Summer Series - Project #3

The second to last of my beach towel tutorials!  This is quite a floppy bag unless it is full.  I could have lined it or something to make it stiffer, but I wanted it to be easily washable and quick to dry...  That's the beauty of using towels!  I also didn't do any nice hemming, it's all very rough.  This was mainly because I don't enjoy hemming towel fabric, and my machine doesn't either.  Also because I'm not particularly fussy, and I wanted this to be the type of bag that you don't feel too precious about.  If you use it as intended, as a 'beach day' nappy/changing bag, then it's bound to get pretty banged up and dirty.  And despite the lack of hemming, it still looks pretty tidy & respectable really...

The Beach Baby Nappy Bag:

The towel works as a nappy changing mat (you can place a regular nappy mat over the top to protect it if you like, or even just use a cloth nappy), and also works as a nice drying spot if your bub has had a little swim.

Yet again this is a beginners project, which I completed during this afternoon's nap time.  The following tutorial is really just a basic outline of what you could do, but I think this is a fun project to be creative with.  I kept it pretty simple, with few pockets and a basic design - but you could definitely pretty it up and add some cute features...

You will need:

In retrospect I should have trimmed the sides of this pillow case to start off - so that the change mat fit the bag properly.  I ended up making some pleats to draw the sides in so that it fit well...  Yay for simple solutions!

NB:  These open ended side pockets didn't really work out for me - maybe close them up, or place them closer to the base of your bag...

As you can see, I was able to use existing features of the pillow case to make little outside pockets.  Maybe you can do the same - or make some pretty pockets of your own...

Yay!

Summer Series - Project #2

Maybe you guys are like me, and don't actually follow tutorials at all.  I just look at the pictures and go - "yeah I think I could make that," and then give it a go.  Well anyway, feel free to do just that, and completely ignore my instructions, which might not be that fab anyway.  But if you do want a step by step, this is how I made the following project...

The Sunbathing Companion

From this:

To this:

Just add your sunbathing self to this pic!

This project is a little more challenging than the last, though still really a beginner project (because what am I?  A beginner.  Yeah that's right).  It definitely took me a couple of hours to make this.

You will need: 

Cut the 1st towel into the following pieces (you should have a medium sized piece left over)

The instructions (sorry they're so hard to read on this one): Draw both edges together and pin - leaving 1cm(ish) between the edge of the pillow seam and your new seam, so that the towel lies flat (see the pic below for further clarification...

Then sew!

The pic doesn't show it, but both handles are on the same part of the towel, the erm, flap.  One on either side of the pillow.

 
I think velcro will work much better than domes, but either would be fine...

And well, that's pretty much it.  I don't know technical sewing terms, so I hope you were able to follow all of that, and if not, were able to figure out how to do it anyway.  The result will be a lovely sunbathing towel with an attached pillow, that can all be rolled up into a bag and carried (with sunbathing items included) down to the beach with you.  It had me hanging out for summer days, that's for sure.

If you DO make one, please pop back and share a link, I would love to see how yours turns out!

Check out more tutorials and projects here:

Or children's party ideas here:

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Summer Series - Project #1

While I was sitting in the sort-of-sun on Saturday - I couldn't help but wish I was back home sewing.  Addicted much?!  So I did the next best thing, and came up with some of my own sewing designs.  I'm a little bit obsessed with repurposing towels at the moment, so each of my ideas revolved around beachy-towelly type crafting.  I will pop the tutorials for each project on here, as they are completed.  Today:

The Sandy Feet Door Mat

(All you need to complete the picture is a bucket of water next to your mat, for footsie cleaning!)

Super easy project - perfect for a beginner!  It took me just over an hour to complete - start to finish

You will need:

Two small/medium sized towels (contrasting colours)

Scissors

Pins (I can't find my pincushion so I went renegade)

A sewing machine or needle and thread

Cut your pieces:

Start with your jandal applique:

(you can either sew the straps the entire way along - or leave loose as I have, see next photo!)

Now you can make your border:

Ta da!

Much cuter with little feet!

I don't actually live by the beach, so I gave this to my Ma who was visiting this morning.  They would be great for camping, if you are a super organised camper!  Or for your car - before those sandy feet climb inside.  You could just do it the old fashioned way and use a towel, but this is nicer don'tcha think?