tiny happy

making journal

Water 2

Water 3 

Water 1 

I wanted to make the kids some small bags in which to carry their toothbrushes, etc when they stay the night at their grandparents' or friends' houses. I was thinking about what I could use to make them waterproof when I came across an old plastic tablecloth in the op shop. Do you remember those? I remember Mum used to have them on our kitchen table when we were playing with playdough, or painting, etc. 

So I made some cases and lined them with the plastic material- and they work well. But then I came across a gorgeous old vinyl tablecloth with a print by Vera Neumann on it. I sometimes browse on etsy and ebay for old Vera stuff because I love her designs very much. You can see lots of them here in the Vera Neumann flickr group.

I bought the printed vinyl and made a couple more cases from that. I've lined those ones with a very fine cotton and I figure it would dry quickly if wet things were put inside the case. I'm quite pleased to have found a useful way to recycle that old plastic. I think these cases would be great for camping or travelling. Or for keeping warm, wet facecloths inside for sticky children (another thing my Mum used to do, when we were travelling!) There are a couple in today's shop update.

In other news, I'm very excited about the new Arcade Fire album which has just been released. I've ordered it on cd and will report back very soon. 

Posted in

18 responses to “waterproof”

  1. Holly C. Avatar

    I love the new bags. That’s a great idea. 🙂

    Like

  2. renee ~ heirloom seasons Avatar

    Very clever, and those golden flowers, so beautiful!

    Like

  3. Heather Woollove Avatar

    Melissa–You can use PUL (polyurethane laminated fabric)
    for making waterproof bags, too. I made a few re-usable sandwich bags with it and it works great. (You just can’t dry it in the dryer.)

    Like

  4. Josefine Avatar

    hey Melissa,
    you can also use old (or new) shower curtains! There are PUL ones and some are made of fabric, I love to use the fabric curtains to sew beach bags, they look wonderful and you can wash them in the washing mashine! (sometimes you have to iron them to get the waterproofability back)
    Have a super nice rest of the week!
    J

    Like

  5. tinyhappy Avatar

    hey josefine- thanks for that!

    Like

  6. laurel Avatar
    laurel

    I have a bag like that for Henry’s dirty nappies when we’re out and about. Was at Everyman yesterday trying to find the Arcade Fire CD and it wasn’t in yet! Arrgh!

    Like

  7. Bee Avatar

    Love your blog. So inspirational!
    I’m listening to the new album now on my headphones. I’m obsessed with the band!

    Like

  8. JoannaD Avatar

    I love all these ideas for reusing plasticky things. Also, thanks for dispatching my Etsy order so quickly – the cards are gorgeous.

    Like

  9. tinyhappy Avatar

    thanks jo- im glad they arrived safely!

    Like

  10. Creature of Habit Avatar

    Love the bags!
    The Arcade Fire album is outstanding… really good.

    Like

  11. Kat Avatar

    I remember those tablecloths! I ‘ve been looking for one too, to use it as a lining for a picnic blanket for wet grass. The lining for bags is also a great idea, and yours look lovely!

    Like

  12. Margaret Oomen Avatar

    arcade fire is one of the best canadian bands to catch live!!!!
    Enjoy

    Like

  13. kirstencan Avatar

    couldn’t wait for the cd – downloaded it from amazon lat night. just starting on my first listen but so far – amazing! Woo! they never disapoint.

    Like

  14. Jacilyn Avatar

    What a great idea! Perfect for toiletries.
    We always had a vinyl tablecloth on the table when growing up. Avocado green, no pattern. I distinctly remember wiping that thing up after dinner each night. I haven’t thought of that in ages and ages!

    Like

  15. Lindsay Jewell Avatar

    Clever idea. I might have to get me one of those…

    Like

  16. louana Avatar

    Love the bags, mum always travelled with a damp flannel for little hands etc. I’ve been saving some vintage shower curtains to do something similar. Beautiful shop update, I love the little rabbit mug

    Like

  17. Lori Avatar

    what a great idea :^)

    Like

  18. nancy Avatar

    I pop in now and then to read your blog and quite enjoy it. I too have made waterproof bags. I use the vinyl bags bed linens come in, it’s a great way to recycle. Because it’s clear, I can layer it over whatever fabric I wish to line the bag with.

    Like

Leave a comment