I know I said I was finished with beach pictures, but I wanted to share with you a few pictures of something I sewed that I happened to take pictures of while I was at the beach.
This little 'Treasures' beach bag was one of Maia's birthday presents. The pattern comes from Amanda Blake Soule's "Handmade Home." The instructions are very easy to follow--the most beginner sewer can easily accomplish this with little to no trouble. <----- That's me! It's really a perfect bag for collecting and bringing home seashells--without the excess sand--from the beach.
I made a few changes to suit what I wanted a little more.
Instead of old screening or mesh, I chose to use burlap for the bag. I got a few strange looks and and few questions at the fabric store when I told them what I was planning on doing with it. The fabric cutters always ask what you are planning on making, don't they? I'm not sure I like this because I always worry they are thinking ill thoughts of my color/fabric patterns.
I'm glad I didn't let their surprise deter me. The burlap works wonderfully. It's a little stiff at first but that eases the sewing process. After the first few shells are tossed in the burlap begins to relax. It really does a great job of sifting out the unwanted sand so little arms can easily tote their treasures home.
I also chose an embroidered label over a stamped label. I've never been one for stamping but I think that's because I can't stamp without leaving big blobs of ink everywhere. The embroidery is done on a scrap of linen that is then placed on a square of cotton. The label in "Handmade Home" says 'treasure' but Maia always refers to her gleanings as 'My treasures, Mama! My treasures!' The edges are left to fray which I think adds the final touch to this beachcomber bag!
