Happy Summer! Hi, it’s Jen from The Smitten Chicken. If you see me this summer, most likely I will be at the beach! I feel lucky to live 10 minutes from the beach. This Summer, I was in need of a new bag. I needed something big to fit all of my kids’ stuff. I also wanted the inside to be water-resistant and spill-resistant. (You know how the beach with kids can be!) I decided on this Poolside Tote pattern by Noodlehead. Do you want to make one with me? Grab your supplies and follow along!
Poolside Tote
Supplies:
Zuma Fabric by Tula Pink (I used this fabric, but you can choose whatever you want. Check the pattern to see how much you will need)
HeatnBond Woven Fusible Interfacing
Sewing machine
Walking foot
I wanted my bag to be able to stand on its own. The pattern suggests using a heavy-duty fabric. But I wanted to use this cute Tula Pink fabric instead. So I needed to add structure to my bag. So I made a quilt sandwich!
I layered the outer bag fabric, batting, and canvas together. I used SpraynBond to adhere them together. Then I quilted the fabric with straight lines, one inch apart. After I was done quilting it, I cut out the bag.
I also wanted to make the inside of the bag water-resistant and spill-resistant (oh and sand!) I used a new to me product by Thermoweb, the HeatnBond Iron-on Vinyl! And I am sold! This stuff is amazing! I can make any fabric I want vinyl-coated! I knew this would be a great solution for my Poolside tote. Then when wet towels get thrown in, or snacks spill, I can just wipe it out.
Here it is all sewn up in the lining of my bag. This is a GAME CHANGER! If you haven’t used this product before, do it! I used the iron-on vinyl in place of the interfacing. I did use HeatnBond Interfacing on the handles and facing as seen in the pic below. Follow the pattern for bag construction.
The biggest tip I have for making this bag is: use a walking foot! Especially at the end when you are attaching the facing. There are many layers you are sewing through as you finish off this bag. A walking foot helps keep your stitches consistent.
You are all done! Now you have a super cute bag to take with you to the beach or the pool! Or let’s be honest, this is a perfect bag to take on quilting retreats!
Thanks for following along today! If you would like to see more of my quilting adventures, you can check out my blog, Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest.
I’m headed back to the beach today! I hope you have a great summer!
Chirp Out!
Jen
