Sunday 29 January 2012

30 Second LEGO Cleanup

I've been stepping on LEGO parts for the better part of 20 years.  Oh yes, you heard that right.  


 20 YEARS!!!!!



After looking online at some creative (and intricate!) sewing solutions, I ultimately decided to stick to the K.I.S.S. method.  

Simplicity really IS best.



A simple circle cut from cotton twill (bought cheaply from a remnant bin), edged with bias binding to form a casing (a repurposed cotton curtain bought at the charity shop) was all it took.


We scrounged some cording from the garage and threaded it through to form a drawstring (Reece's contribution to the project).   The toggle was harvested off of a casted off garment ages ago and was put back into useful service on this project.



The mat forms a great play surface as it's a nice solid colour, making it easy to spot all those tiny little parts...  but the magic truly happens when it's time to clean up!

A 30 second fix - simply gather up the cording (drawstring fashion), secure the toggle to keep it closed, and store the closed bag (now sack) lickety split!

What I would have given 15 years ago to have something like this....



Edited to add:

********PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS DRAWSTRING IS A STRANGULATION HAZARD FOR YOUNG CHILDREN.  IF YOU CHOOSE TO MAKE THIS PROJECT, SUPERVISE YOUR CHILDREN CLOSELY WHEN THEY USE IT*******





6 comments:

  1. That is an awesome idea. My 5yo already has a big collection going, but he plays with them so much I hate to fuss. I can just see his little gears going as he's building something.

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  2. what a great idea and like you said so simple.

    Gill in Canada

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  3. Very good idea. The only thing I would worry about is that long cord that is left after you pull it closed.

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  4. Good point, becky. We have no young kids in our home, but consider that a powerful warning for those that do. That long string could cause serious harm to a young child (as could LEGO), so this project is NOT for young kids! Even at age 5 my littlest guy would STILL want to put cords and such around his neck. PLEASE SUPERVISE YOUR CHILDREN IF YOU CHOOSE TO MAKE THIS ITEM!

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  5. Great idea...especially the dark colour to make it easier to spot pieces!

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  6. I hope you will accept my nomination for The Versatile Blogger Award. Just go to my lastest post and follow the rules.
    Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete