I have been meaning to tackle this task for a while now. With the warm weather here, and last-minute play-dates a plenty, I finally sat down at my sewing machine to pump out a little mesh bag and put together a Grab-n’-Go Play-date bag. I hate running around all over the house to find those odds and ends that you invariably need when you are heading out the door with little kids. Here is how I fashioned mine.

Also measure the lengths of the mesh bag sides (and add an inch) and cut seam binding tape appropriately.

With wrong side of mesh fabric face up, and right side of zipper face down, baste stitch. Wrap seam allowance with seam binding tape and top stitch.

Finished Grab-n’-Go Playdate Bag

Here is what I packed into mine:

• Sun hat
• Diapers (size 6 and 4) and wipes
• Sunscreen (for body and face)
• Bubbles
• Tissues
• Mini First-aid kit
• Lip balm
• Mommy Cards (I ordered these Design-Her-Gals “mommy cards” with my contact info so it is easy to exchange numbers with other moms.)
• Extra cash
• Pen
• Hair elastics

I spent too much time making my bag since I didn’t have a template. I think it would have taken less than 30 minutes total from start to finish if I had known what I was doing. I paid $2/yd for the mesh fabric, $1.97 for the 12″ plastic zipper, $3 for seam binding, and about $3 for the thread. I have fabric, thread, and seam binding left over, so I estimate this bag cost about $4. If you don’t feel like breaking out the sewing machine to make a custom bag, just purchase an already made mesh laundry bag, they run about $8 for (2) in standard size in white. 

Be creative with your Grab-n’-Go play-date bag…or make a Grab-n’-Go bag not for play-dates. You can make them any size, shape, and color you’d like. If you are heading out for a night on the town, pack a bag that contains your favorite lipstick, Metro fare card, cash, tissues, and hand-sanitizer. This would be a great baby-shower gift idea, just pack it full of those must need infant items like extra socks, pacifier, plushy toy, and some luxurious hand cream for mom. Or, give a summer beach/pool gift and pack a great magazine, sunblock, a Frisbee, and aloe lotion for afterward!

I plan to make a couple more bags for my son’s puzzles, and to capture our scarves, mittens, and hats on the off-season.

Do you have a crafty organizing idea? Leave a comment here and share your organizing ideas with other readers! Happy Organizing and have a wonderful weekend!