When someone sends me an Ask Karen question I answer it with the lightening speed of a sloth eating a brick of saltwater taffy.
So when Leslie sent me a message last winter about how to open a bag that's sewn closed with string ... I got to work. I got to work cleaning the fridge, and brushing my cats, and making a house of cards out of Oreo cookies and avoiding any sort of organized exercise program.
I also taught myself to do origami out of homemade fruit leather.
After I'd exhausted all methods of avoidance, I set my mind to figuring out exactly how to open a bag that's sewn closed with string at the top. Because who hasn't been completely frustrated staring down at a bag of potatoes KNOWING if you just pull the right string ... it'll open like magic.
So I dressed myself in a suit made of cabbage leaves, went to the grocery store, crouched down low, and practiced on all of their potato bags. With my clever camouflage I remained inconspicuous for more than 3 minutes.
Then I got kicked out of the grocery store.
After months of research, vandalism and fridge cleaning ... I figured it out.
This video is for you Leslie. I would like to extend an early "You're Welcome".
~ karen
How to Open a Bag
How to open a bag that's closed with string (like a potato sack). It's easier than you think.
I cannot overstate this Leslie ... you're welcome.
Louise Rea
Ha ha ha this is what I do with my kitty litter! I swear these bags are designed by little men intent on driving us all mad.
becs
Amazing!
Moe
I remember once many many years ago, that I lucked in to opening a bag of sunflower seeds by pulling the string. Haven't been able to repeat it since. Stupid string. :(
Diana
Hahaha brilliant! I'm quite new to your site and you are fab, really enjoy reading you (or hearing) no matter what you are on about!
Karen
Thanks Diana! Welcome to my site. ~ karen
Karen Eggleston
Good thing they don't package scissors with string.
Maureen
My mom could open potato bags by pulling on the string and my sister and I can't figure it out. I guess we still can't. sigh
KL
L.M.F.A.O!!!!!!
Amanda
you are so funny! I have chickens too and I was all excited to see you solve the string mystery cause it pisses me off ALL THE TIME! then to see your outcome ... priceless! I laughed out loud for real! hehehe I always wanted to stop some random farmer and ask them ... they must know right?
Kristina
Ah and to think yesterday, I was thinking of your video...How to open pasta(Seriously, I was!)and along comes this!! Love IT!!! Fortunately, my chicken feed bags and dog feed bags come with the string AND the plastic runner strip...easy peasy...box cutter pleasey!
Andria
I suspect your technique will work on most types of bags. But I am bookmarking the video for easy reference just to be sure.
Patrick
Thanks! I'll need lots of luck!
Patrick
Been reading for a while now, but this is my first post.
The video made me howl! Thanks for brightening up midterm time!
Karen
ACKKKKKKK. MIDTERMSSSSSS!!!! What a thought. Good luck. ~ karen!
Lena
I've been a lurker for a little bit, but this video inspired me to write. All I have to say is... "Hahahaha!!"
Karen
Welcome to commenting Lena. ~ karen!
Nicole
I know that bag, Quickfeeds scratch for chickens, I open it the same way. First try the string trick, and then hack it open with scissors.
Sometimes I can actually open it the right way, its like winning the lottery.
Susan
Haha! I get my feed from the same place!! I swear they do something just to screw around with us! Sometimes you can find just the right string but sometimes you have to resort to whatever is handy! I found a good sharp shovel works when scissors aren't handy and the girls are anxious for a treat!!
Karen
Sue - Just so you know. I have ONE egg in my basket. I think I might have the worst layers in the world. Norma started to moult in the spring then stopped! She's had a bald patch on her chest and bum for months. She's just now starting to grow feathers back there. Sigh. I hope they're just slow learners and once this first moult is over they'll be back on track for the rest of their lives. ~ karen!
Marti
I usually end up doing exactly that with ziplock bags, so I guess your approach must be right. Ha!
Denise
Oh, Leslie, I think you are going to like this one!
Becky
Thats exactly how I do it. It works every time!
Toronto Boy
The video is up! Liz, time to crack open a "bag" of potato chips and watch the fun that is about to ensue on screen1 =D
Laura
As always, you're brilliant!
Liz
Never had a problem with your videos before - but evidentially "This video is private."
Karen
Hi Liz - Give it another shot! I think Youtube was just a few seconds behind in publishing it. (it's a scheduled video) If it still isn't working lemme know! ~ karen