Testing out a Sandwich Wrap-Mat

 

 My friend, Jenn, of Etsy's It's Sew Sweet got a custom request from a Bunco pal for some sandwich wrap mats.  So, she's been researching and making several varieties to determine which she feels would make the most functional (and cute!) wrap mat.   She's made some super cute 'stop sign' shaped mats so far and they are so adorable!

To be helpful at least in my own mind, I whipped up a variation tonight from 2 - 13 inch squares of fabric for her to check out as another option.   I used a cotton in a pirate print since it's one of my son's faves, and a PUL remnant to keep the surface that will inevitably get all the sandwich goop on it easy to wipe clean.   I attached some velcro and then it folds up like an envelope.

So, I decided to test it out.  Isn't this what we're supposed to do in the research phase of things?!!!   I made myself a sandwich.  For me.   I know it looks like the set up for a kid, but I was 'in the moment' and was going for the full effect.   A kid-size Wonder Bread type sandwich fits perfectly in this size of Wrap-mat, by the way.   Within moments, my 5yo son wanders over and eats my sandwich.  All of it.

The beauty of it all is that he used the wrap for a place mat! (which is part of the purpose of the wrap-mat, too!).  And considering that I recently popped in to school to have lunch with him and saw him spread his entire meal out onto the bare table top ~gag!~  I'm even more sold on this idea!

The moral of the story:  be sure to stock up on these little cuties when Jenn gets her final product stocked!   I'm going to sit back with my PB & Fluff sandwich and pretend like my contributions to her project were majorly useful.

ETA:  She's stocked!  Go here for details!

 

 

 

What's in a bag?

 

A gift is a gift is a gift... right?  A ha! Not so when the bag is part of the gift!  I've been making gift bags for a year now, making them merely simple, unlined, drawstring bags.  I have a stash I've been working on for the upcoming holidays, too, to put my kids' gifts in.

However, I came across a new version from BHG's Quilts and More and I'm in LOVE!   I downloaded the tutorial and made myself the mid-size bag (roughly 12x13x3) last night, despite my desperate need to make kitchen curtains over which I've been procrastinating for a good month now.  The drawstring on this one is nice and beefy, and the bag is lined with soft muslin.  Add some box squares to give it some depth and I was set!

They are multi-purpose, too!  I used mine today as a library tote, and it was nice and sturdy.  I tested it by cramming a ton of books and videos in it, too!  Frankly, I think they are too pretty for Market Bags... I don't want mine to get dirty, so I won't be taking mine to the grocery.  Call me snooty, I guess.

But here's my real plan:  I'm going to make a bunch to use for holiday gift giving (sure hope my family isn't seeing this post!) and then fill them with goodies.  Hence, the bag becomes the gift as well! Voila!  Don't you love it??!!!   Of course, I know this is not a new concept, but I really just love this 'new-to-me' style!

I showed my bag off at the gym this morning to a few friends,  and they equally loved it, too!  To my favorite sewing friend, Jenn, I let her in on my applique secret on the bag ---> I literally used scraps of Amy Butler fabrics to make this bag and apparently one of my kids must have snipped a hole about the size of a dime on my scrap because surely I would have never accidentally done that. Ha!  I appliqued small circles over the holes to "patch" up the area using a contrasting fabric.  It ended up adding to the cuteness factor, I think.

It's back to school time!

My boys began school today. I have to admit it was bittersweet. They were getting so bored and antsy the past few weeks. My youngest began Kindergarten this morning, and it was hard to let him go (even though I know he'll love it!).

I'm also stocking some Back To School items at Artiste Congo on Monday the 5th @ 9pmEST. I have to say ~ and toot my own horn ~ that I love the Messenger School Bag I made for the event. I teamed up with Sam from My Beautiful Girl and she made the great pencil case that matches the bag. I named it the "Camp Rock" set after the Disney Channel movie we watched at least 15 times this summer. That movie was what kept coming to mind when I was sewing with this guitar print. Strangely, I so relate to my kids' movie preferences. (Don't even get me started on High School Musical! I love that one!! But that's an entirely different post, I'm sure, come this October when HSM3 is released.)

Camp Rock! Messenger School Bag & Pencil Case

School Days Pencil Case & iPod case