Monthly Project for May, 2005
Suggested Fabrics
Casserole Carrier
This casserole carrier is designed to carry a 8 by 12 inch casserole dish, (about 10 by 15 inches with the lip. The size can be modified to fit other size casserole dishes. It's a fun and stylish way to carry your yummy dish to a church function, picnic, party, or pot luck party. For this project we are using pre-quilted fabric which helps to insulate and keep hot foods hot. You can quilt your own, but we like pre-quilted fabric which makes this a really fast and easy project.
Materials Needed
- Pre-Quilted Reversible Print Fabric - 1 yard
- 12" straight purse handles, dowels, or bamboo handles
(2 handles needed) - Sew-on Velcro, 2-1/2 inch piece, 1-1/2 inches wide
- Matching or Coordinating Thread
Cut your Pieces
You want to have one main piece and two side pieces for this project.
Cut the main piece 36 inches by 16 inches.
Cut two side pieces that are 24 inches by 8 inches.
Start by Finishing
Edges
Finish all edges of all three cut pieces, either with a serger, or if you don't have a serger, use an overcast stitch or a zigzag stitch. A double hem with a quilted fabric is just too thick for this project. One other option would be to use bias tape or some other quilt edging tape. The edges really don't show when this carrier is in use, so the tape is really not needed.
Hem Sides
Turn over a narrow hem towards the center along both (long) sides and stitch.
Handle Cut Out
At each end (the short sides) of the big, main piece, you are going to cut out a semi-circle for the handles. Fold two inches from the end into the center and pin or temporarily baste.
Your handle cut out should be centered, about six inches across, and about four inches deep. It may be useful to find a bowl or plate to use as a template. If you do not have one the right size, make a template from paper (such as craft paper or from a paper grocery bag). Using a template will insure the cut out is the same on both ends.
Mark your handle cut-out and then cut. Repeat on other end.
Once you have cut out your handle cut-outs, un-pin or remove basting. Finish the handle cut-out edges with a serger, overcast stitch, or zigzag.
Now refold the edges back down two inches, toward the center, and stitch along the serged edge and along the side to create a pocket for the handles. Repeat on both sides.
Note: Wait until project is completed to insert the handles.
Side Flaps
Note: All four edges of both side flaps should be finished (serger, overcast stitch, or zigzag).
Fold main piece in half, so that handles cut-outs are aligned. Mark the center on both sides with chalk or quilting markers. Fold the side flaps in half length-wise and mark the center of each.
Match the center of the side flap to the center of the main piece, making sure the same side of the print is facing up. The side flap should extend out away from the center piece. Stitch side flap to main piece along the serger stitch line. Repeat on other side.
Now fold the side flap over, to the center of the carrier. Press flat then stitch the side flap to the center piece. Repeat on other side.
Velcro Closures
Separate sew-in Velcro. You will be sewing one side to each of the side flaps, close to the edge, and centered. If both flaps are folded to the center, one will be on top and the other will be on the top. Check to see that they are placed correctly to hold the side flaps together before stitching. Once you have verified placement, stitch one half of velcro to each side flap.
Handles
Insert handles, bamboo, or dowels in to the handle pockets. You are now ready to take that yummy dish to the pot luck. Be prepared for oooos and ahhhhs.