I’d mentioned in Monday’s post that I have recently purchased a, um, personal care device that allows us chicks to…well, in the words of the manufacturer, to “go in style.” Let’s get to the point: it allows me to pee while standing, and dressed. If you’ve ever gone camping, on a long road trip, or spent an entire weekend at a drag strip, you’ve wished you had one of these. I’ve practiced with it twice now, and I can see how this could be very handy. However, it’s a bit bulky to carry around and doesn’t fit into any pocket.* What’s a lady to do? A crafty lady sews up her own custom waterproof pouch from materials she already has on hand!
First: gathering supplies. I have a scrap a monster fabric left from a previous project (::waves hello to Daniel::), a slightly torn, clear vinyl shower curtain, a short shoelace, and a tiny carabiner that fell off one of my reusable shopping sacks (see note at conclusion). I’m pretty sure I can whip up a drawstring bag!
Step one: measure the zip-top bag in which the device is packaged. Step two: cut fabric and vinyl to size, plus a little extra for seam allowance. My fabric scrap is long and narrow, so I left it folded on the bottom and cut the vinyl to match. One less seam to sew! Step three: pin in place, right sides together. NOTE: I’ve found an old spaghetti strap, removed from a dress, to use as a loop to which I can later attach the carabiner. It’s pinned into place, and will become part of a side seam.
It stitches up on the machine pretty well. This vinyl is more slick than upholstery vinyl, and doesn’t stick to the throat plate but does need some manual assistance to help it feed. Okay, next step: I need to sew a channel for the drawstring. While the pouch is still inside-out, I fold over about ¾” of fabric and hand-sew it into place.
Now to turn it right-side-out and use my seam ripper to open a few stitches in the new channel area, along a side seam. I use a bodkin to help push the shoelace through, but you can use a safety pin attached to one end of the string and feel your way through the channel.
Hey look, the pStyle will fit!
I did have to run to JoAnn to buy the cord stop ($2.79 for 2) so while I was there, I priced out tiny carabiners. If you want to make your own clippy pouch and don’t conveniently have a carabiner around, they’re sold in the Kids Crafts department in packs; $4.99 for 8 assorted “fun” shapes. If you find yourself shopping at JoAnn with any regularity, I advise you to download their mobile app (Android, iPhone, iPad) so that you always have a coupon handy. I saved 50% on the cord stops, bringing the price of this project down to $1.40!
Yes, I could have taken a few extra steps to make a nicer finish on the drawstring cord channel. But you know what? It’s a pouch for something I pee into. I’d rather spend that time talking to a friend, or reading a few pages in a book. Priorities: check them. ;)
*There are a few competing devices made from more flexible materials which fold and/or roll up to fit in a pocket, but I chose this one for myself after reading reviews of every brand I could find. It was a very close race, this one happened to win for me. Your choice might be different.
shoes and pie 