I love oilcloth. I love the feel of it. Especially the really nice oilcloth, that is like waxed fabric, I used to work in an interior design store and we had the most scrumptious Swedish oilcloth that had that lovely "waxed fabric" feel.
I adore the vintage oilcloth that is available now, reflecting the quaintness of 1940's/50's kitchens. I can just see June Cleaver now with her adorable cherry and polka dot oilcloth or her summer fruits oilcloth with its vibrant blue background laid out on her kitchen table, can't you?
In honour of going "back-to-school" and to pay homage to oilcloth I am doing a feature today on "Oilcloth Lunch Bags" I found on the Martha Stewart site. So, gather your materials from my class "handout" and get ready to just have fun:
You will need:
Oilcloth (pattern of your choice)Scissors
Sewing Machine
Thread
Velcro or a clothespin
Lunch Bag How-To
The same oilcloth that covers your kitchen table can transport your children's lunches -- or your own -- in leak-free style. These reusable bags will cut back on waste since they can simply be washed with a damp sponge (oilcloth is not washing-machine safe). Use a single print for the whole bag, or cut out complementary patterns or solid colors for side panels. You can attach small Velcro tabs to hold the bags closed, or clip the tops with colorful wooden clothespins.
Cut main piece 29 1/2 by 8 inches and two side panels, each 12 1/4 by 5 inches.
1. Fold long panel, inside out, into U shape with 5-inch bottom.
2. Make 1/4-inch cut at bottom corners of side and middle pieces so bag folds smoothly. Sew-in side panels, leaving 1/4-inch seam allowance.
3. Turn right side out and top-stitch all around, 1/8 inch from edge.
