Reusable Snack Bags

Normally I post about a Gabbi adventure, but tonight I decided to post about something I did for Gabbi, and the planet.

A couple of weeks ago my cousin, Heather, posted a sewing project on her facebook page and it gave me an idea.  I decided to make Gabbi some reusable snack pouches from material I had leftover from other projects.  My cousin's design was a useful one, but required a surge machine, which I don't have.  Then I remember a design I saw online and decided I could design something myself.  They came out so well, I thought I would share...Enjoy!  

Here is what you will need:
7" zipper ($1.99)
Leftover fabric cut to 15" x 7 3/4" (free)
Utility fabric cut to 15" x 7 3/4" (I purchased 1/2 yard for $2.50 - it was 50% off!!)
Coordinating thread
Pins and scissors
Iron

Cut fabric and utility fabric

Right sides together, stitch ends

Simple straight stitch used

Once these two ends are sewn, turn right side out and iron at seams.  This will make it easier to sew to zipper edge.  Then, with right side out still, sew short sides to zipper so in the end you have a cuff.  To me this is the most difficult part because of width of zipper.  Take your time and if you have it use a zipper foot.  After this step you should be left with the following "tube".

Turn right side in and pin the open sides.  Sew a straight stitch about a 1/4" from the edge.  Be sure to reverse the stitch at ends since this project will likely get a lot of wear and tear.  I also added a zigzag stitch to the edge to reinforce the sides and stop any fraying.
 

Ta Da!!

And there you have it!  A great reusable snack bag that cost less than $3.00 and will last for a lot longer than a whole box of ziploc bags.  Gabbi loved the bag and already put it to use, as a toy bag.  Snacks or toys it can be used for anything.  I also enjoyed using leftover fabric, that was too small for any other major projects.  Certainly beats paying the $8.95 or more on different sites.

C is for Camping

Gabbi and I recently took off for a Mommy & Goo camping adventure.  Gabbi and I visited the Lake Sylvia State Park, about 45 minutes outside Olympia,WA.  I have to say, this was the best site I have been too.  Great set up, great park office, fun activities, and fantastic amenities.  

We arrived, Gabbi started to collect little sticks, leaves, and moss for our evening campfire while I started on the tent.  Once she collected enough for the fire pit, she started to build her habitat.  More on that later.  Mommy was extremely successful setting up the tent, solo mind you.  Totally admit that I was giving myself a high five at this achievement.  

We had a great time!  The first night we explored the camping area and participated in the park's scavenger hunt, which Gabbi did great at and was awarded with a Junior Park Ranger card.  We also had a chance to head over to the lake and beach.  The park has a wonderful (and new) playground area for kids near the lake and Gab's loved it.  She enjoyed digging in the sand more.  Once we got back to the site, it was time for dinner and more time to spend on the "habitat".  

Ok, so this HABITAT...it is the best, most amazing habitat you will ever see.  Gabbi has always been drawn to science, nature and environmental things.  As a science nerd myself, I am loving that she is into this stuff.  When she went to Yellowstone earlier this summer, she picked out an animal pack that came with about a dozen little toy animals.  So when she brought them camping, she had to make them a habitat at the end of the table.  She had moss, grass, handmade trees, flowers, "logs" and even a beaver dam.  She is too cute.  

Day two of the camping adventure, included a hike (on the search for a water turtle), lake time, some rest and my favorite... kayaking.  We rented a kayak for an hour and paddled around the lake.  We loved it!  Gabbi even paddled for a bit a few times.  

Another great dinner, homemade chili.  Gabbi kept asking for roasted marshmallows, but Mommy didn't bring any.  So cookies served as a pretty good substitute.  

When we woke up on Sunday, we woke up to a bit of rain.  We powered through, had a great morning fire, packed up and headed home.  Gabbi's chores, to clean the table and pack up her habitat. 

Since we left a bit early, we had plenty of time to take a detour for lunch and a stop at our state's capital.  I had never been there before, and was pleasantly surprised that it was open for tours.  Gabbi was not into this detour, or the tour, but was pretty happy with the free coloring book and a fun game of hide and seek on the lawn.  Another detour...31 flavors for a quick treat.  

Then it was back home.  Stay-cation came to a close with emptying the car and trying to wash off the campfire smell.  

To sum up...it was a great!  This will certainly be an annual tradition for Gabbi and I.  And we will certainly visit Lake Sylvia again.