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There’s No Flies on Me!

October 10, 2009 By Spoonful of Sugar - 57 Comments

Despite the cooler than average temperatures this spring, I am already dreaming of summer entertaining. We (or perhaps I should say my DH) has been busy in the garden this week getting rid of the winter weeds. We are planning on spreading some mulch and planting some seedlings over the next week or two.  One of the disadvantages of eating outdoors is the pesky flies that seem to be able to search out food within a 5 km radius. I remember my Mother and Grandmother used to have net throws that they would use to cover the food – practical and pretty!

With this in mind, I have made up a Weighted Food Cover (we live in a windy coastal suburb) for our next BBQ.

To make it, I used a 90 cm square of coloured net, and used four strips of cotton fabric  (6 inch wide) to bind each side. I slipped two zinc metal washers into each corner to act as a weight. 

I made it to match some coasters and place mats I made last summer out of linen and Farmers Market fabric. I think that these could make fun Christmas gifts.

Last night, Sarah and I went to see Julie and Julia. It was a great movie about cooking and blogging – two of our favourite things! I am now dreaming of some French inspired meals to serve alfresco. If only the weather would warm up!!

Posted by Lisa

Filed Under: Sewing

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Comments

  1. Linda says

    October 11, 2009 at 6:25 am

    A must for sure living in Australia. I must admit I don’t miss the flies. Such a pretty variation on those old store bought uglies.

    Reply
  2. clare's craftroom says

    October 10, 2009 at 11:56 pm

    Your cover looks great,practical and pretty ! I really can’t do without mine .

    Reply
  3. Miriam says

    October 11, 2009 at 12:05 am

    A great idea for the food cover!
    I hope to see Julie and Julia soon too.

    Reply
  4. suzitee says

    October 11, 2009 at 12:06 am

    HEY! That’s my favourite fabric! LOL, well, one of my favourites 🙂 I’m using it in my Little Bluebirds quilt. Love what you’ve done with it, and happy to hear you are gearing up for Summer!

    Reply
  5. Jenni says

    October 11, 2009 at 12:20 am

    What a great idea – looks so pretty!

    Reply
  6. Liesl (Hoppo Bumpo) says

    October 11, 2009 at 12:56 am

    Lisa, that is such a beautiful net throw. What a great idea … and so much nicer than the boring sort you could buy in the shops!

    Reply
  7. méri says

    October 11, 2009 at 12:59 am

    What a good idea, Lisa!!!

    Reply
  8. Handmade says

    October 11, 2009 at 4:09 pm

    Great idea – can’t wait to see that movie!

    Reply
  9. Wendy B says

    October 11, 2009 at 1:25 am

    Lisa, what a pretty (and practical) idea!! I bet this would fit Jenny of Elefantz’s challenge for the month!!…but why wait till summer…any ol’ day would suit alfresco….just rug up!! (I can say that, it’s 30 degrees constantly here in NQ!)
    ‘o) Wendy B

    Reply
  10. texmorg says

    October 11, 2009 at 1:32 am

    Lisa i really love that net, what a wonderful idea, i would never have thought to make my own and what a great christmas gift it would be.
    I want to go and see that movie and mentioned it to my DH and he just looked at me…mmm I will have to find someone else to go with.
    xx Linda

    Reply
  11. quiltinbysea says

    October 11, 2009 at 1:37 am

    Very Pretty, and a wonderful idea, never thought of coloured net before! duh!. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  12. bluebird-lyn says

    October 11, 2009 at 4:42 pm

    Hi Sarah and Lisa, lovely throw and coaster’s.I think our Mothers and Nanna’s had some great,practical idea’s.I have a vintage one, that I bought some years back….Warm Regards Lyn Ps I was wondering what the movie would be like, so it is a must see.

    Reply
  13. soyee says

    October 11, 2009 at 2:21 am

    what a great idea and lovely colours too.
    we, up the northern hemisphere, are getting ready for autumn and winter.

    Reply
  14. Karin says

    October 11, 2009 at 2:22 am

    That is very pretty, I like the colours!

