Should you DIY or buy reusable dish covers?

DIY vs. Buying Reusable Dish Covers: A Personal Take from Ali (who definitely loves a good ADHD side quest) 

Hey there! I totally get it—there’s something undeniably satisfying about a good DIY project. The idea of creating something with your own hands is a huge draw, complete with a dopamine hit once finished. But before you dig out that old sewing machine (or maybe just mentally prepare yourself for the fabric store), let’s chat about the pros and cons of making your own dish covers versus buying one from me at Wild Clementine Co. (Yes, that’s me you’re supporting when you shop! Please steer clear of plastic shower caps and amazon I'm begggging you)

If you’ve found your way here, you’re probably already a fan of supporting small businesses and eco-friendly choices (gold star for you!). So, let’s break down why buying a dish cover from a small, woman-owned business like mine might just be the smarter, easier choice. I promise, no pressure—just some honest thoughts.

Why You Might Want to Skip the DIY

1. The Quality 
Okay, let’s talk fabric for a second. When you buy a dish cover from me, you’re not just getting any old fabric. I’m picky about my cotton prints—they’ve got to be durable, soft, and include certified food-safe, waterproof liner. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference when you’re using these covers to store your meals or proofing dough. You deserve something that’ll actually protect your food and make you smile when you look at it. (I love choosing patterns that are vibrant and colorful!)

With DIY, it’s easy to grab whatever fabric is lying around, but let’s be honest—sometimes, that old bed sheet might not cut it. And when you’re dealing with food, I think we both know quality matters.

2. I Do the Sewing (So You Don’t Have To)
Here’s the thing—when I make a dish cover, I’m not rushing through it. Each one is stitched with care, with finished edges and hidden seams that will hold up through countless uses. I love making these because I know they’ll last, and I know they’ll actually look good while they do their job. DIY projects can be fun, but they’re also full of potential “oops” moments—crooked seams, frayed edges, maybe even a few oops-I-messed-that-up moments. I get it, I’ve been there.  And for the love of Pete, don't get me started on needing a seam ripper. Straight to jail.

If you’re anything like me, the last thing you want to do is spend hours sewing and then end up with something that doesn’t quite fit or looks… less than Pinterest-perfect.  And here's the thing.  I've made THOUSANDS of covers so I have the tricks and muscle memory down!

3. No More Fiddling with Sizes
I think we’ve all had that experience of making something that’s almost right, but not quite. Maybe the cover is too small for your salad bowl or too big for your leftover soup. My dish covers come in a range of sizes to fit almost every container (9x13's included), so you don’t have to worry about measurements, trying to make something fit, or that weird “I-guess-it-works” feeling when it doesn’t.

With a DIY project, you’ve got to figure out how to adjust for every bowl in your kitchen, which can be a bit much when you just want to store your food without any hassle.

4. More Time for the Things You Love
I’m all for crafting, but I also know how time-consuming it can be. The time you spend on one DIY dish cover could be used for something else—like cooking a delicious meal, hanging out with friends, or simply relaxing. Let me do the hard work of sewing these for you, so you have more time to do the things you enjoy.

When you buy from me, you get a high-quality product without the trial-and-error process. Plus, I’m always here if you have questions or just want to say hi! I manage all social media and email accounts for Wild Clementine Co., so seriously, come say hi!

5. Supporting a Small Biz (and a Real Person!)
When you buy from Wild Clementine Co., you’re supporting a small, woman-owned business—and more specifically, me. Every order means I get to keep making these covers, doing what I love, and knowing that my work is helping make your kitchen a little brighter. I put a lot of care into every single item that leaves my shop, and it honestly means the world when you trust me to send you something that’s going to be useful and beautiful. I could dig up the stats on how buying from small businesses keeps more money within local communities and out of the pockets of big biz but I think you already know that or you wouldn't be here.

It’s not just about the product; it’s about the relationship I get to build with my customers. Your support helps me grow, and I’m beyond grateful for that.

The DIY Dilemma: What You’re Really Getting Into (alternately: "Why buy it when you can make it for $92 in craft supplies" )

Let’s be real—DIY can be rewarding, but sometimes it’s more frustrating than fun. Here are a few things to consider before you go down the DIY rabbit hole:

1. DIY Takes Time (And Sometimes a Lot of Patience)
Sure, you could technically make your own covers, but how much time are you willing to invest? Between measuring, cutting, and stitching, DIY projects can take hours (especially when you realize you’ve made a mistake halfway through). And then, you’re left with

 a half-finished project and a mess to clean up.

2. Not Always Eco-Friendly (Unless You’re Really Careful)
While it feels good to make something yourself, it’s easy to end up using whatever materials you have lying around. The problem? Not all of those materials are ideal for sustainability or long-term use. I make sure everything in my shop is high-quality and designed to last. That’s how we reduce waste—by investing in things that stand the test of time, not things that fall apart after a few uses. (fun fact: I STILL use my very first bowl cover from over 5 years ago. It's held up perfectly).

3. When You Just Don’t Have the Right Tools (Or the Energy)
Have you ever tried to dust off your sewing machine, only to find out it’s not working quite right? The worsttttt. It’s easy to get discouraged before you even begin. When you shop with me, everything is ready for you—no sewing machine required. It's like having the Staples "Easy" button!

So, What’s the Takeaway?

At the end of the day, making your own reusable dish covers is totally a fun project if you’re into it. But if you’re looking for something high-quality, hassle-free, and made with care, I’d love for you to consider some Wild Clementine Co. covers.

I pour my heart into every single one of these, and it means so much when you choose to support my small business. I can’t wait to see how these dish covers help make your kitchen a little more sustainable and a lot more fun.