Here comes the sun!

 

I know that for some people it's still pretty cold, but here in Southern California it's already warming up. I personally think it's very wrong that I can walk into Target and shop for Reece's peanut butter and chocolate bunnies and at the same time I'm taunted by swimwear! Speaking of Target, I realized that when I go to the beach or the pool I tend to grab a Target bag to carry towels and such but NO MORE! I needed to make myself a fun summer bag! A few months back I bought this pattern, "Ella, Carry-All" by Grand Revival and fell in love with it. It's a nice large size (17" x 14") that is perfect for carrying towels and sunblock to the pool or the beach. It has pockets on the outside for your water bottle as well as a covered pocket in the center with a Velcro closure. Inside there is a key strap with Velcro so that you don't have to dig deep to find your keys. I read on someones blog (and I can't remember where) that it's a good idea to line bags in a light color because it's easier to find things, so I used a bright yellow to match the sunflowers. The pattern calls for iron-on interfacing, but since I used denim and home decor cotton canvas I omitted the interfacing. I had to fussy cut the sunflower fabric (fussy what?) I just learned what that term means about a month ago. I've been doing it for years, but I've never heard that term before. So for all those who don't speak "quilter" it means to line up your pattern pieces in a way that makes the most of the fabric design. For instance, I centered the large sunflower on each piece instead of just laying the pattern out and letting the sunflowers land where they may. Isn't this exciting to learn a new language? Now go on and try to use it in a sentence today! I used red top stitching on the denim to add a bit of color. This pattern is very easy to follow and don't let the grommets hold you back. They are very simple to do and the grommet tools come with the grommets. There are simple to follow instructions on the package. I only paid $3.49 for a pack of 12. All you need is a hammer. When you're done you'll have a great summer tote bag and you will have worked out some pent up agression with a hammer.....win win :)    I'll be posting this project over at Fabric Tuesday at QuiltStory. Hop on over there and grab some inspiration!