From "The Casserole Queens Make-a-Meal Cookbook":
Materials Needed:
* 1 yard pre-quilted, reversible print fabric (see Note)
* 2 (12-inch) straight purse handles, dowels, or bamboo handles
* 2 pieces sew-on Velcro (6 inches long and 1 inch wide)
* Matching or coordinating thread
You want to have one main piece and two sidepieces for this project. Cut one main piece 36" by 16". Cut two sidepieces that are each 24" by 8".
Take the two 24" by 8" sidepieces and turn under and pin a ½ inch hem towards the center along both (long) sides and stitch.
Take the 36" by 16" piece and on the narrow ends, fold 2" from the end into the center and pin. You are going to cut out a semi-circle for the handles. Using a bowl or plate that is approximately 8" in diameter as a circular template, place your circle on the short side, so that it overlaps by about 4" deep and 8" across. Trace the curve/half-moon shape of the plate where it meets the 2" fold. Cut out the semi-circle formed by the curve of the template and the straight edge of the folded fabric. Once the fabric is unfolded, you will end up with a half-moon shape just below the 2" fold. Repeat on the other end.
Once you have cut out your semi-circle, remove the pins. Finish the curved edges of the semi-circle with a simple narrow stitch.
On the 36" x 16" piece refold the edges down 2", toward the center, and stitch along the short edge to create a 2" hem/space for the handles. Repeat on both ends of the fabric. (Note that the handles are not inserted until the project is completed.)
Fold the 36" x 16" piece in half length-wise so that the handle cutouts are aligned. Mark the center on both edges with chalk or quilting markers. Fold the 24" x 8" pieces in half length-wise and mark the center of each short end.
Match the center of the side of the 24" x 8" pieces to the center of the 36" x 16" piece, with the right sides together. Stitch the 24" side of the 24"x 8" piece to the 36" side of the 36" x 16" piece. Sew one side at a time, stopping 4" from the edge of the short side. Repeat with the second 24" x 8" piece on other side. The two 24" x 8" pieces will extend away from the 36" x 16" piece creating a flap on each side.
Place a 9" x 13" casserole dish in the center of the fabric to aide as a template. Fold the non-sewn 4" pieces of the 24" x 8" piece toward it's partner on the opposite side (this will create the end walls of the area where the casserole will sit).
Separate the sew-in Velcro. You will be sewing one side of the Velcro to each of the exposed 2" piece, close to the edge and centered. If both edges are folded to the center, one will be on top and the other will be on the bottom. Check to see that they are placed correctly to hold the side flaps together before stitching. Once you have verified placement, stitch one-half of Velcro to each edge.
Insert handles into the 2" hem.
Enjoy!
Note: If you want to create your own quilted fabric, place 1 yard of fabric face down. Layer 1 yard of Insul-Bright on top of this, and lay another yard of fabric on top, facing up. Quilt as desired. If opting for this technique, have fun with the patterns and mix and match. One layer will be seen on the outside of the carrier and the other as you open it.
Note: All edges can be finished with a serger, zigzag, or overcast stich for a more finished look.
