Beach towels and zippered bag

It is nice to cross something else off my to-do list. I've wanted a stripe-y beach bag since last summer but never got around to making it. Getting my boys' beach towels done got me motivated. (Read about that project here.)


I stayed up late the other night to get the bag started -- ironing and cutting out fabric and getting things assembled. I stopped when it came time to add the zipper. I've only sewn one zipper before (on a bag for my sister years ago) and it didn't turn out so great. Patience and persistence helped this time.


The zipper lined up perfectly. Since I didn't use the zipper presser foot on my sewing machine, I stitched the ends by hand. I added the horizontal band to cover the ends of the extra-long handles because I didn't want to fuss around with the zipper and handles at the same time. I think the contrast of the stripes actually adds to the bag.

Looking at these photos, I noticed how nicely the bag coordinates with our porch chairs. If you see me at the beach sitting on one, you'll know why.