Summer Sewing

We reached the island well after sunset, swathed in a haze of salt air and fading light. The place was Two Harbors, a small outpost on the Catalina isthmus. We spent three days there, camping in canvas-walled cabins overlooking the cove. That first night we hiked along the bluffs under a black sky, looking down at the port lights reflecting off the water. Summer nights here are scented; coastal sage and native grasses, wild licorice, warmth and dust.

For this trip I did a little last-minute sewing. The Two Harbors Tote, a sturdy, drawstring, beach bag with rope handles for a bit of nautical flair. I found some coordinating fabric by chance, which resulted in the Seafarer Clutch — just the thing for ferry tickets and collected shells. I illustrated step-by-step instructions for both projects so you can see how I made them and maybe try them yourself. Click here or on the banner above to download.