Is anyone else out there excited to get summer started?
We have a just a few more days of school to get through around here (less than 5 days!!) and then we are ready to relax, read, nap, swim, bike, play, nap, read, relax {repeat, repeat, repeat}.
With this being our last summer of just my Little and I it’s feeling even more precious than the last 5 {school-break} summers.
I work hard to be intentional with these days together, balancing freedom from schedules with a little healthy structure.
Our favorite thing about summer is being outside, are you with us?
So I couldn’t help but pick the Poolside Tote as one of my three pattern choices from the Indiesew Summer Collection.
I knew that it would be ‘maternity’ friendly and would see us through many summers to come …
in fact, I’m pretty sure next summer I’m going to need 2 or 3 totes to carry all of our gear.
If you have never sewn a Noodlehead pattern, I highly encourage you to give one a try soon.
Anna has such a gift, creating patterns full of creative details without complicating the process. Her patterns are straight forward and challenge you to try new techniques without making you want to pull your hair out!
The Poolside Tote is a bit time intensive on the prep work (lots of involved cutting of fabric + interfacing), ironing on the interfacing {seriously, does anyone else hate really dislike this part of the process?!} and basting some of the accent pieces. BUT, it’s all worth it as the finished piece comes together quite quickly and looks so polished!
Another thing I love about Anna’s patterns is the variety of end results. There is so many opportunities to get creative with your fabrics.
You can see more inspiration here, here and here.
I chose to go with a classic denim base and add bright pops of color with my handle & lining fabric.
Of course I couldn’t resist the chance to add in some polka dots too!
Fabric info::
Indigo Denim {exterior}
Kona, Orange {lining}
Geo Pop Canvas, Sorbet {handle accents, handles}
Spot On, Navy {slip pocket accent}
Kona, Pink {slip pocket lining}
Spot On, Snow {interior facing accent}
All fabric by // Robert Kaufman
Interfacing info::
Pellon 809 Decor Bond {exterior, handle accents, handles and interior facing} because it’s what I had on hand.
As you can see, the tote is quite roomy.
It easily held our poolside basics:: 2 towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat {me}, goggles + snorkel and keys {hello, cute little key fob … which I didn’t take a photo of!}
Plus there was still room to throw in our water bottles, a snack and a book/Kindle.
What do you think, am I ready for summer?
{Now to find an appropriate maternity swimsuit … send help!!}
Today is the last day of the Indiesew Summer Collection blog tour, if you missed any of the earlier posts, go catch up!
- Tuesday, May 19th: Rachel | House of Pinheiro
- Thursday, May 21st: Katie | What Katie Sews
- Monday, May 25th: Anna | Noodlehead
- Tuesday, May 26th: Andrea | Knitty Bittes {That’s Me!}
- Wednesday, May 27th: Erin | Sewbon
- Thursday, May 28th: Sherri | Thread Riding Hood