hospital Tote). You get the idea.
4. Endless customization. Let your imagination soar because there are no limits. Hand embroider, machine embroider, or appliqué the Tiny Town Tote into something unique to you and your family.

Get started on creating something special for your loved ones today!

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