Hotting up...

Things are hotting up, both literally and metaphorically!

I did manage to spend a relaxing half hour in the sun between FQR packing and the KS2 performance of Bugsy Malone, which was really rather good, albeit boiling hot in the hall.

I have re-thunk my weekend attire more times than I can remember and trying to cram everything into the smallest, most manoeuvrable luggage has not been easy.

Still, almost done.

In amongst all the class supplies and outfits is my revamped Poolside Tote, already packed for tomorrow afternoon…

I swapped out the coral Sketch facing with some more or the Indigo Essex Linen, and I love it so much better...

So that's another FAL finish in old money!!!

I shall wish you all a happy weekend already - I will try to blog a few snaps via my iPad, but that isn't always successful, and as for Instagram, I am kind of hoping I will be too busy!

Baby Poolside...

I made another bag!

10 minutes after Anna-Noodlehead posted that the Poolside Tote was available for purchase, I had it printed out!

I then printed it out again at 80%.  At 80% you can cut each panel from a FQ.  I kept the original width of handles and accents, but scaled the pocket and adjusted a few measurements by eye.

As with all Anna's patterns, the instructions were super clear and easy to follow and I will be making another at 100% for sure!

Now in the spirit of using what I have, I didn't have any wadding, or fusible fleece, so I used some thermal batting!!  I have had it in my stash since about day one, when I spotted that I could make oven gloves and other useful things in the name of quilting.  I have never made such things!

So my bag is super padded!

The only thing I have omitted (for now), is the final top-stitching, mainly because I think I have a bit of a judder with my walking foot, and the thickness will probably make it look worse than better… I can always add it later!  I hand finished the facing instead and am more than happy with that…

Bonus comment from a 7 year old, "Did you put the leather bit on the zip?  It looks like a proper one!"

I can definitely recommend the pattern; my reduced-scale is a great size, but I can't wait to go large!