Homemade Holidays: Yoga Mat Tote from Lotta Jansdotter’s Simple Sewing

I’m just now getting around to posting some Christmas gifts due to their sensitive nature. This one especially, since it was for my sister Dawn and I knew her surprise would be spoiled if I posted it before Christmas. However, this is really a good anytime gift. It’s surprisingly fast and easy, too; the whole thing took me about thirty minutes.

I used an thrift store shower curtain purchased a couple of years ago.

I read somewhere a while back that pulling out a thread where your cut will be is one of the easiest ways to get a straight line.   Let me say that my sewing projects have really improved in appearance since reading this tip, especially projects like this, which are nothing but straight lines.  I used a thrifted shower curtain to make the bag, and the purple nylon cord came with the yoga mat, which was also a Christmas gift to Dawn, as some sort of carrying device.

The finished product--with my keys in the pocket so you'll know it's there.

I’ll be making another bag for my sister Demi soon, and I’m thinking about doing some embroidery on that little pocket.  Any other suggestions are appreciated!

Another shot of the finished product, with the yoga mat peeping out of the top.

The pattern is from Lotta Jansdotter’s Simple Sewing.  I purchased the book when I was in New York a few summers ago, and I keep coming back to it because everything is so do-able.  When you don’t have a lot of time, simplicity really matters in choosing a pattern.

One of the best purchases I've made!

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