Winter is for nesting. If you could see the mess I make of our place this time of year you would wonder what was going on. Whenever I am not quite sure what it is I want to work on, I have a tendency to just pull out everything I feel like working on and scatter it all over our tiny, yet normally uncluttered space. For the past week I have just left my ironing board up and my sewing machine out. Just about every horizontal surface is covered with fabrics, yarns, and embroidery supplies along with an assortment of knitting needles and crochet hooks. Even the floor has not been spared, as it is the only place I could find to use my self-healing cutting mat.
But if you will follow me into my kitchen, there is something that I want to show you. It's a place I have managed to create a little bit of serenity for myself. Specifically . . . right inside my refrigerator's crisper drawer!
My crisper drawer is the single most efficient space in my household right now and it has become my latest organization obsession. So here's why. We eat a fair amount of vegetables, but if I even notice any of that icky slime starting to develop on them, they end up going to waste. And frankly, it just bothers me when I have to throw out food. So, I decided to replace all those plastic baggies and containers with a more eco-friendly material that will let our vegetables breathe and stay fresh for a little longer.
I just used flour sack towels and sewed them into bags of assorted sizes. This is also the perfect material to use for embroidery, so I put a bird on it!
Adding the bird was a little more time consuming, so I decided to experiment with a personalized monogram on a few, which are slated for family and friends.
And so, the nesting will continue for a little while more, because I suspect we are not quite done with winter around here. But when garden planting time arrives, my little winter nesting activity will assure there will be plenty of my breathable storage bags on hand to keep my harvest garden fresh!
But if you will follow me into my kitchen, there is something that I want to show you. It's a place I have managed to create a little bit of serenity for myself. Specifically . . . right inside my refrigerator's crisper drawer!
My crisper drawer is the single most efficient space in my household right now and it has become my latest organization obsession. So here's why. We eat a fair amount of vegetables, but if I even notice any of that icky slime starting to develop on them, they end up going to waste. And frankly, it just bothers me when I have to throw out food. So, I decided to replace all those plastic baggies and containers with a more eco-friendly material that will let our vegetables breathe and stay fresh for a little longer.
I just used flour sack towels and sewed them into bags of assorted sizes. This is also the perfect material to use for embroidery, so I put a bird on it!
Adding the bird was a little more time consuming, so I decided to experiment with a personalized monogram on a few, which are slated for family and friends.
And so, the nesting will continue for a little while more, because I suspect we are not quite done with winter around here. But when garden planting time arrives, my little winter nesting activity will assure there will be plenty of my breathable storage bags on hand to keep my harvest garden fresh!
Instructions for embroidering this simple chain stitch, along with free bird templates are available from Martha Stewart if you just click right here.
13 comments:
Hi Lili, Hope all is well with you and Henry. That shade of blue thread is so pretty. Beautiful stitching. Blessings, xo
How clever! You've inspired me to make some for myself. I'm with you about the icky, slimy stuff. Just can't bear to touch it, so anything that gets the least little bit gets tossed on the compost pile.
I really, really like what you've done with the embroidery. I am a huge bug and insect lover, so I think I'll embroider some on my bags...how fun to have pretend bugs in the fridge!
Diane in North Carolina
Diane in North Carolina - Oh yes the bugs are a darling idea too! Now you make me want to do that as well. Wish you had a blog so I could see. Thanks so much for stopping by! ~Lili
Diane in North Carolina - Oh yes the bugs are a darling idea too! Now you make me want to do that as well. Wish you had a blog so I could see. Thanks so much for stopping by! ~Lili
What a clever idea, Lili ~ I love it!
Wow, you have the most stylish fridge in the entire world! I cheat and buy special plastic bags that are impregnated with some Japanese stone powder that keeps veg fresh. They really work well but they don't have pretty birds on!
Very clever! I love the little bird - very fine stitching!
Now that's a great idea - I don't like the mushy vegetables either. And such pretty stitching. Good to see you posting.
what a smart thing to do .. i refuse to buy more produce than we can consume in day or two because i refuse to eat anything that even looks like it might be starting to get moldy .. ewwww ... your veggies look so delish i am wanting a salad ..
What a great idea! I've been wanting to practice embroidery stitches... this will be the perfect project!
I never thought of using flour sacks for my vegetable compartment. Great idea... the chain stitch embroidery is beautiful! Enjoy the rest of your winter months! It will be spring sooner than you know!
Lili-- omgosh I love this post!! No body knows better than me that winter is for nesting- lol!! You only need to look at my craft room to realize that!!
I totally love the idea of these linen bags- and they are so beautifully embroidered- you know I love that beautiful blue bird! You always create so beautifully--
love
Vicki
I have been using antique pillowcases for my veggies, but your idea is adorable.
Miss you,
S
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