hurricane prep
OK, so I'm supposed to be preparing for hurricane Hanna. I think this counts, doesn't it? I do need to go to the grocery store, and I've been wanting to make a few grocery totes using this tutorial from Sew, Mama, Sew that was posted over the summer.
I love using re-usable totes for my groceries and purchases, but something about buying a store's tote and subsequently being a walking advertisement for that store rubs me the wrong way. Anyway, I think this will end up being one of my favorite tote patterns. Using Amy Butler's new August Fields decorator weight fabric and finishing it all up with French seams make it super-sturdy and super-easy to sew up.
And I made up a few produce bags too.
(never mind that silly apple--it literally was the only piece of produce I had in the house)
I was thrilled to finally find a source for 100% cotton mesh fabric as a nice alternative to the plastic produce bags (i felt like they were a bit hypocritical when you carry in your own canvas grocery bags!). I cut rectangles measuring 11x14 from the mesh and sewed the sides and bottom together with my serger (use a very low tension if you're wanting to give it a try). Next, I folded over 1" along the top, stitched it into place, and snipped a tiny hole along one of the side seams. I made a tiny tie from 1" strips of fabric (left over from my take-along garden party picnic quilt) using my 1/2" bias tape maker, and threaded it through the casing. And voila--pretty produce bag!
So, ahem, back to hurricane prep:
water? not yet, but will the case of Deer Park in the basement fridge be enough?
non-perishable food? no.
ice for the coolers? no.
gas for the grill? um, no.
batteries? well, i know we have a few in the junk drawer, just not sure of the sizes...
Seriously, I've gone through a few hurricanes here in NC, so I really will be stocking up tomorrow. (and looking good, too, i might add, with my new bags!) To my Southern neighbors in SC, Georgia, and FL--be safe!


