Summer towel tote

So, as usual, I get this great idea, start working on it and then JUST before I am finished I see it posted all over Pinterest.  I decided this time I was just going to post mine anyway!  So here it is.  The towel tote I started working on a few weeks ago.

I don't really have a tutorial for it but it really is easy.  (Read, I winged this) 

The Towel: Take any towel you like.  In my case I love targets RE brand quick dry towels because they are on sale a lot and SUPER soft!  For this shape I actually cut the towel in thirds but make it whatever you want!

Mine is folded along the side and sewn on the bottom and the other side.  I chose this because that left the nice manufactured towel edge on top.  I don't own a serger so when sewing sides that have been cut I use a medium zigzag stitch to make sure the seam holds. However, if a serger is available, I highly recommend serging any unfinished edges.  Less mess and looks better.

Handles: I made mine with some scrap fabric I had laying around.  I simple cut the length I wanted and double the width (don't forget to add in a seam allowance). Mine are about 30in long and 4in wide before being sewn.  

Fold in half, sew together, then turn.

Attaching the handles is easy.  I folded about 1/4th of an inch under and pinned down.  I then sewed a square and an x across the square to ensure it was sturdy.

Embellishment: If you own an embroidery machine you can find the pattern I used here: http://www.emblibrary.com/el/Products.aspx?Catalog=Emblibrary&ProductID=y3331

If you don't, try doing a simple flower like a hibiscus or something with floss maybe?  Or maybe stitch on some of the cute fabric flowers all over Pinterest?

Anyway, what I love about a towel tote is that you can toss wet pool toys or swimsuits in it without having to worry too much about finding a plastic bag.  Also, it is certainly washable.  The most important of all though is....

It's so soft and fluffy!! 

Make the most of your can of WD-40

I ran across this on Facebook.  I haven't tried even one of these I don't suspect but man, I had to find a better place to put this that was well, more share-able than Facebook.  Now all I need is a list for duct tape right?

One to make note of for anyone who lives in the southern states.... fire ant bites?!  This one I'm sure I will have to try after I work in my yard this year.

WD-40 Uses:

1. Protects silver from tarnishing.
2. Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4. Gives floor that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.
5. Keeps the flies off of Cows, Horses, and other Farm Critters, as well. (Ya gotta love this one!!!)
6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7. Removes lipstick stains.
8. Loosens stubborn zippers.
9. Untangles jewelry chains.
10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12. Keeps ceramic / terracotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13. Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16. Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on both home and vehicles doors.
18. It removes that nasty tar and scuff marks from the kitchen flooring.
It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off.
Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19. Remove those nasty Bug guts that will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly!
20. Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21. Lubricates gearshift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers...
22. Rids kids rocking chair and swings of squeaky noises.
23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31. Removes grease splatters from stovetops.
32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35. Removes all traces of duct tape.
36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37. Florida's favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.'
38. The favorite use in the state of New York, it protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose.
Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.
40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41. It is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray it on the marks and wipe with a clean rag.
42. Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!
43. If you spray it inside a wet distributor cap, it will displace the moisture, allowing the engine to start.