Market Tote for Mom

I love giving handmade items to loved ones.  It's one of the things that got me back into sewing in the first place!  Unfortunately, I'm rarely on time with gifts!  This year, I asked my mom what she wanted me to sew her and she mentioned a tote bag, "denim with some colorful accents".

I looked around my pinterest sewing board and found a pin that was perfect!  Bijou Lovely's Market Tote tote is just great!  The instructions are very clear and simple.  I referred to another pin, by Sew La Vie and her Market Tote, where she used heavier fabrics and made some alterations.

I used a 'duck' canvas from Jo-Ann's (with the upholstery/outdoor fabrics) and a print I've had my eye on for some time ~ I love the pairing.  I turned the handles in 1/4 inch and pressed them, topstitching along each side, instead of turning them inside out.   I added a key clip and inside pocket.  I didn't have enough colorful fabric to have a layer of it under the canvas, so I sewed the two pieces together (the canvas measuring 9.5" x 21" and the flower print measuring 10.5" x 21").  I used the flowered fabric for both the outside and the lining.

This is a great size for lugging things around and it fits nicely over your shoulder.  I can't wait to send it off to my mom, although I hope I can pack it so that it doesn't get all wrinkly..!!

Chincoteague ~ Why I Love Virginia!

We met my sister and her kids, as well as my parents for part of a week in Chincoteague.  Although I've been birding there long ago, I've never gone in the summer.  We rented a lovely house on Little Oyster Bay, about 4 miles from the beach.  Our weather started out cool, but got REALLY hot by Friday.  The cousins crabbed, took rides in kayaks and canoes, and boogie boarded like nobody's business!   

  

A beautiful, beautiful place to go.  Although the beaches got somewhat crowded later in the week and in the day, we had some great beach time.  This little place really has the feel of a small town that remains almost pristine.  There is some good local food - including ice cream, and a very local grocery.  The beach itself is within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which keeps it from being built on and which protects the land around it.  There are miles of beach.  Phil and Nate were even able to surf.  I think we'll be going back!

There is nothing like time with family ~ I cherish time together and wish we lived closer!!