Tuesday, June 20. As I write this, my plan for this post is to make a maxi tote bag and fill it up with some handmade things I need for the pool and the beach. I will make the tote bag for sure, and as time permits, sew other items, such as towels, a swimsuit cover, and we’ll see what else. The idea is to avoid a last-minute rush and write this blog post to deliver it on August 7. Let’s see how that goes!
Thursday, June 22. I ordered a bunch of material from Fabric Mart. I took advantage of an incredible 65% sitewide discount to fill my cart with different fabric types: 2 yards of waterproof cloth, 4 yards of double gauze in two colors, and 2 yards of swimwear lycra. All this for $50!
Friday, June 23. I spent my Friday evening surfing the internet for cool and free tote bag patterns! I have selected the model I will sew and planned some modifications, such as adding a mesh pocket for sandy little beach toys and a zippered pocket for my phone and keys on the exterior. Instead of adding a million pockets or compartments to the interior, I will keep it simple. I can always sew matching pouches later to keep things organized.
Monday, June 26. My fabrics arrived so fast! And I love them all! The colors are exactly as shown on the website, and I believe I can use them as I intended. I have washed and dried the double-gauze cotton; the other fabrics do not need prewashing.
Tuesday, July 4. During my daughter’s nap, I made two towels today with the pink double-gauze. The double-sided pattern creates a pretty effect on the side hems, and I simplified my life even further by leaving the frayed fabric selvage as is. Just a simple project to get this pool capsule started!
Sunday, July 9. I planned on starting the tote bag, but I got in the groove and worked on it all day. And…it is DONE! I love how the waterproof canvas looks and feels. It is sturdy but flexible and lightweight. I used some green waterproof polyester from my stash for the lining. All the finishes are done with the serger to make it stronger. I paid extra attention to be precise with the cutting and sew all the pockets and details before assembling.
Saturday, July 15. I tried to sew a swimsuit cover today from a clever and free pattern I found online (look for “Pareo Macarella). I got some vibrant purple lycra for it and went through all the steps, only to realize I had made a mistake at the last step: I cut through the fabric at the wrong place and made a mess. I need some time to cool off before thinking of a creative fix. Not happy with my results today.
Wednesday, July 19. I worked out a solution for the swimsuit cover! It just took more improvised cutting (I have nothing to lose) and hand stitching. Et voila! I made four “darts”. Now it looks like a dress, but it is still a plain and simple wrap.
Tuesday, August 1 to August 5. I was unexpectedly out of town for a week, so I had no access to my supplies or sewing machine! On my return, I figured that instead of making more towels with the blue double gauze, I would be making a caftan. It was supposed to be a quick and easy project, but with a crawling and teething baby, nothing is “quick and easy” for me these days. I think it was worth it, though! The side openings in the caftan highlight the double-sided pattern colors. The bottom trim from my stash gives it a nice boho look.
Sunday, August 6. Well, my plan of avoiding last-minute rush almost worked. My husband took my pictures today, and I am now writing these last lines and proofreading my text before delivering it tomorrow. Mission accomplished!
INES | @bynunis
Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories: HOME DEC, UTILITY FABRICS, GAUZE, SWIMWEAR.
Everything you made is so bright and summery and looks great. I especially love the bag and how you rescued the swimsuit coverup. And kudos to you for doing all this while caring for your teething baby!
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