    Reply
  15. sewkalico says

    October 11, 2009 at 2:25 am

    A great modern take on those old net covers! I think it looks great especially with all the matching accessories!!

    Reply
  16. Cubby House Crafts says

    October 11, 2009 at 2:44 am

    What a fantastic idea! Love those coasters…you are so clever! Lisa

    Reply
  17. CurlyPops says

    October 11, 2009 at 2:52 am

    So much prettier than the ugly store bought food covers…

    and the word verification is PRETIO

    Reply
  18. jannimary says

    October 11, 2009 at 2:55 am

    What a great idea for an outdoor dining area. I’ve got some throw-overs but love your idea of the weights in the corners. It all looks so bright and summery. Bring on the warm weather.

    Reply
  19. nima says

    October 11, 2009 at 3:27 am

    wow…awesome…very practical and pretty too

    Reply
  20. Catherine says

    October 11, 2009 at 4:22 am

    Great idea and it looks great! Now you are all ready for the summer days, I can’t wait.:)

    Reply
  21. Megan says

    October 11, 2009 at 4:44 am

    your food cover looks fantastic, you’ve made it look ultra easy too.. i always look at them in the shops and think, but its not very pretty. maybe i can will be inspired to make my own now!

    thanks for stopping by and visiting too btw

    Reply
  22. Simone de Klerk says

    October 11, 2009 at 4:52 am

    Ah, that way you make a net look very fancy! I’ve heard people going to Julie and Julia and loving it! Hope it will be here soon too.

    Reply
  23. peppermintpatcher says

    October 11, 2009 at 4:56 am

    I have been using this exact fabric to make a quilt! Did you buy the red with pink on it recently? I would like to buy enought to bind this quilt I’ve done. I thought I found it online, but when it arrived it was the pink on pink instead!

    Reply
  24. Tania says

    October 11, 2009 at 6:08 am

    Excellent throw notion! Particularly since the kids have taken to nicking off with my food covers, using them to CATCH bugs (probably flies)…

    Reply
  25. Sally says

    October 11, 2009 at 6:17 am

    Love the idea of the food cover being weighted – and it looks beautiful too.

    Reply
  26. The Quilt Buddy says

    October 11, 2009 at 7:07 am

    Clever idea! I love how everything coordinates together.

    Reply
  27. driftwood says

    October 11, 2009 at 8:27 am

    just gorgeous, love the pink!

    Reply
  28. Terriaw says

    October 11, 2009 at 8:37 am

    This is such a great idea for eating outside! I love the fabric you used as the binding too. Looks great with your set. (It’s fun to read about you getting ready for spring when we in the upper US are getting ready for winter.)

    Reply
  29. silverpebble says

    October 11, 2009 at 10:27 am

    I love that food cover – so clever!

    I loved Julie and Julia too. It’s such a shame Julia didn’t react so positively to Julie’s project.

    Reply
  30. Kim Walus says

    October 11, 2009 at 11:08 am

    What a wonderfully clever idea and the colors are perfect. Where did you find the netting?

    Reply
  31. two hippos says

    October 12, 2009 at 5:08 am

    My daughter and I went along to see Julie and Julia, we both loved it too. What a great food cover and so pretty!

    Reply
  32. Noelia says

    October 11, 2009 at 4:24 pm

    I love the fabric and i quite jealous we cant find those designs in my country 😉

    Reply
  33. Sandrine says

    October 11, 2009 at 4:59 pm

    Jolie, pratique Bravo!Bon appétit maintenant!;)

    Reply
  34. Jenny of Elefantz says

    October 11, 2009 at 9:40 pm

    What a clever idea, Lisa! I will definitely be making one, or two….

    Hugs,
    Jenny

    Reply
  35. Haddock says

    October 11, 2009 at 9:53 pm

    Thats an innovative idea, the Weighted Food Cover

    Reply
  36. Di's Quilting and Craft says

    October 11, 2009 at 10:41 pm

    We live in an area with all those pesky flies hanging around the horses in nearby paddocks. They nearly drive us insane in summer, so I will definitely be making one of these. The weights would be a good idea for mine too as our city is notoriously windy. Love your colours.

