Tote Bag

Saturday I spent the afternoon at our lake place sewing because it was raining and that is what I like to do.  I love it at the lake when it rains.

I have been thinking about this tote bag for over two months for an exchange and I had to delve into

it, to get my creativity going.  Sometimes I am just blank.

I looked at a grocery sack and just drew on newspaper and added a few inches in length and in handles.

As I was cutting it out I thought, "I ought to put an umbrella pocket on it". 

I don't recall ever seeing one, but wouldn't it be nice to have a tote with a spot for your umbrella.

It was raining, remember, so I was kinda thinking in that direction.

Here's a close up with lining in pocket.

The way the sun is shining Sunday afternoon it gave off a more turquoise tint, but it really matches.

I boxed off the bottom with the bottom of pocket in seam for a little more stability.

I pre-washed this fabric, because I wanted it to be something easy to grab 

for shopping, picnic, grocery, baby....

Here is a view from the side.  I was shocked I got the pattern matched up as good as I did.

I felt like the inside needed pockets as well.  I already had planned to make those.

I have so many bought bags with no pockets inside and I gripe every time I use one of them.

This is three pockets made with one long piece double sided.

I sewed it on before assembling lining together and put on opposite side

of umbrella pocket for balance. :)

The middle pocket has a pleat so it can hold more with smaller width pocket on each side.

The bag turned out reversible, which was not my original intention.  

The leaf print is decor weight fabric and the bandana type fabric is quilting weight fabric.

These next three pictures are my fake lake ducks and my new friend, that must be someone's pet.

This goose came up to me a couple of weekends ago and let me pet it and it got in my lap!

I was shocked and happy the dogs were inside!

Here he decided he needed a nap.  You can see my rock duck in background.

Jodie