Kick off the new year with a new organization tactic for your dirty laundry. Samarra Khaja (SammyK on Spoonflower) visits the blog to share a creative project that makes sorting laundry as exciting as it can be. Kids Filling Monster Bags

Hi Sewing Comrades!

Do you or does someone you know (*I’m lookin’ at my little children here*) have a problem getting their dirty laundry into the laundry basket? Does it seem like an endless battle to get those stinky socks on their way to a much-deserved wash?

Since the answer is probably yes and because laundry isn’t usually the most smile-inducing activity on the planet, I thought it was about time to give my kids (and you) a good reason to sort the laundry. Plus, it’s another fun excuse to sew something decorative and functional all in one.

What are we talking about exactly? Hungry Monster Laundry Bags!

Hungry Monster Laundry Bags

With four different color combos to pick from, these friendly monsters will make your kid (or your adult friend, who should probably know better at this point) gleefully cram as much clothing into their mouths as possible. Yup, you heard me right, these guys have insatiable appetites and crave clothing, swallowing it whole and displaying no table manners whatsoever.

I made two hungry beasts for our home – one for each of my kids – but you could also easily have a cold/warm or light/dark laundry monster arrangement, if you prefer different organizing methods.

And before you think there are no other uses for these guys, wait, because they make for a perfect receptacle for all those kitchen plastic bags you want to reuse. I hear they like the crunch of plastic, so it’s win-win.

Hungry Monster Laundry Bags

Begin by cutting out all the pieces from your eco-canvas yardage.

Hungry Monster Laundry Bags

Pairing all front and back pieces together, sew up both arms and legs, leaving the ends open. I opted to pad my arms and legs with a layer of scrap batting for added plushiness.

Hungry Monster Laundry Bags

The monsters secure to just about any towel rod or railing by way of their ear loops, which are constructed with the help of two interlocking strips of sewn Velcro to the backside of each ear panel. Once those are sewn together and the ears are assembled, they easily fold over to create hanging loops with a nice strong grip.

Hungry Monster Laundry Bags

The two front body panels get hemmed at the mouth and there’s a solid color lining rectangle that gets sewn to the inside of the back body panel, so Monster’s mouth looks more cavernous when complete! Nom! Nom! Nom!

Hungry Monster Laundry Bags

All legs, arms and ears get basted into position on the two front body panels. I like my arms intentionally asymmetrical so when they’re hung up together, multiple monsters don’t bump elbows and sit nicely side by side.

Hungry Monster Laundry Bags

With the back body panel right side up (and rectangle lining face down), align the front bottom body panel and pin in place.

Hungry Monster Laundry Bags

Now align the front top body panel with the top of the back panel and pin in place. The mouth will overlap with the bottom panel slightly for a more snug fit. Sew all the way around and flip your new friend right side out via the mouth opening. Iron flat.

Hungry Monster Laundry Bags

Ta-daa! Monster friends hung snugly together on a standard towel rod, ready to eat whatever you want to throw their way! Oh, you want more monsters? Get a longer towel rod and have at it! Monsters for the entire family!

Hungry Monster Laundry Bags

Enjoy stuffing their stomachs with all the dirty clothes you can find. When it’s time for laundry, simply remove the monsters from the rod and take them straight to the laundry room. Done and done, fun and fun!

Hungry Monster Laundry Bags

Oh, and P.S. there are mini monsters included in each kit which make perfect little beanbag toys. My kids adore them, but beware of possible choking hazards for anyone too little. Simply empty out the big Monsters’ tummies and you’ve got yourself a perfect rainy day bean bag toss game; you know, for while someone else does the laundry!


About Our Guest Blogger

018Samarra Khaja is an artist, illustrator, licensed textile designer and proud lefty. She likes the color green and can eat an unsightly amount of French bread in one sitting. No judging, people, no judging. See more of what inspires her at samarrakhaja.tumblr.com and follow her on Instagram. She’s currently working on her first book, between baguettes that is.