Stitch pouches in a variety of sizes to protect beach reads, your phone, and other gear from splashes and sunblock splatters.

A sun hat is cute, colorful, and cool. Even a beginner can start stitching in the morning and have a new hat to wear to the beach in the afternoon.

Seersucker is always fitting for a warm-weather party -- and these napkins are no exception. The classic fabric is inexpensive and available at almost any cloth store, so you can mix and match a few colors. Even better, seersucker's slightly puckered texture means no ironing is required.

This homemade satchel does double duty as a tote bag and a beach towel. Plus, it has pockets inside for holding snacks, supplies, and more.

This adorable smocked sundress is a perfect project for a summer weekend.

A shoulder strap of colorful grosgrain ribbon keeps bottled water handy when you're on the go.

The same oilcloth that covers your kitchen table can transport your children's lunches -- or your own -- in leak-free style.

Make these carefree days even sunnier by creating fun-to-wear children's clothes like pants, halters, dresses, and tops out of colorful bandannas.

With this convenient carryall, a day at the beach needn't end with a bag full of sand.

A few well-placed stitches can transform summer staples into colorful coordinates.

This bright bag is perfect for toting essentials to the beach or the pool -- and takes only an hour to complete.

Camp chairs with sling seats are ideal for lounging by the sea, especially when they have been updated with beach-worthy prints.

Don't let yesterday's rainstorm dampen your picnic plans: Waterproof a cotton or wool blanket by adding a protective backing of water-resistant fabric.

Keep track of seaside essentials -- sunscreen, novels, flip-flops -- by sinking them in a corner pocket of your favorite beach blanket.

Adding a terry cloth slipcover to inflatable pillows ensures extra comfort when relaxing at the beach.

Don't let a stiff breeze chase you off the beach. Bring along a windscreen to protect yourself from gusts and blowing sand, as well as to enjoy a little surf-side privacy and shade.

Protect your summer reading at the beach or pool with these stylish covers.

Instead of settling for a print that's not quite right, make your own outdoor chaise cushions using inexpensive pillows and the fabric of your choice.

This brightly-patterned kite will appeal to kids of all ages.

For the perfect perch after a bath, turn a terry-cloth towel into a pillow sham.

These beautiful pierced-paper hurricanes are a colorful addition to any table top.

Colorful, casual, and altogether charming, learn how to make this vintage-style tablecloth that's ideal for outdoor entertaining.

This summery table runner adds a cheerful touch to any table.

Clear off bathroom countertops by storing toiletries in a hanging terry organizer.

A grid of running stitches on a burlap shade brings a bold look to an everyday object that might otherwise fade into the background.

It takes only a few oddball buttons and embroidery floss to transform plain napkins into a harvest of whimsical linens.