I am holding a giveaway on my Pip ‘n’ Milly Creations Facebook page. The giveaway is for a one of a kind Grab ‘n’ Go Lunch Mat. They are an ideal component of a waste-free lunch, by eliminating the need for disposable cutlery and paper napkins. They feature a variety of coordinating fabrics, ample lunch space, a secure cutlery pocket and a pocket for a cloth napkin. These mats are perfect for keeping your child’s food off the table and are machine washable. The draw is open to all “Fans” on the Facebook page and the draw will take place on Friday, March 5th.

Example Lunch Mat

Lunch Mat Samples

A favourite little boy turns 3 tomorrow, so I had the perfect excuse to make a deluxe grab ‘n’ go placemat!

Birthday gift for Quinn

Grab 'n' Go placemat for Quinn

I am always thinking of things to make, as you know. I lean towards items which are practical, functional and fun to sew. If they appeal to other people, so much the better, as selling things means I can fund my fabric habit! With Philippa starting school this week, I have been contemplating items which would be useful for her and, once the art smock was complete, I moved on to lunch time. She has plenty of bags and a perfectly good lunch bag which she used for preschool and does not want to part with. She has always taken a napkin to preschool with her to put her food on, so I decided to upgrade. I have been working on a grab and go placemat that will be useful for school and also for eating out, picnics and the like. I think I have cracked it and I am really pleased with the outcome.

Grab and go placemats

The ultimate placemat

The ultimate placemat

These mats are made with 3-4 coordinating cotton prints and the main body is interlined with fleece.  The pocket section is interfaced and holds stainless steel, dishwasher safe cutlery and has a flap to keep it all secure. There is also a pocket behind the cutlery pocket for a napkin – how clever is that! (The napkin can be used to wrap the dirty cutlery in – thanks for that idea, Tracy!) The ties are sturdy and made with one of the fabrics used in the mat, which rolls up neatly for popping into a lunch bag or handbag on the way out. The mats are machine washable and all fabrics have been prewashed and dried to prevent further shrinkage.

Something that will appeal to lots of parents is that this might stop kids putting their food on surfaces which may or may not be clean! We expect children to pick up bugs when they go back to school, but this is one way we can help. It is also an ideal component of a litterless lunch.

I would love to hear what you think!