Portable pincic placemat for eco-friendly lunches!

[antarcticraft]

Thanks for all the comments!

Craftydeb - I hadn't seen that other pattern, thanks for the link! I toyed with the idea of making the pockets removeable (velcro?), since the utensils run the length of the placemat, but decided against it. I also thought about a ribbon to tie the roll up, but wasn't able to find one I liked in time for the gift! I think the next on might feature a closure of some kind.

[Yarn or Fabric]

I do like things from both placemats - you could in theory make almost like a double pocket  or even a flap- one facing up and one facing down to fully enclose the silverware and napkin have them meet in the middle - this way the placemat could be *flat* on the bottom ya know?  The plate wouldn't wobble due to the uneven material thanks to the pocket - but then who would have a plate?  But if you did run a second pocket across the top as well it would also keep your silverware from falling out if it were upside down.  I am not sure if that makes any sense at all.

I do love the tie on the link I had found  but am not too keen on the tiny sewn on pocket.  I like the way you did that running across the length of the placemat.
I have some books from the 70's that had roll up placemats in them as well.  If I can find the floor in my craft room I might be able to find my books... okay, that is not going to happen any time in the near future is it?

[antarcticraft]

Oh! I love the idea of a flap on the running pocket to keep the silverware inside! One thing I want to do for the next one is make the pockets narrower so that the silverware stays snugly inside, so perhaps that would help save middle space by bringing them closer to the sides? Thanks for the ideas - I can't wait to experiment on the next one!

[toos]

I love this! What a great idea. I am also worry about throwing away my forks, spoons, etc. I actually use one set of plastic utensils at work and just wash them over and over each.

This is really clever.

Oh something else that might be good for this is that special materal that make for outdoors. You know what I mean? It is like it almost has a plastic coat on it. Then, if you spill something on it, it is easy to clean up and won't stain!

[antarcticraft]

Oh something else that might be good for this is that special materal that make for outdoors. You know what I mean? It is like it almost has a plastic coat on it. Then, if you spill something on it, it is easy to clean up and won't stain!

I thought about using a cute oilcloth for the back, but decided I liked the fabrics I'd picked out too much not to use them. I did make it so it was washable, though (it has a cotton batting inside)! An oilcloth version would be nifty, though!

[littlebiskit]

And yet another thing to add to my unending list of things I need to try to make!

Fantastic idea, great job!

[razberryjam]

I love this! I've been thinking of making something similar for camping, but meeting friends for campus picnics is also nice! Thanks for the inspiraiton.

[antarcticraft]

I love this! I've been thinking of making something similar for camping, but meeting friends for campus picnics is also nice! Thanks for the inspiraiton.

Ooh! There's talk of a camping swap, so that would be a great idea...maybe you could use a spork, and somehow include a plate or bowl or something to make it more camping-friendly?

[fluffybaka]

I can not wait until you post a tutorial.  This is a brilliant idea.

[beehart]

what a great idea!  i love this!