Smilin' Jack Gets His Own Purse

I've finished stitching Smilin' Jack, the Fash Insert from Leigh Designs made to decorate one of those Lee nylon totes.  Smilin' Jack is size BR (which is Lee's name for a canvas that is roughly 8 1/2 by 4 inches.)  You can see the tote bag here.  These bags also come in green and brown.  I believe there's a similar style with leather handles and trim but mine is all nylon.
http://theneedleworks.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=72&products_id=6112

The insert board is slipped inside a slot that closes with velcro.

To put your canvas insert in the window on the front, you unzip one of the side compartments.  There is an additional zip pocket inside it.  Unzip that and you will find a velcro strip you have to open.  With the velcro open you insert your canvas which you have already stuck to the sturdy insert backing.

Smilin' Jack and his insert before assembly

The photo above shows Smilin' Jack trimmed to the size of the insert which still has its sticky side covered by white waxed paper.  You pull off the paper, put the canvas on top, and mash down.  Open the bag, unzip and unvelcro the various pockets, put the canvas inside and you have a Smilin' Jack purse!

Smilin' Jack is currently hanging out in Baltimore at Leigh Designs' booth along with his stitch guides.  If you are a shop, go visit.  Pumpkins can actually be elegant if properly tamed.  LOL

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com