Using loom squares

I posted recently about making your own loops (from t-shirts) for a handheld loom, and here are some examples of what you can make




Weaving designs are posted on my Woof Nanny blog.

These are from vintage craft booklet, The Nelly Bee Loom Weaving Designs, 1945.
Who knew?!

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!

More Vintage inspiration

Teen Summer dress, scarf, and bag pattern, 1966.

The bag can be made with fabric or with vinyl.

Dig the pom-pom trim.

You can always opt for whimsical

Who knew tankinis had been around so long?
Fun pattern that includes a beach bag with an appliqued frog design.
Zippered, and trimmed with piping.
Copyright 1979.

Seriously, how fun is this?!

Have you figured out how you're going to make your beach bag for this challenge?
Photos to me by the end of July please.

New ideas

How about if you make a convertible tote that becomes a beach mat.

(this pattern from Smart Sewing Magazine, 2nd edition, 1950)

Maybe you could figure out a way to turn a cute poncho like this into a bag...


Think outside the box, people.

What do you like to do? Picnic? Swim? Play games?
Make a bag appropriate for your uses.
There's an expression in design--form follows function.
In other words, be creative to serve your own needs.

Perhaps you need a tote for art supplies, or camera equipment.
I personally need supplies for the dogs I take to the beach, so I may journey in that direction.

What new ideas can you come up with?

Vintage beach bag ideas

For your beach bag, you might consider using a vintage pattern.
Here are a couple in my own collection:

This one has a damaged envelope, but you can still see the fun flower-like design


Or this interesting design, where one handle fits into the other.
I have seen new variations of this.
Sometimes one handle is much shorter,
other times the bag is divided vertically in two print colors.


Or a classic drawstring


Or a super-size tote