That's a wrap

Meagan Sneeringer, A&S '08, ordered several yards of Blue Jay fabric and another of tartan and had a set of project bags made to hold her knitting and crochet crafts. "I'm someone who appreciates beauty and practicality in everyday objects," she says. "I knew that I just had to have a set of completely unique project bags."

Sneeringer's bags were constructed using a new line of Johns Hopkins–themed upholstery fabrics. Made in America, they cost $40 per yard and are available in three patterns: the Blue Jay, the Johns Hopkins shield, and a tartan in coordinating Hopkins colors, according to Marguerite Jones, A&S '74, Bus '88 (MAS), senior director of alumni services.

Alumni Relations has made use of the fabrics already, including commissioning laptop bags for the Alumni Council and throw pillows for other gifts. The Hopkins Club recently placed an order to use the fabric on chairs in the renovated Tap Room. But the options far exceed the boundaries of campus. "We had an alumnus purchase [fabric] to re-cover his diploma frame and a woman who called to see how long the fabric would be available because her daughter has applied to Hopkins and, if she's accepted, she wanted to make her a quilt," says Jones.

The fabric is ideal for re-covering chairs, though it can be used in myriad ways, from window valances to cosmetic bags. Students and alumni wanting to show their pride don't even need a sewing machine to create a bulletin board with their favorite pattern. (See step-by-step directions above.) "I hope loyal alums will use this in their homes as a reminder of Hopkins," Jones says. "I'd like to see it in visitor reception areas, the Hopkins Club, doctor's offices. There's no reason why not; it's very tasteful and beautifully done." And, she quips, "There's a Hopkins chair, so you must have your Hopkins pillow to go with it."