Keeping It Simple - Quick and Easy Pool Tote

Wow, the pool opens this Saturday and the kids can hardly wait. We had a couple of rainy days last week so we decided that it was time to sew. This project was a hit and our granddaughter can hardly wait to have a couple of friends over to make them as a group. It really did turn out to be the perfect project for young girls to practice a few basic sewing and embroidery skills. Here is the bag we made:

Here is what you need:

One hand towel (washed and dried)

Two pieces of 1 1/2" grosgrain ribbon each 22" long

Two 4" squares of cotton fabric

Double Heart appliqué embroidery design (download here)

Trans-Web iron on fusible

Lapel Stick temporary adhesive

appliqué snips

Soft cut-away stabilizer

wash away mesh stabilizer (optional)

Here is what you do:

1. Adhere the Trans-Web to the back of the two fabric squares per the package instructions.

2. Print a template and pin or mark the center of where you want the design on the top half of the right side of the towel. (You can print templates from a variety of software programs including Catalog Xpress, Alphabet Xpress, and Size It)

3. Hoop the soft cut-away in a 5"X7" hoop. Using the lapel stick or temporary adhesive of choice adhere the towel to the stabilizer centering the template.

4. Embroider the first run of the first heart. Carefully remove the hoop and lay flat. Using the Lapel Stick adhere one fabric square over the stitches. Embroider the second run. Carefully remove the hoop, lay flat and trim just outside the stitching using the appliqué snips.

5. Carefully slide the hoop back onto the machine and embroider the first run of the second heart. Carefully remove the hoop and lay flat. Using the Lapel Stick adhere the other fabric square over the stitches. Embroider the next run. Carefully remove the hoop, lay flat and trim just outside the stitching using the appliqué snips.

6. Carefully slide the hoop back onto the machine. Embroider the last two thread colors. Remove from the hoop and cut away excess stabilizer.

7. Lay towel face down on the table measure in 3 1/2". Fold the end of one ribbon under and pin in place. Sew a rectangle to secure. Repeat 3 1/2" from the other side with the other end of the ribbon strip. Repeat at the other end of the towel.