The Abby Bag by V & Co.

So guess how long ago I started this bag? Oh, about a year ago. When Vanessa posted her Abby Bag I fell in love immediately and bought the pattern! I received the pattern in my inbox on March 15, 2011. I picked out the fabric and got to work. I was nearly finished when I decided maybe I wanted to make it smaller (it is a large bag!). And then I never did! So I pulled it out the other day and half an hour later, it was finished.

I kept it large because I’m going to use it to take all our swimming gear in. The bag is reversible.  I originally made it with the thought that the flowers would go on the outside, but I love the chevron more now, so that will be showing most often.

I don’t think the pattern calls for a pocket, but I knew I needed to add one for keys, sunglasses, or sunscreen.  Didn’t quite match up those stripes, darnit!

I also made the loops for the tie differently than the pattern, so I didn’t have to turn them right side out since I don’t like to do that.  I made them wider and folded, then folded again in towards center—kind of like making bias tape.  Then topstitched both sides.

This bag can fit a lot!  Like I said, pocket with sunscreen.

Loaded with three large beach towels, with room to spare for swimsuits, a great book, etc.

And since we are using it for wet things, I covered the cardboard at the bottom with PUL, so it didn’t get ruined.

So there you have it!  I highly recommend the pattern if you are looking for a great big bag that will hold a ton of stuff! 

And just for kicks, here’s Poppy in her tutu swimsuit that we love (Target).  She’s actually saying, “ta-da!” because she climbed onto the top of that rock and was quite proud of herself.  Yay for summer!!!