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The Kylabear Sandwich Wrap

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Paula learned to sew, and has come up with a sandwich wrapper so easy to make anyone could do it—even her!

Image by avlxyz via Flickr

Sandwich wraps

KylaWhen my eldest started school I'd pack her lunchbox every day. It was always the same thing. Sandwich, in a plastic bag, fruit, raisins, maybe a yoghurt—and every time I put the sandwich in the plastic bag or the plastic wrap I felt a twinge of guilt. I felt bad that it was going to sit in a lunchbox for about three hours and then end up in the rubbish. So I began planning ...

I wanted something that was easy and cheap to make, easy to clean, and would last. I did have a few teething problems though. For starters, I didn’t have a sewing machine, and secondly, even if I did, I would have no idea how to use it.  My guilt won out in the end and I went online and brought a sewing machine.

Have you ever tried to buy a sewing machine off the internet when you know nothing about them? It makes for a really interesting experience. Top loading bobbin, front loading bobbin, hard case, soft case, the only thing that made it almost English was the flashbacks to Mrs Sylvester's Form 2 sewing classes. 

I had some leftover PUL and a snap press from nappy making. I also had some gingham fabric that Mum found lying around. I had a sewing machine and an instruction manual (that I had to read and follow cover to cover) and I had an idea.

My first attempt wasn’t the best. I had underestimated the size of a peanut butter sandwich. My next attempt was far better. Best of all, for this whole school year my daughter has not used a single piece of gladwrap or a single plastic bag in her lunch box.

how to do it
  1. I used calico to make the pattern.  Its easy and it lasts.  I cut it into a non symmetrical octagon about 45cm wide and about 38cm high. Each of the long sides on the octagon are about 20cm long, the smaller sides (the sloped ones) are about 15cm. 
  2. I then cut little tags to sew in to use as the flap to close it. About 6cm wide and about 15cm long.  I have also made them with the flap cut into the octagon but it sews nicer when its put in separately.
  3. I then transferred this onto my wrap fabric and the cotton layer.  I have used both PUL and parka nylon successfully.
  4. I put snaps on at this point.  I have also used Velcro and I think its easier for little hands to use.
  5. I then pin the fabric and the cotton together and sew it.  Leave a gap at the top to sew the flap bit in, do that and done.

If I can do this with no sewing experience then anyone can. It's so easy!

Comments

Rebecca Jones
 
Mon February 21, 2011 @ 12:51 PM

Great to see someone taking the initiative, however I would be a little unsure of using PUL.


I recently bought some off 4MyEarth  - I heard about them via Good magazine originally in the Good Stuff section.



They tick all the boxes for me – food grade fabric approved by the FDA and SGS, eco-friendly AND ethically produced - and they look absolutely amazing too.

I purchased some for my children - plenty of patterns and colours to choose from; and they have plenty that are suitable for grown-ups too! 

They can be used not only for kiddies packed lunches, but are so handy for the office, trips to the beach, day's out... you name it!



They can be found at http://www.4myearth.co.nz/ 

Rosalie Howard
 
Sat March 05, 2011 @ 08:47 AM
I made my sandwich wraps from a  rectangle of cotton material which I hemmed - or it could be overlocked.  When the emd are tucked in holds together well in the lunchbox.  My adult son has been using them for over a year.  A quick wash and iron and they are sterile for the next lunch. You might even have some lovely cotton serviettes tucked away in a drawer that are not being used.  These may make good wraps as well.
martin adlington
www.martinadlington.weebly.com
 
Sat March 05, 2011 @ 05:52 PM
The sad part about this story is that Paula had no-one to giude her with the purchase of a sewing machine, nor sewing techniques. In past times there were legions of sewers with amazing skills in DIY - now devalued in the age of consumerism. It's an odd world when people cannot make/repair things for themselves. Kiwis have become too reliant on the Warehouse...?!
Carla Tunnicliffe
www.myrange.co.nz
 
Fri February 03, 2012 @ 01:10 PM

I think it is awesome that people of using them!

I manufacture them and use a TPU inner and cotton or cotton mix outer. TPU is FDA and SGS approved. I have loads of different prints to choose from. From kids to kiwiana.

My kids use them everyday and love them!

You can find them on Facebook: My Range Aotearoa or on my website for information.  Or email me at myrange@vodafone.co.nz

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