In the midst of my quilt-filled August, I decided to make myself a poolside tote. It seemed a little crazy at the time, and it certainly took away a bit of time that I could have spent working on those quilts, but I did it anyway!
The pattern is by Anna Graham of Noodlehead, and this is the third pattern of hers that I’ve made (the others were my road trip case and social tote). I appreciate the fact that her instructions are well written and easy to follow with lots of helpful diagrams. I also love the design of the tote itself — floppy and unstructured so that it can be tucked away when not in use, but also large enough to hold at least 3 full-size towels and swimming gear.
I got all my fabrics from Joann, so they’re nothing too fancy. The outer bag and facing are made of a lightweight denim and the zig zag lining is a home decor cotton The handles are a normal quilting cotton. The zipper isn’t a 100% color match but it was the closest I could find and I think it works just fine.
I am super duper happy with how it turned out! I’ve made several bags, but this one is easily the best in terms of both fabric choice and quality of sewing. Whereas in the past I would have been tempted to go pattern crazy with the fabric, I decided to tone it down with the denim and am so glad I did. I also took things slow and steady with the sewing and it really shows in the form of more even seams and topstitching.
This bag is now packed with towels, sunscreen and the all-important swim diapers and ready for our next trip to the pool!
