Tote Bag for Summer

Today is the official first day of Summer! Time flies, doesn’t it? Let’s head to the pool!

Tote Bag for Summer – photo 1

This tote was inspired by Ren’s Tote-ally Thankful for our Teachers post at The Inspired Wren! She has a wonderful FREE Lined Canvas Tote Tutorial! Thanks, Ren!

My fabric is actually drop cloth for the body plus some fun stripes and a floral, both found at Wal Mart a couple of years ago!

Tote Bag for Summer – photo 2

This was my first time to use fusible interfacing. I purchased a medium weight, which made my bag a little too stiff. (Another sewing lesson learned!) The lining should be tucked inside, but the outer shell wouldn’t fold over and iron nicely, so I just let the lining peak out and top stitched it in place. The little pops of pink at the top are kind of nice anyway!

Tote Bag for Summer – photo 3

This was my first attempt at matching stripes, too! ‘Not bad! 😉 My favorite part, though, is the fussy cut pocket, so there’s a big, honkin’ flower on the front!

Tote Bag for Summer – photo 4

‘Got your towel? Great! Throw it in my tote and let’s enjoy Summer!

😉 -Marci