So you know how when you go somewhere exotic like a beach, and your shoes get filled with sand and no matter how much you smack them together there's still some left? And how when you go to put them in your baggage they magically release more sand from mysterious pockets? And how then you have sand in your luggage for the rest of your life? And then you have to wash all your clothes that otherwise would have still been clean? You know about that?
These Will Fit:
One pair of tennis or dress shoes
One pair of heels or wedges
Two pairs of flats
Three pairs of flip flops
(more or less)
There's an genius solution. Shoe travel bags. It's not anything new, but it somehow went out of style or something cause you don't really see them much anymore. At least I don't. They're super easy to make and they protect your clothes from your shoes and your shoes from your clothes. Perfect right?! Also they have the convenience of being easy and cheap to make, reusable, washable, and easily customizable. So let's just jump into it feet first shall we? (sorry I couldn't help myself)
GET YOU SOME:
+ 2 - 1/3 yd (at least) pieces of fabric (four fat quarters would work well too-it'll just be more patchy)
+ 2 yds cording/string/ribbon/twine/twill tape/cut up extension cords/elastic/chain/hemp braid/extra shoelaces/crocheted yarn loops/rubber bands tied together/....or whatever else tickles your fancy
+ Thread
+ Any decorations, patches, laces, or floofy stuff you want to decorate with
MAKE YOU SOME:
1. Cut your fabric into (2) 12" x 16" exterior rectangles, and (2) 12" x 18" lining rectangles.
2. Place them RST and cut 2" squares out of either corner on the short side, as shown below:
2.5. If you're wanting to add decorations, embroider cute "His" and "Hers" or put aquatic animal patches on it, now would be the ideal time. ;)
3. Now stitch up all three sides like it says in the pretty pretty picture I drew specially for you:
4. Then! Fold at the missing corners so that the seams meet and stitch across the opening. For example:
5. Next on the lining piece press open the seams at the top so that the part you didn't stitch lies flat. You'll want to stitch down these flaps so they don't fray later.
6. Turn the outer shell right side out. Press the top edge down 1/2" and take the lining, still WS out, and fold the top flaps down 1-1/2" and press.
7. Now slip the lining into the shell (WST) and pin the seams to one another. Next find the centers and pin them. You'll need to ease in the rest of the fabric a bit. Pin in place and stitch 1/4" from the top edge of the shell.
8. Lastly, cut your pull your drawstring of choice in half and pull through the casings. One string will start and end on one seam and the other string will be on the opposite side. Like the picture shows. Tie knots on both sets and pull tight. You're done!
(View from the top)
I tied mine with old boot shoelaces and it worked perfect. You can do the drawstring from just one side if you like, but we found that it's more of a pain to close. The double string also makes it so you can tie the bag shut for extra-secure sand-trapping action.
NOTES:
If you have GIGANTIC shoes you can add 1" to the overall height and width (like the blue one below). This makes them big enough to fit a men's size 14 with a little extra room. Those of you transporting big red (or any other color) clown shoes might want to just use force flex trash bags. ;) Also I didn't try super high heels in them, so experiment--some inches may need to be added to the girth if you're favorite stilletos need a home.
This can also be done without the lining if you don't have the fabric/time/money for more than one layer. Simply follow the directions for the lining except make sure you finish the top edge before you fold it over to make the casing (pinking, zig-zag, serger, whatever). You'll probably also want to finish the edges of the other seams so they don't fray. It's a little more flimsy and it doesn't have that luxury "I'm on vacation" feel, but they still work just fine.
The only other thing I can think of is if it bothers you when linings come out of the shell. The easy fix to that is a stay stitch in either corner seam at the bottom through both layers. It'll hold it all in place and be virtually undetectable.
The bottom one was my first and has no lining and only one drawstring. It pretty much sucks and Sterling never uses it. The blue one I made extra big and well...there's lots of room. The top one is to the specifications here and it's perfect. I wear a size 10 and it works great for me (Sterling and I have basically the same size feet) with extra room, so it should work pretty well for most sizes.
GIVING OTHER PEOPLE CREDIT:
I based my pattern on a pattern I found a CraftIdeas.
My peanut took the pictures.
And Cassie bugged me to write up the pattern.
Thanks to all of you all!
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