Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Back to school...lunch bags

I have a pet peeve about portable lunch boxes...I can't stand the insulated ones because they are not machine washable. The plastic ones (if you can find them) or metal ones are too boxy and uncomfortable in a filled back pack (we walk to school). So we decided on mini fabric totes. Here are the original ones my girls use (btw, my first attempts at a lined bag)...limpy after many washings.
The girls created a list of most desired features for their new ones:
- top closure
- pocket for utensils, snacks, napkin (like they actually use them!)
- shoulder strap
- sturdy enough to stand alone
- cute!

Mom added a few more:
- machine washable and dryable
- dark colored bottom
- roomy enough (and adjustable) for plastic containers
- easy construction

After several pattern drafts and numerous changes in fabric selection, here they are:
Basically it's an oversized fabric lunch bag with an elastic loop closure -- basic construction and made adjustable by adding another fabric covered button (isn't Mr. Pig too cute?).
There's enough room for their juice container (usually half frozen to double as an ice pack) and a plastic container. Note the small pocket for treats and etc. Since it's adjustable, it's tall enough for their thermos for hot meals.The girls (and their friends) are impressed, but I'm crossing my fingers about their durability after many washings!

18 comments:

Kara said...

they are fab, i think they would be a great seller, i always have to take my lunch to work in a plastic bag and hate it.
that is a great alternative
kara
x

Jes said...

They are too cute! Good lunch boxes are hard to find, usually ugly, and a bulky pain, but those are great!

Me and Him said...

What a great idea. They'd also go well in a gift basket for the little one's first day of school.

lera said...

What wonderful lunch sacks! I would carry one of those around!

Beertje Zonn said...

What lovely lunch sacks!
Kind regards,

Sonnja

Kara said...

just wanted to check in and see that you are ok
Kara
x

Elizabeth Joy said...

Wonderful! Thank you for sharing with us!

Kelly said...

Fantastic! I just found this via the Sew, Mama, Sew link. I just have one question: How did you interline it for sturdiness? Did you use a specific weight interfacing, or something else?

Thanks!

Julie said...

quenna
thanks for stopping by and thanks for the info on the bag
julie

Anonymous said...

Quenna...I simply adore these lunch bags!! Are you planning on selling anything like them in your shop? I would love to get one for work!

Katrin said...

Beautiful bags! Ispired by your bags I made my own one here:
http://yngla.blogspot.com/2008/12/zakka-inspired-lunchbag.html

Primmy Mommy Creations said...

Very nice and these bags are exacly what I was looking for for my daughter.

Jen said...

I love these bags...and so does my daughter. I am new to sewing and the thought of trying to come up with all of this on my own is a bit scary. Do you by chance have any brief instructions for a novice?? Thanks!!

blissful said...

Hi Jen :) These are basic tote bags (there are tutorials in craftstter.org).

Also, here are instructions for a zippered top lunch bag: http://blissfulbyquenna.blogspot.com/2008/09/tutorial-zippered-top-lunch-bags.html

Hope that helps!

Tara Jane said...

Very Cute! I just wanted to tell you that if you ever have to revert back to the insulated boxes if these are in the wash or something, that you CAN wash the insulated boxed in the washer. I was impressed with how sparkling they came out. (line dry)

daniii♥ said...

These are adorable!

Crafterella said...

Hey there,

Caty has added their version of your project on crafty community Cut Out + Keep and we thought you might like to see how it turned out.

You can see their version and also import your project here (that way you'll find out when any new versions are added) :
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/stubs/lunch-bag

Thanks,
Crafterella :)

My3boysn1girl said...

I love the piggie lunch box...I just has to try and make my daughter one... I did a few tweeting and made this

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs319.snc3/28591_1489494718225_1259676754_31401342_5765805_s.jpg

Thank again