ROAD TRIP BAG
Directions:
– Cut the scrap fabric to fit around your zip top bags (approximately 6″x14″). Be sure to allow for seam allowance and approximately 3/4″ of an inch to sew the baggies in place. Just a basic rectangle.
– Cut the shorts/pants to the same size as the scrap fabric. You can use another piece of scrap fabric instead of the shorts, but I liked the idea of having the pockets on the inside.
– Place the right sides of the fabrics together and straight-stitch three of the sides together. Press the seams and flip the fabric right side out. (Sorry for the lack of photos… apparently I was in “project mode” and forgot to get pictures of this part).
– Cut a length of ribbon approximately 18-24″ and place it inside the open seam. Fold the seam and straight stitch it shut, sealing the ribbon inside. For a road trip bag that will stay together a little better, make two ties by cutting two lengths of ribbon and placing each approximately an inch and a half from the ends of the pouch.
– Decide how many baggies you want to include in your road trip bag and count them out. Lay them out with all the zippy sides together. I ended up having to pin the bags to the pouch to keep them from sliding so badly while I stitched them to the road trip bag. I used sandwich -sized bags.
– Fold the pouch over on the bags, closing them inside and sew a straight seam up the outside of the pouch. It will make a little tab on the outside of the bag.
– Sew a long (I did about 6″) strip of Velcro on one side of the ribbon. My ribbon was long enough that it wrapped back on itself, even when the road trip bag is full, so both of my Velcro pieces are on the ribbon. I would suggest filling your bag before you attach your other piece of Velcro so you know just how much space inside the pouch you’ll need. This placement will make it easier to replace the Velcro/ribbon if the time ever comes. I’ll just have to un-stitch a small portion of the side seam, replace and stitch it back up – rather than worrying about any picking of my actual fabric.
I would also suggest putting the “hook” side facing toward the road trip bag (but actually located on the ribbon) and the “loop” side facing out from the road trip bag. This way, you won’t get scratched by any exposed Velcro, because it will be the softer loop side and not the scratchy hook side.
That’s it. You’re finished! Now just fill up those baggies and stash the good stuff away for when you need it. It is such a convenience to have all those little “needs” all in one place, easy to get to and even easier to find. And pick up is a cinch.
Need some ideas of what to fill those baggies with? Here’s the goodies I stashed in mine:
– bandaids, first aid ointment and alcohol wipes
– toothpicks and flossers (stray popcorn kernels are one of my biggest pet peeves!)
– tylenol, ibuprofen, and excedrin – make sure you have dosing directions and amounts on all medications in case you need the information later.
– antacids
– chapstick, Tic Tacs, rubber band and a few bobby pins
– nail file, nail clippers, safety pins and safety scissors
– small box of matches and a butane lighter
– extra batteries for devices commonly used
– super glue
– small bottle of lotion, hand sanitizer, and anti-itch cream
– feminine hygiene needs
– Q-tips and a small pair of surgical scissors
– extra empty zip bags
– a cold compress and small fabric bandage (Ace bandage – I unrolled it and folded it so it would fit better)
– a small screwdriver and bit set
– an eyeglass repair kit
– pen, pencil and paper
Hopefully, you wouldn’t need to use all of these items on a single vacation, but it is extremely nice knowing: one, you have them if you need them. Two, you know where they are. Three, it’s compact enough to be packable, but not so small it gets lost. If we got lost somewhere and needed to abandon our vehicle, this is one thing I would take with me and I wouldn’t even complain about having to carry it.
