Sandwich Wrap

I am now making a new type of reusable sandwich wrap. Using PUL fabric as a waterproof layer, sandwiches are kept fresh when wrapped up in these new reusable wraps. They are fastened with velcro and can fit sandwiches and snacks of all sizes. The PUL wipes clean after each use or the wraps can be thrown in the wash when they get really dirty. Still another way to deduce your ecological footprint.

Reusable Sandwich Bags

Once again, I am using my scrap fabric. In an effort to find something to make with the scraps from the PUL fabric I use to make diaper covers, I came up with this reusable sandwich bag. Now instead of throwing away the plastic one-use sandwich bags I tend to pack lunch for my kids in, we can reuse these new reusable bags. Since the PUL is waterproof, it can withstand holding things like fruits and veggies that are full of moisture. I can either wipe the bags down after use or when they get really messy, throw them in the wash.
I spend a number of hours one day doing research to determine the food safety of using the PUL for this purpose. Although PUL is not food grade, most of the information I was able to find determined that using PUL for these bags was similar to putting your food in plastic bags. I feel comfortable using these for my family and I feel like I am doing my part to reuse, reduce, recycle.

Cloth Diaper Covers

My latest venture has been diaper wraps for cloth diapers. Since my son is still in cloth diapers, I learned how to make them in fun prints. I was tired of the same old white covers, so I started using my stash of fabric to create fun covers for him to wear.

After experimenting with many types of fabric to use as a waterproof layer, I broke down and ordered some PUL fabric. This stands for Polyurethane Laminate which is used for hospital sheets and pillow cases, waterproof outdoor clothing, etc. It is not sold in any store near me..not even in Portland. I tried using other fabrics like iron-on vinyl (which worked, but was stiff and crinkly) and Gortex (this worked also, but the waterproofing would breakdown through many washes and we all know how often we wash diapers!). I found a great laminated fabric as a reminent at the Mill End Store in Portland in the home decor section. This fabric was used for curtains and was pretty dated fabric. When I went back to get some more, they said they no longer carried that fabric... So I felt my only option was to order fabric online. I like to be able to see and try a small piece of fabric before ordering it, but I was out of luck. When the 5 yards of PUL came, I was happy to find that this was exactly what I needed!

I have been making diaper covers galore to try and make the perfect cover for my son's needs. I think I have it down. I even asked a couple of friends to test them out, used their feedback and modified the covers. Now the next step is to get them into a couple of shops to try and sell a couple. I want to use my vast supply of fabric to make the covers, so they will each be unique without the capability of making too many in one print. Check them out at my Etsy shop www.alvablue.etsy.com