The Siesta Key Beach Bag: Smaller But Still Mighty

The Siesta Key Beach Bag came about because a smaller beach bag has been requested by customers so often. The popularity of The Sunset Beach Tote Bag has been fun to see and it's fan base has asked if a smaller bag would be coming out. While this bag is NOT a copy, nor is it just a percentage reduction, it IS similar enough to be considered it's younger sibling. The Siesta Key Beach Bag calls for very minimal hardware, outdoor canvas for both the exterior and interior, along with Peltex fusible stabilizer and fusible fleece.

As always, the testers are encouraged to get creative with the pattern, and are welcome to use slightly different materials of similar weight. It's important to show versatility in how other fabrics perform. To inspire you to make your own Siesta Key Beach Bag the testers provided details for what they used in their projects.

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Long-time tester, Ulrike Puckering of The Busy Sewing Room, used a waterproof canvas for the red and black elements of this bag and the watermelon print is Ripstop. She chose acrylic felt as the exterior stabilizer and says it gives the bag nice structure to stand on it's own without it being too heavy or bulky. Decovil Heavy was used in the bottom of the bag to keep it nice and sturdy.

After making the pattern, Ulrike mentioned: "I really love this bag, even though big bags are not usually my thing personally. I might just have the have more beach trips this summer."

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One of my original testers, Becca Olson of Turtle Trax Too, used a waterproof canvas for the exterior and interior of her bag. While mentioning her love for the pattern, she noted that the tan canvas was giving her trouble by wrinkling and melting when trying to add the fleece to the exterior. We found that spray adhesive might be a good idea to use if your fleece doesn't stick. Her bag still turned out great and she said it was claimed by someone right away!

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Keleesha Marley of Marley Sews, another one of my wonderful repeat testers, used nylon fabric lite, self-adhesive fleece for the exterior body and used 1 1/2" webbing for straps.  The color-blocking makes me happy, and check out that surprise yellow in the zipper pocket with card slots! Keleesha said she enjoyed the pattern and was excited to have a "true spring/beach bag".  Her smile says it all!

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Gina Lasseigne, of Le Petite Belle, has tested for us multiple times now and managed to knock out 2 fabulous bags! I love that she has a bright summery colored one and one with more neutral tones and quilted fabric. Gina said of the pattern: "After I started the red one I realized this pattern offers so many nice features it needs to go places other than the beach, as well. Crafts, quilting, etc. I can see this going to classes and retreats and just traveling. Love it!"

The red bag is a combination of outdoor canvas and cotton canvas.  The blue one is cotton canvas with 2 layers of fleece added to the exterior and then she quilted the fabric. She also added a magnetic snap to this one as it will be used for more than just a beach bag. 

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Our group of testers produced some amazing bags. As always, I appreciate their time and efforts in both the testing and the promotion phases of the patterns. I could not get a quality product to you without their invaluable help. A huge thank you to them, and for the ladies who have links listed, I hope you'll take the time to check out their creations.

Want more information on techniques used in the patterns? Check out the Learning Library of articles and a complete listing of videos for most Kaya Papaya Design patterns. 

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced bag maker, I'd love to have you join the Facebook Pattern Group. Ask questions, give guidance and encouragement, and be sure to share your makes.

Please feel free to comment, but be aware that Shopify doesn't offer a way for me to respond. If you have any questions, please PM through Facebook, or email me at info@kayapapayadesign.com. I'd love to hear from you!