When I come back from America each time, my suitcases are filled to maximum capacity with some of my things that I’ve saved and moved and stored away. Tranferring my wardrobe filled my suitcases the first few years that I was traveling back and forth. Now that my clothes, shoes and favorite bags have made the long journey from Nebraska to the Amalfi Coast, I’m down to bringing over some really fun things – music, favorite decorations and craft projects. This last time I brought with me a few large ziplock bags stuffed full of the collection of “fat quarters” I collected during my years quilting. (On my next trip my mostly completed quilt will come back with me so I can finish it!) It feels good to finally have my sewing bag and favorite craft tools and fabrics for inspiration. It’s really true that the little things in life can bring so much joy!
My first project was to line a pretty beach basket that I bought in Positano at the end of last summer. After three summers of beach duty, my previous bag broke last year. I was in Positano last summer at the end of August for an afternoon, and after a quick swim I walked through some of the shops near the beach while waiting for the ferry back to Amalfi. I noticed some beach baskets lined up, and I liked the smaller size and the short handles on one of them in particular. I like a small beach bag since I’m the type that fills any bag to maximum capacity. The small size and the comfortable short handles means that I won’t end up hauling around a heavy bag on my shoulders all summer. There was just one problem I discovered once I got the bag home. Certain places inside the basket snagged my beach towel. It needed a lining! Following the general idea of a basket liner pattern over at Make It and Love It, I put some of those fabric scraps to good use.
Puffy, of course, was a great helper. Not so much with the sewing, but at least with keeping me laughing while I was hand sewing the longer seams. Here’s a detail of the finished lining:
Here’s the basket with a new pair of flip flops (thanks, Mary!) and a pareo that I found on sale in Positano last October for €5 that matches my brown and white polka dot swimsuit. Now I’m ready for the nice beach days ahead!
Hello Laura , you bag looks lovely , enjoy the beach 🙂 whilst you can before the tourists arrive xox
Thanks, Anne! 🙂
Laura~ we are off to Positano & Sorrento today~ we are statioed here in Naples and LOVE Italy~ I am going to Positano just for the tote you posted~ LOL I love it & hope to find it there when we arrive.
I love your posts/blog and all~
Would love to know more about Sicily if you could?
Mom of three little girls who dreams of traveling for less
Sharon
Ciao Sharon,
Wow … I was in Positano yesterday, too! I didn’t have a chance to check my comments before I left home early. The allure of Positano was strong yesterday! I was thinking about you when I saw the shop where I bought the bag, and I even noted the name to tell you. It’s called Souvenirs La Saracena. I hope you found the beach bag! I saw that they were out front of the shop all lined up. It was a beautiful day there … just starting to get a bit cloudy in the afternoon when I left on the ferry at 3:30. Hope you had a wonderful day!
I’ve never been to Sicily before, so I’m afraid I don’t have much I can share. But Pat writes an excellent blog called Sicily Scene, and she might have some tips on where to start reading for great travel tips for families. Happy travel planning!
As Anne says I’d get down there with your pretty bag as soon as possible. Those buses look menacing. The best season (now) will soon be over!
Ciao Rosa! Yes … as soon as the sun is out again I’ll be down on the beach in Amalfi. The water is still too cold for me to swim, but I’m looking forward to some warm sunshine. 🙂
Did you make this or bought this really adorable bag? If you bought it, where and what store?
Thanks
Hi Sharon, I bought the bag in Positano, but sewed the fabric lining in myself. I’m not sure the name of the shop in Positano, but it’s the tourist shop at the top of the short staircase coming up from the beach near Ristorante Le Tre Sorrelle and the lion statue. Can’t miss it! 🙂
Great beach bag/basket. I like a bag that doesn’t collapse and scramble its contents. Puffy’s fur matches the basket pretty it appears….I can picture you enjoying your walk along the beach with your ‘new’ improved basket, flip-flops, towel…and a book.
Ciao Mary! Yes, that’s one of the best benefits of this bag … it doesn’t collapse or jumble everything up. And a good book is essential! Thanks for the new flip flops! 🙂
Love the bag as it was, but you’ve made it even prettier (and more practical) with that lining!
I am also loving that beautifully manicured garden in the background… what a view 🙂
Thanks, Ele! I’m looking forward to using my new beach bag this summer. I love the neighbor’s villa gardens, too! 🙂
How clever of you Laura to turn an ordinary basket into something special 🙂
Thanks, Linda! I love sewing by hand, so it was a fun little project. Now the cheery lining will make me smile whenever I see it! 🙂
Beautiful bag! You should consider a side business!
Thanks, Lisa! I do love making things by hand and I’ve thought about that before. Who knows what this year might bring! 🙂