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.
Would you like to save this stuff?
We'll email you this post, so you can refer to it later.
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.
Gabrielle
Can't believe I came in from the garden for this. How can I learn to be patient when I have no role model? Oh screw it - to thine own nature, be true!
Carey
So funny! Scissors are the. best. tool ever invented. Period.
Denna
Just saw your project in the Lee Valley newsletter. nice :)
Karen
Thx Denna! I had no idea it was out. I write an article for them every newsletter. I'm kind of their poster girl. You know. Like a centrefold. Who has a vast array of drill bits. ~ karen!
Joy Dewhirst
As someone who grew up on a ranch in California I have had a lot of experience with these bags for feed, seed, flour, rice, etc. Most of the time they work but when they do not you did the right thing and I am STILL laughing. Great job!
Karen
Stupid bag! ~ karen
Karen
I should point out I'm referring to the sack. Not you. ~ karen
Sandra
So funny!
Sara
Love! Love! Love! Oh the hilarity!
Gayla T
In my need for 20 hours of sleep a day, I have missed many posts. However, I really need this information so I can at least say at the Golden Gate that I was finally able to open these bags and died in peace. NOT! Now, I have to go on living until I learn this lost art. Thanks a lot! I do plan to ask God when first I see him why these first two fingers could not have been designed to work like a scissor so I don't have to do a search for it every time I want something opened. I'd hate to add up the lost time I've spent jerking strings and then looking for a sharp object. Now, back to bed.
Karen
Gayla T - I've been wondering where you've been! ~ karen
ev
HEE HEE HEE HEE HEEE HEE! I so needed a belly laugh! Thank you Karen. And yes, that is indeed how it is done! Hee hee hee.....
Debbie B
perfect video, laughed so hard my eyes are soggy
jodie
Hilarious! You're stinkin' hilarious!
sera
hahahahahaha! I get the similar string closure on my cat food and always think "get the scissors" but because I have been faced with this challenge that I feel I need to overcome, I end up trying to get it open from the wrong side, then trying the right side, then not getting it open and finding out that the first side I tried is indeed the right one, and then halfway, I still need the scissors. Thanks Karen!
caryl
I use the same technique--now ASK KAREN. How come your seed doesn't pour out all over the place?
Jeanne
Yep, that is exactly how it works!!! Especially when you have bags for horses, dogs, cats, chickens and anything else that eats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Julia at Home on 129 Acres
Was the iPhone Hoo Hoo Hammock/Jock used in the making of this post? An inquiring mind wants to know?
Karen
Julia - It was not! I used a makeshift boob strap. I'm going to have to invent something more appropriate that doesn't rely so much on my lady parts. ~ karen
Gloria
Karen,
I love you! lol I haven't laughed this much since the video of your hiccupping (sorry, but it was funny) Thanks! I needed to laugh today.
Leslie
Too funny!! What I really want to know is how to open a bag of potato chips without eating the whole bag? Love to see that video...
Karen
Leslie - Do not look forward to that video. I know my limitations. ~ karen
Linda
THAT....was a giant "Karen Pill"....HAHAHAHAHAHA
Tricia
Fabulous! Glad to see that others revert to vulgarity as a means of enticing the package to open. It doesn't typically work for me either but a girl's gotta try.
Sharon
Well it's clear to me that you love to open things in October! it was October last year that you showed us all "How to Properly Open a Package of Spaghetti"
:)
Karen
LOL, was it? Well if I ever decide to open a restaurant this is the month I'll do it then. ~ karen