Poolside Tote in Paper Bandana

I've had the Poolside Tote by Noodlehead on my to-sew list for a long time. I love Anna's patterns and I consider her instructions really well written and illustrated.

I used Cotton and Steel fabrics from Alexia Marcelle Abegg's Paper Bandana collection, all purchased from Hawthorne Threads. The outer fabric is "paper cuts sky" canvas, and the handles are "add it up navy" quilting cotton. The accent fabric is "panda bebe turquoise," also quilting cotton.

The interior is some stretch denim I found in my stash, and I used Anna's recommendations, Annie's Soft and Stable and Pellon SF101, for the batting and interfacing. The Soft and Stable makes it really stand up on its own, which I like.

I added an interior zip pocket because I like a sand-free zone for my cell phone and maybe some loose earrings, other treasures.

I used a lobster/swivel clasp for the key holder instead of a D-ring since I don't have any hooks on my keys.

I also opted for both exterior pockets, a slip pocket on one side and the zip pocket on the other. Took longer, but I wanted to my bag to have all the bells and whistles.

Louisa took this photo of me modeling the bag before we went to the pool one day.

Then last weekend I got to try it out oceanside when we were at the Outer Banks for a few days. :)

Thanks for reading and happy dog days of summer! It always goes by so fast.