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Friday, September 17, 2010

What to do with a damaged runner


The plastic bags in my pantry were getting out of control! We try to use the reusable tote bags, but no matter what, we always seem to come home with a bunch of plastic bags, too. I had been stuffing them into a brown paper bag in the corner, but I'd put so many bags in there it ripped down the middle. But of course that didn't stop me from stuffing more bags in it. 


For a long time I've been wanting to make a bag for my bags (a bag-bag) but was just too lazy busy to do it. I came a cross an old runner full of holes. It was hand embroidered with the cutest little birds on it! So I cut off a "good" section and went to my fabric stash to see if I could find fabric that would match it and at least sort-of go with my kitchen.  I found some brown and red toile, brown and white gingham and some vintage clooney-type lace.

Because the runner is white, I backed it with part of an old pillowcase so that the pattern of the toile wouldn't show through.

I laid it all out, pinned it all together, and then began sewing. This is a very simple project but I kept making silly mistakes and so had to to a lot of seam ripping and re-sewing. But finally it was done!



Now I have to make one for the laundry room, the garden shed and maybe the garage. Sounds like a lot, but I have a lot of runners I could use!!  LOL

Blessings,
Patricia :o)

19 comments:

Blondie's Journal said...

You have a great idea here. I can imagine all the people who don't know where to put these bags! I've tried everywhere and I'm sorry to say that I ALWAYS forget to bring the cloth bags to the grocery store with me, even though I bought 10 of those. Hey...maybe you could make a bag for the cloth bags!!

Anyway...the bag is very pretty and you made good use out of the cross stitch piece.

Happy Friday!

xoxo
Janie

Irene ~ RE~VINTAGED said...

Very pretty!!
Great re-cycling :)
I have a cupboard full of plastic bags - should get myself more organised!!

Sherry said...

I was going to make a bag for my bags also and I love what your have done. I have been using the ends of runners with holes or stains as pockets on aprons. I am going to try to make a bag similar to yours this weekend, thanks for the inspiration.

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

That is a great ideal way to use the runner! Looks so cute!~Hugs, Patti

Irene ~ RE~VINTAGED said...

Thank you so much for your enthusiasm regarding the bunting. Easy idea! Actually came accross the idea in a recent 'Victoria' magazine, so I can't claim it as my own. Just expanding on it :)

black eyed susans kitchen said...

I can never pass up a beautiful piece of linen that has needle work on it. This is a great way to reuse a runner!

Janet said...

This is such a great idea and so pretty.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my wreath. To answer your question I used just under 1/2 yard of each fabric.

Janet @ Cul-de-Sac Chic

Anne Lorys said...

I love it!
We have a bag for our bags, but our plastic bags are called....get this...poop bags. For the cat's litterbox. Not nearly as lovely a use for them as yours is! ;-)

Thanks so much for your input on the paint color for the bench, I really do appreciate it!

Have a wonderful week!
Hugs,
Anne

Peonies & Magnolias said...

That is such a great idea and looks so beautiful. Have a great week.

Sandy

bj said...

Fabulous idea..and this is so pretty.

I, too, forget to take my cloth bags into the store. Dang it!! Maybe when the groc. stores start charging for the plastic ones, we'll remember our cloth ones...in the car. :))

It has cooled down some out here..the 90's have turned into the 80's and there's a nip in the early morning air..

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

What a great idea, Patricia, and I love the way it turned out! I always wind up with plastic bags as well, but they have been coming in handy for when the new grandbaby is visiting. We keep one as the day's diaper garbage.

Carolyn said...

Great idea-pretty & practical!
Thank you for visiting me today. To answer your question we live in Prince Edward Island- eastern Canada.We usually get frost by late Sept. or early Oct. here.
I tried to leave a comment before and it said service unavailable-have you had that problem lately or is it just me?
Take care,
Carolyn

Pear tree cottage! said...

Vintaqe linen.........is so special and to find a use for a piece that is in need of loving!! is extra special........wonder what the stitcher would think "I know she would be as proud as punch" that you used her vintage piece for a special place in your kitchen...well done!

Lee-ann

Bring Pretty Back said...

Thsat is GENIOUS!
Have a pretty day!
Kristin

Ana said...

Patricia, Hemosos Bordados, tan delicados. Como siempre es un placer pasar por tu blog.
Cariños, Ana.

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

I found one at a garage sale...for 50 cents...and thought it was wonderful...and then I saw yours!
So...tell me...are you going to make them and sell them? Oh...and..no never mind. Something made by you would NOT go to the grocery store...EVER! :)
Cutest thing!!! That bag!

The Old Parsonage said...

This looks wonderful. I bought one that isn't nearly as nice - yours has that wonderful vintagness to it!

LEann

Gina E. said...

Oh, you are clever, Patricia! I have had a bag bag hanging in my kitchen for a few years, but now that I've seen what you've done, I'm thinking my old bag needs replacing!

fannipauline said...

What a fantastic idea - you are so smart and talented.

Hugs, Pauline