I was so excited to hear about the summer challenge that Robert Kaufman Fabrics

was having, from Sew Mama Sew, featuring Robert Kaufman's new line Manchester Metallics.

While I am not usually a metallics, glittery or shimmery type of girl, I do love a good challenge. So you can imagine how thrilled I was to be chosen to participate!! I had such a fun time choosing which fabrics I wanted to work with. After much back and forth debating...with myself, I finally chose the Manchester Metallics in Evening Shade and Eggshell along with a Kona Solid in Watermelon...because what is more summer than watermelon🍉😉

When my lovely bundle of fabrics arrived and were unwrapped, I was so surprised at how soft and drapey (is that even a word?) the metallics were. Truly lovely and not at all what I had expected, in the best possible way. So now my only other concern was, unravelling. Again, I was going on my old knowledge of what metallics were...while there is some for sure, I was surprised that it wasn't much different than regular quilt fabric and once I added the Pellon Shape Flex to my pieces, it wasn't an issue at all. This really is lovely fabric, I wish I had the talent to sew cloths....with the shimmer and all the texture, light weight, it would make for some pretty outfits too.....and everyone I've shown my project to, just gushes about it!!

I want to take a moment right here to say, yes I was given the fabric by Robert Kaufman for this event, but the only stipulations I had to follow were....1.) I had to only use the fabrics I was given or any Robert Kaufman solid fabrics I had in my stash(a cubby full of choices) and 2.) I had to sew a summer bag. I was never told what to say,

my blog...my words....always! 😀

So what did I choose to sew......a Poolside Tote of course. A pattern by Anna Graham of Noodlehead.....I think this is number 6 for me....love this bag.

I added a few extra pockets, because you can never have to many....

.....instead of one outside zippered pocket, I made 2 pockets one on each side of the bag....

and added two inside hidden zipper pockets...because.....you can't have too many pockets., remember!..lol

and come on, how fun is this...the lime green zippers hint of the colour to come...Lime Green Kona Solid

If that isn't enough to inspire your desire for this fabric, maybe this will help.....

I can't seem to help myself....when faced with a challenge I need to think outside of the box....I wanted to share something different.....so I printed my Poolside Tote pattern again, but this time at 50%....and this is what happened......

I had to figure out a few of the pieces that are cut and not actual pattern pieces, but that wasn't too difficult....and the results were so worth the effort......

(edit: I've been asked for the measurements I used for the pocket and handles when the Poolside Tote pattern is printed at 50% and with Anna's permission here's the measurements I use ... Side Pocket: 6" x 5.5" for bottom, 6" x 2" for the top and Handles: 3" x 12")

So now it's a set. A little bag for lotions and such....or a mother/daughter tote set(edit: I gave it to my daughter this summer, so Mother Daughter set it is!! Little Ava looks so cute carrying her little bag)....or just the cutest little purse....or you use your imagination. Whatever the answer, its adorable, sitting at 7" high by 11" wide.

That's it for me, but....

Don't forget to check out the other participant in the Manchester Metallics Challenge, and don't forget to take a moment and leave a comment on what you think! Share some encouragement, and show your enthusiasm for this new line!! Can't wait to hear your thoughts!!

Looking for more inspiration...

Check out the other bloggers participating in the Manchester Metallics Challenge....

Sandy Whitelaw of UpStairs Hobby Room (you are here)

Monday

Anne Zeitler of AnneZPlace

Natalie Strand of Vegetablog

Tuesday

Kathy Green of Designs by KTGreen

Sanchia Gair of Red Brolly

Thursday

Sara Johansen of The Sara Project

Jenny of My Handmade Home