Bags from towels

Remember, the current theme is to make a bag using (preferably vintage and recycled) linens.
So that would include towels.
Although I hope you get more creative than this, it's a stepping stone.

From Make it with Towels, Cannon Mills brochure.
No date listed.


(sorry for posting this a second time, but it's applicable again)


(click on image to enlarge. Flickr doesn't size horizontals well)
From "The How To Book: Do it Yourself with Stevens Utica Sheets & Towels", by J.P. Stevens & Co, 1978

Beach tote/mat, 1967

I adore this pattern. (click image to enlarge)

This tote converts into a beach mat.
The entire thing is constructed from placemats.
God that's fun!

Are you sewing your beach bag?

Oh my gosh, the internet crashed where I was staying, so I apologize for my absence here.
Now I'm home, and it feels so good to get back on the computer!

I'm getting a bit nervous about this current challenge, as I've had very few entries so far.
Come on guys--there's still time.
Even, um, I haven't started yet.

Still not sure what you're going to create?
How about a fun shape?
Like this cool scarf-like beach bag (design 'b') from 1949


Or maybe for you it's all about the fabric.
This out-of-print Burda pattern calls for terrycloth to make the simple tote--to me that's an invitation to use a vintage beach towel for fabric.


Speaking of sewing with beach towels, Indygo Junction has a current pattern available to make a large tote out of a towel.


Okay, now get sewing!!!

How should you make your beach bag?

Okay, beach bag...what are the options?

One idea for your beach bag is to contruct it using a beach towel or bath towel, like I did in this past post.


Here's a version by Martha Stewart.


Make a bag from a hand towel and washcloth, at Family Fun.


Here's a little tiny bag, from a vintage booklet by Canon Towels.


Beach bag/pillow from Girl's Life.
Here's another pillow bag, but made with a beach towel, from About.com.

Tutorial (on Adobe) from Utah State University, for making a bag from a beach towel.

If you don't want to use a towel, you can go the recycled route with your beach bag.
Martha Stewart used an old tablecloth for this tote.


Or how about a large tote lined with vinyl (idea from HGTV)?

As always, try to kick it up a notch.
This is about exploring, learning, challenging oneself, and having fun.
Play with it!