Cluck Yeah! My Chicken-Themed Oliso Iron Bag Makeover

Decorating the Oliso Mini Iron Carry Bag

This month’s Island Batik Ambassador Challenge was one of my favorites yet. I enjoyed personalizing the Oliso Mini Iron Carry Bag that we received in January! As part of our 2025 Ambassador goodies, we received a generous gift. This includes both the mini Oliso iron and its matching carry bag. Last year, we received the full-size Oliso Iron, and I have loved having both sizes in my sewing studio. 

Let me tell you, the mini iron is a dream to use. It’s lightweight, heats quickly, and has a handy little light at the front that illuminates exactly where you are pressing. I use it constantly to press seams while I am piecing my blocks. It is so convenient not having to lift and reposition it all the tie.  Plus, it comes with a silicone mat. This mat doubles as a holder. It keeps the iron safely out of the way when not in use.

The Carrying bag is a blank canvas with endless possibilities.

The carry bag itself is super practical, perfect for retreats or just keeping your iron dust-free when stored. 

When opened, it’s a blank canvas just begging for creativity. And wow, the other Ambassadors really brought their A-game!  (I have linked to their designs at the end of this post; you will have to check them out!)

Once the iron is tucked inside, the bag zips up neatly. There is space for the cord. It has a sturdy handle for easy transport.  It is functional, but not it also fabulous.

For my design, I explored my Island Batik stash builder sets. I pulled out fabrics that felt cheerful. They were also cohesive. I have recently started adding more chicken-themed décor to my sewing room. This is alongside my quilting and beagle motifs. I had the perfect chicken templates waiting for their moment to shine.

I matched combs to chickens. Then, I cut out the pieces. Finally, I used fusible interfacing to assemble and attach them to the bag. One chicken on the end was a bit too tall for the space. So, she’s sitting down. It adds a little personality, if you ask me! 

On the sides, I added another chicken. I trimmed the bottom edge with daisy ribbon. My real-life chickens love running through my flower beds.  A few wooden buttons along the top and sides added texture and charm.

You can see the side and the back.

I used my pink Oliso mini iron while decorating the bag. I couldn’t help but notice how perfectly it matched my chickens! For the photo’s I tied the handles together with Island Batik ribbon. This ribbon is from the stash builder rolls. I did this just to get that perfect shot.

This is such a fun project. It’s a great way to make the Oliso Mini Iron Carry Bag truly my own.  I can’t wait to bring it to my next retreat – it’s sure to spark some conversation!

Have you decorated your own iron bag? I would love to see it – drop a link or photo in the comments!

If you have enjoyed my chicken-themed carry bag, you will love what the other Island Batik Ambassadors came up with. They have designed everything from ropes to mini-irons. They’ve even created whimsical mice. There’s no shortage of creativity in this group! 

Looking for ideas to decorate your own bag?  Here are a few fun suggestions

• Applique your favorite quilt block
• Add embroidered initials or a monogram
• Incorporate lace, ribbon or buttons for texture
• Create a them that reflects your sewing style or personality
• Use fabric paint or stamps for a bold design.

Thank you for stopping by – and happy pressing!

Brenda Alburl ~ Songbird Designs
Renee Atkinson ~ Pink Tulip Quilting
Susan Deshensky ~ Lady Blue Quilts Studio
Tina Dillard ~ Quilting Affection Designs

Brittany Fisher ~ Bobbin with Brittany
Kimberly Flannagan ~ Kimberly’s Quilts
Preeti Harris ~ Sew Preeti Quilts
Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania for quilts

Kim Jamieson-Hirst ~ Chatterbox Quilts
Connie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs
Connie Kresin Campbell ~ Freemotion by the River
Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood

Denise Looney ~ A Quiltery
Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights
Susan Michaels ~ Dragonfly Fiberart
Lisa Pickering ~ Lisa’s Quilting Passion

Sarah Pitcher ~ Pitcher’s Boutique
Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail
Carol Stanek ~ Stitch with Color
Solomae Stoycoff ~ Cuddle Cat Quiltworks

Jennifer Thomas ~ Curlicue Creations
Suzy Webster ~ Websterquilt

#islandbatikambassador #islandbatik #iloveislandbatik #luminfabrics #oliso #olisohome #hotstuffchallenge