Sewing Thread!

[SnapdragonQ]

I'll also slit bags open and use as shade cloths, small tarps, or put around newly planted trees to smother weeds and act as a moisture cloth.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Had not heard of killing weeds with them ? Gosh we have tons of them been at the chicken game 8 years here.

 

[SnapdragonQ]

Had not heard of killing weeds with them ? Gosh we have tons of them been at the chicken game 8 years here.

Yep, they work like the black plastic weed barrier that you put under mulch. Not pretty, but perfect when covered with any mulch material...even just grass clippings, works great.

I make sure to cut them so I can have a decent circle perimeter around plants so as to not cause rain to just run off. Or I lay them down m, overlapping the edges, and mulch right over for normal weed control.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Going to use it around the edges of the garden we garden in tires the crab grass is awful and the thisles.

 

[Sally PB]

How long do feed bags last as a weed block fabric? Do they break down into a mess, or can you get them up/out if you need to?

I bought some weed block fabric. It didn't do its job, and it turned into a shredded mess when I tried to take it up in the fall. It wasn't even worth the end of season sale price, GRRRR!

 

[Sally PB]

Shade cloth... now that's an idea! I have 83% transmission polycarbonate panels as the roof over part of my run. I was figuring I'd need a source of shade. The idea wheels are turning in my brain...

 

[Artichoke Lover]

I’ve started the satin pillowcase. I’ve got it cut and pinned. Tomorrow or Wednesday I’ll do the actual sewing. I’m hoping to be able to start the apron this week because I really need one. I managed to splash grease on another shirt while cooking this morning.

 

[SnapdragonQ]

3 t-shirt quilts delivered back to their owner today and I'm happy about that.
I started pulling some info on the feed sack totes too.

 

[SnapdragonQ]

I didn't forget about the totes, it's just been a busy week!

Has anyone made fabric tote bags?
If you have, then feed sack totes are exactly the same without a liner. I can't find the original tutorial I used, but most tutorials are the same and I found some good ones below.

I made mine different sizes. Some are smaller, some wider (bigger boxed corners) and some taller. Some have long straps, some shorter.
To get long straps I took an extra bag and cut my strips lenth-wise.

Sometimes I shop at a grocery store where you bag your own items. To reduce trips back and forth from the car when unloading I pack my bags full FULL! Like 40lbs sometimes. And they hold up. I love mine!

Though I attached my handles a little different, these pages show how I made mine-

https://www.communitychickens.com/diy-chicken-feed-sack-tote/

This person used nylon webbing as her straps-
https://happiestcamper.com/feed-sack-tote-bag-easy-upcycle/

I'll post some of my own below. I have about 10. Some I keep in the car, and others around the house.

 

[SnapdragonQ]

Had better pics somewhere but could not find them.

I used upholstery thread. PIcked up a regular spool at my local store...Coats and Clark, nothing special, but I knew I would be putting heavy stuff in them so wanted something stronger than a regular weight thread.

Blurry, but if you look at the tops of the bags, you can see where I cut them off at different heights. And how they will stand up on their own. The All Flock in the upper left side is empty. Being able to stand up on it's own makes it much easier when putting smaller items in like canned goods or groceries.

I tried different strap widths, and even a few bags with some extra grab handles that are shorter, but I prefer the longer over the shoulder straps.

I took them out on the porch trying to get better light so that you could see the strap attaching in the upper left side. SImple box with an X sewn through. Holds just fine.