Potato Bag: A County kitchen staple
Fiber Arts
by Sylvia S. Buob
What is the first thing you think of when you think of “The County”? That’s right, potatoes! We’ve grown up picking them, selling them, eating them a million ways. So this week’s article is a pattern for a potato baker that you use in the microwave. Many of you have probably seen them. Well, they are quick and easy to make, so here we go with my rendition.
Materials needed:
• 1/3 of a yard of 45 inch cotton fabric of your choice.
• 1/3 of a yard of Warm Tater, by Warm and Natural (this is a must, as it is the only approved batting for the microwave ).
• Cotton thread to match. (All products must be cotton to avoid catching fire in the microwave.)
First, wash and press your fabric. Fold with selvages together. Trim fabric to 12 inch strip, from selvage to selvage. Fold fabric right sides together and stitch sides with 1/2 inch seam allowance, leaving selvage end open. Press seam, trim corners and turn right side out. Trim Warm Tater to fit into pocket.
Place Warm Tater inside of stitched pocket and smooth in place. Turn open ends in and stitch closed. Free motion quilt or grid quilt your strip. Now fold the ends into the middle, overlapping about 1-2 inches.
Stitch sides closed using 1/4 inch seam or you can bind. Now you have a potato bag. Wash bag before using first time.
This bag can be made many different ways; in fact the Warm Tater has its own pattern as well and all the cooking instructions and cautions included. This is a great beginner project to practice free motion quilting, grid quilting, binding around edges and just sewing a simple project that is done quickly, giving instant gratification. So get your favorite fabric or try it with two different fabrics for inside and out. It also makes a great gift!
Instructions for use per Warm Tater: two large potatoes approximately eight minutes. If you do not have a turntable turn bag over halfway through. Wash potatoes prior to cooking, no need to dry, moisture will help cooking. Do not leave the microwave unattended while cooking. Can also be used with red potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn on the cob and rolls.
Now, sit down, relax and have a potato!
Sylvia S. Buob of Presque Isle is owner of Garden Gate Fabrics.