    Reply
  37. Handmade in Israel says

    October 11, 2009 at 10:42 pm

    The cover and placemats are gorgeous! Enjoy using them. I am looking forward to seeing that movbie too!

    Reply
  38. Jenny says

    October 12, 2009 at 4:22 am

    What a fabulous idea and very pretty too-I must say flies sure are a pain. I am looking forward to seeing that movie too

    Reply
  39. Carrie P. says

    October 12, 2009 at 6:24 am

    Great idea and the fabrics definitely say “summer”

    Reply
  40. Renee says

    October 12, 2009 at 8:23 am

    What a lucky duo you and Sarah are.

    Love Renee xoxo

    Reply
  41. Kristin says

    October 12, 2009 at 10:21 am

    That is SO brilliant. Again, I wish I could sew. Sigh.

    Reply
  42. Cascade Lily says

    October 12, 2009 at 2:46 pm

    A great idea too!

    Reply
  43. Journeying Five says

    October 12, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    What a great crafty and practical idea. They look fabulous. I wish we were heading into summer!

    Reply
  44. Soo says

    October 12, 2009 at 10:05 pm

    they’re wonderful! I’m sure they’ll be great Christmas gifts!

    Reply
  45. Christy says

    October 13, 2009 at 2:07 am

    Really pretty and dainty!

    Reply
  46. Tracy says

    October 13, 2009 at 2:20 am

    It is always a joy to come here…always something new, beautiful surprises and just the best ideas! This is the prettiest way to keep the bugs away I’ve ever seen… and that it’s pink is bonus too–LOL! ;o) Your table decorating and textiles are just so pretty-FANTASTIC! Happy Summer days with family & friends ((HUGS))

    Reply
  47. Thimbleanna says

    October 13, 2009 at 5:22 am

    Ooooh, so pretty. And what a great, practical idea!

    Reply
  48. LizzieJane says

    October 13, 2009 at 8:30 am

    What a geat project. Thhere is nothing worse than having uninvited guests at your backyard barbecue! I just loved Julie and Julis too! Didn’t it just want you to come home and make something with tons of butter in it!
    x

    Reply
  49. Marina says

    October 13, 2009 at 7:11 pm

    What a fabulous and pretty solution to an old Aussie problem!

    Reply
  50. Kylie says

    October 13, 2009 at 11:04 pm

    How cute is the throw and placemats. It would make a great xmas gift. Love your blog – full of lots of great ideas.

    Reply
  51. Knit Sew City Girl says

    October 14, 2009 at 4:12 pm

    Hey, you are so clever. I love the fact that the fabric on the net matches you coasters and lovely fabric too.

    Mary

    Reply
  52. Leonie says

    October 14, 2009 at 8:09 pm

    I love the throw – it is gorgeous! I have a weighted one but its boring and plain. Now I feel inspired to make something prettier… great christmas gift idea too 🙂

    Reply
  53. Shannon says

    October 15, 2009 at 9:36 am

    What a clever idea – pretty and useful. Our problem isn’t so much the flies as the bees; I am happy to be heading into winter, as they have all gone away!

    Reply
  54. iSew says

    October 15, 2009 at 12:43 pm

    What a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing.

    Reply
  55. USASioux says

    August 24, 2012 at 11:13 am

    Hi there, I was wondering if you could tell me HOW you managed to keep the fabric on the net while sewing?! Would you do a tutorial on how to make this? Or just talk me through it on the phone or something? I’d love to make some of these!!

    Thanks a ton.

    Reply
  56. RONA says

    July 28, 2015 at 5:20 am

    Hi Lisa – I know a lot of time has gone by but, like USASioux I would LOVE a tutorial on how to make this pretty food cover. No matter where I Google, I cannot find out how to add a reversible edge like this – it’s how to get neat corners that stumps me!! PLEASE can you help? Many thanks.

    Reply
    • A Spoonful of Sugar says

      July 28, 2015 at 6:44 pm

      Thanks Rona – That was an old project. I have a few things in the pipeline at the moment but may be able to write a pattern for it in the future.

      Reply

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