Mama Hen

“Pot Blessing” dish carriers

By request.....

Many years ago, when we lived in Germany, I saw these in a catalog that you could order.  I thought it was a great idea, and certainly would be simple to make.  These are the instructions, and the next time I make one, I will add photos for each step.  The one I made in Germany, I have had for 13 years, and use it quite a bit.  It is very handy and durable, not to mention washable!  Just slide out the handles and throw it in the wash!

 This gives me an easy way to transport dishes, as well as insulates them to keep them warm on the way.  I have used it to carry anything from pies to bar pans.  Because it wraps around, it is adjustable to the size of the dish.

All you need, is:

+ About 1 yard of 2 kinds of contrasting or complimentary fabric, or 2 yards of 1 kind

+ 1 yard or so of quilter’s batting

+ 2 pieces of strong ribbon, 18 inches in length (or make some with some scrap fabric strips like I did above)

+ And two pieces of 1 inch dowel, cut to 14 inches in length.

First you will cut a long rectangle out of each fabric, 30 x 9 inches.

Next, you will cut a large rectangle of each fabric, 40 x 16 inches.

(Diagrams are NOT to scale, just to give you a general idea)

Lay the two pieces of large fabric together, right sides facing.

From the corner, measure down 4 inches along the short end.  Mark it with a pin.  Repeat on all the corners.  This will mark the length of the straps that attach to the handle.

Now from each end, measure in 9 inches. 

This is how far in the straps will go.

With pins, or a piece of chalk, draw out a rectangle with rounded corners, like you see in the diagram in red.  Cut that rectangle out, and set aside.

Now you will have two pieces of fabric, that if you hold the long way, will look like a fat “H”

Lay out your batting, and lay one of these “H”s on the batting.  Using it like a stencil, cut out a piece of batting the same as the fabric.

Now you will have two fabric “H”s and a batting “H.”

Lay your fabric down, right sides together. Lay the batting on top, lining up all the edges.  Pin in place.

Starting on a long side, sew the layers together, with about a ½ inch hem.  Leave a gap of about 8 inches un-sewn.

Once the layers are sewn together, with scissors, snip of the very corners of the piece, taking care not to cut the stitching. 

Reach inside the right layers, and turn it all right side out.  Use a pin if you need to, to get the corners all the way turned.

Iron smooth.

Fold the open edge under, iron in place, pin if necessary, and sew closed, then continue to sew all the way around the whole piece, sewing about 5/8 inch.  This reinforces the edges, as well as helps it lay better.

Now, take one of the thin straps, and fold it down, even with the edge that has been cut out. (Like in the fold line of the diagram)

Sew straps over, along the edge of the strap, and then all the way along the outer edge, to the corner.  This creates a pocket for the wooden dowel to slide into, making the handle. 

Repeat with all corners.

Now with the two long rectangles, cut a piece of batting the same size, using one as a stencil.  Pin fabric and batting together, just like you did the first pieces. 

Sew them together, leaving an opening to turn.  Trim corners.  Turn right side out.

Press, sew closed, and sew all the way around the edge.

Now you have two completed parts.

Fold the “H” in half, finding the center of the piece.  Repeat with the long rectangle. Match the centers, crossing the pieces like a big “t”   Sew them together by sewing a rectangle or square.  This holds the two pieces together and in place.

Now measure in from the end of one of the long rectangles, about 4 ½ inches in from the end, and attach a piece of ribbon for a tie.  Do this on the outside of the rectangle, the side that is sewn to the “H.”  Repeat on the other end.

Now simply slip the ends of the dowels into the handle pockets, and you are done!

To place your dish in the carrier, lay it out on a table or counter, “H” side down.  Set your dish on the sewn rectangle and wrap the ends around it and tie in place.  Now take the handles and lift!

If you find these instructions difficult to understand, check back in a few weeks, and I will be making a new one, with photos for all the steps along the way, such as the wrap skirt instructions.  I will also at that time, update the instructions if need be.  I took the measurements from the one I have, and typed out the directions from memory of when I made one last. :-)  When I make the new one, it will have more contrasting fabrics, and will probably be easier to see as well.

Dish Carrier

07:06 PM, Sunday, January 11, 2009 .. Posted by thatday

Thank you so much for sharing the pictures and instructions.
I will certainly be making a few. This would make a great gift.

Pot Blessing Carrier

08:13 AM, Monday, January 12, 2009 .. Posted by frugalmel

Wow! Thank you for sharing this. These are awesome. :) I think I know just the fabric to use........

Hugs
Melody