A couple weeks ago, I shared this Happy Camper project that I embroidered and turned into the front panel of a quick tote for summer, perfect for favorite books, a project, or other totable things.

I’ve had lots of eager requests for the design by itself, or as part of the set (“Summer Wheels” – which includes a vintage bike and a wheelbarrow as a series of three designs), and as a pre-printed towel set. And they are coming! They really are!

Unfortunately, they can only come when they’re ready.

There’s one aspect of bringing a project to the Ready Stage that I never like to skip entirely, and that’s trial stitching. I’ll show you why, with this particular project.