Wednesday 31 July 2013

Beach Bag Bingo

As our holiday rapidly approaches, last night I contemplated the sorry state of affairs of our 'beach bag'. As someone who likes to make pretty things it begs the question - why on earth I have been using the same icky Tesco bag at the beach for years?


It was time to amend the situation. So I set to the task last night. The girls had a friend here for a sleepover so the sitting room was out of bounds anyway. The sewing machine provided ample company and entertainment.

A few weeks ago the lovely Ange gave me some black Essex linen and I chose to use this in the beach bag. I dithered for ages about what to do to add a little 'interest', and eventually let the lining fabric lead the way. I have a stash of lots of small bits of fabric, but not so many big ones, so deciding on the lining fabric was easier due to the more limited choice.

This is what I ended up with -


I cut the panels at 18" square. As stated, the outside is Essex linen. The lining is It's a Hoot. I used scraps of green corduroy and Stof pink linen to make an outside pocket. It's all stitched together with Aurifil 50w in charcoal. I made up the pattern as I went along, as I am known to do.


There is loads of room inside. I fit in two beach towels, swimsuits, googles, etc. and there was still more than ample room to add more stuff. The outside pocket is about 10" deep - I actually stuffed some swimsuits under the sunscreen and sunglasses case so that they could appear in the photo shoot. Things shouldn't not fall out of there too easily.


I am chuffed to bits with this quick make. And I will feel much smarter on the beach too. I am that little bit more prepared for our holidays. All we need is sunshine while we are away so we actually get the weather to take this to the beach. Fingers crossed.

Susan

35 comments:

  1. Yay, good make Mrs, love the bag and the other colours really lift the Essex Yarn Dyed, think of me slumming it here when you're enjoying your hols :o)

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  3. Loving the bag upgrade and I hope this has given you more confidence and inspiration to make bags!

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  4. Your beach bag looks fab! Have a great time, bring on the sunshine :)

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  5. It is a great bag and I hope you have fun at the beach. I leave tomorrow for my beach.

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  6. It will be the best beach bag on the beach! Enjoy your holidays. Di x

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  7. Love the bag, now the sun HAS to come out for you!! Enjoy your break!

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  8. Fab bag, have fun at the beach! Rx

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  9. Brilliant beach bag! Hope you get some lovely beach weather to go with it! Jxo

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  10. have a great time at the beach. Lovely sunny bag...now you just need the sun!

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  11. Great bag!, enjoy your holidays!!!!!

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  12. A fabulous bag that you whizzed up there! Have a great holiday :)

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  13. Looks like you're set! I'll keep my fingers crossed for the sun

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  14. Very smart - at least it is big enough for coats and wellies if needs be xxx

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  15. Love it! I expect it will come to Australia with you...

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  16. Ooh, lovely! What beach are you going to be sunning yourself on? Enjoy!

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  17. What a fabulous bag-perfect for the beach

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  18. A bag totally worthy of a beach holiday(and much nicer than the Tesco version!)

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  19. Smartest bag on the beach - enjoy your hols.

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  20. Dunno Susie, that Tescos bag was looking pretty chic! Though the upgrade is looking way dapper!! Good on ya, girl after my own heart-flies by the seat of her pants when making up patterns. ;) x

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  21. Lovely bag! I desperately need a new beach bag too... ;-)

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  22. Beach? Mmmwwwhhoarrrhhhhahahahaaa.....Snort.
    Totes divine shopping bag, however.

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  23. Love the beach bag....happy holidays Marie (mlismore@optusnet.com.au)

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  24. Love the bag! I had exactly that thought recently about my gym bag (read: tatty old freebie number. It may actually be last year's retreat goodie bag) and I'm just plotting one of Jude's amazing slouchy bags to replace it, since I've had the pattern sitting around for MONTHS.

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  25. A very cool beach bag - love the essex linen with the bright colours!

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  26. It's fabulous! Have a lovely time at the beach and have an ice cream (or three!) for me!

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  27. Gorgeous bag, hope it gets some use this summer!

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  28. whoop whoop well done!!! I had to crack up at your Tesco bag :)

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  29. Recycled sailcloth is used to make bags of different types.Beach totes EVRSC offers totes, duffles, and other bags in a variety of sizes for many functions. You can choose from a wide range of sizes and styles to fit your preferences and needs.

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