The Project that broke my sewing machine

One afternoon I was strolling through Homegoods when I came across these striped rugs in really bright fun colors.  I had seen rug bags before, so I bought two and thought it would be a really fun, quick project.  I mean how hard could it be?  It's two side seams, two corner seams and sewing two handles on.  Piece of cake!

After about an hour of really frustrating sewing, I had managed to break 2 needles, my needle up/down function, and my thread kept fraying and breaking.  It was after all this that I realized I hadn't reset my tension after making the streamers for Avery's party.  I had my tension set at the highest setting possible, so no wonder my poor Viking just gave up on me.   

I packed up my machine and took it in for service...$79 and a week later it was as good as new.  I finally finished the rug bags, but I definitely won't be making any more of them.

This bag is sturdy and huge- lots of room for towels, snacks, some reading material and sunscreen.

I think I'm going to stick with some less demanding sewing projects for a little while.  Or skip sewing altogether to hit the beach with my new bag and a good book.