The guest of honor needs something to take all her lovely gifts home in so we designed this charming "Shower Tote". Here's how to put it together.

Materials:

-1 yard of canvas
-1/2 yard each of contrasting fabric (we used colored burlap)
-Fusion fiber (Wonder-Under)
-Thread

Tools:

-Iron
-Sewing machine
-Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut out the panels that will create the body of the bag. The front panel should be 12" x 14" and the back panel should measure 12" x 18".

2. Iron the fusible paper onto the back of the fabric you're using to make the graphic.

3. Design the applique for your bag - draw your pattern out on the surface of the fabric you've chosen.. (We made a big pink flower on a blue diagonal stripe, but have fun and make your own personal statement).

4. Cut out your applique.

5. Peel the wonder under off the back of the pieces that compose your graphic.

6. Place the design onto the front (small) panel of your tote and go over the pieces with your iron to fuse them onto the fabric (make sure the iron is set to non-steam and the heat will work its magic).

7. Stitch down all the pieces you've ironed on using a zigzag stitch.

8. Now it's time to stitch together the bag itself. Start by hemming the top edge of both panels - turn under the raw edges 1/4" and 1/4" again and top stitch. Then stitch the front piece to the back piece creating one long strip with the top of the applique at the top of the strip.

9. Then fold the strip so the applique is on the inside.

10. Open out the center fold of the strip and bring that center point up to meet the seam between front and back. creating a pleat, once you've done this you should have two flaps at the bottom of the folded strip that are about 3" deep.

11. Next, stitch the side seams of the bag starting at the bottom catching all thinknesses of the pleat (Use ½" seam allowance for both sides.)

12. Now create the handles. They are made of a strip of self-fabric cut 4" wide. Fold the fabric strip in 1" along one long side and ½" on the other. Then fold the smaller side in another ½" to the center of the strip. Top stitch along the center fold and your handle is done.

13. Attach your handle to the bag by laying it on the surface of the bag at the top edge - overlapping it about an inch and top and folding the handle under on the bottom edge-stitching it in place along the edges of the strip and then stitching diagonally across the rectangle of stitching you just created.

This will create a 12" tote that's all ready to use on the beach or give as a gift. Happy toting!

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