I found an etsy shop that makes the cozies. I would go for a fall leaf one. Or maybe seasonal ones, to make sure I actually wash them annually. What do you think of these? cute? useful? or too granny?

Here is a link that might be useful: appliance cozies

Also, eBay has a bunch of sellers making appliance covers. I think you would try searching on eBay under "appliance cover" or "mixer cover" instead of "cozy", but maybe try searching under the word "cozy" too. A number of them will also customize with embroidery, like with your initials, or something cute like "My Mixer".

if you sew, there are patterns to make them. and you can pick your own fabric color/pattern!

if you don't sew, does your mother? sister? best friend? maybe they would do the sewing part for you as a gift.

If you haven't used your blender or mixer for a while, it gets dusty and you tell yourself, "this is a waste, I should put it away." A fabric cover keeps it ready to use and cuts down on the guilt--it's still right there, ready for you to use as soon as the muse arrives. These are known as "bags on the heads" of our appliances here and I approve of them, probably better than an appliance garage because it gives more flexibility to countertop options over time.

I will be making some for my appliances, probably using remnants from my roman shades. You can also make coordinating napkins, hotpads, aprons, valences, cushions, tea cozies, doilies and runners, beverage coasters, towel edging or applique. And drawstring bags to corral stuff like cookie cutters or appliance pieces.

Have made the appliance bags in past--I just invented the pattern and this time around will probably will just adapt the old patterns I developed. I'm sure there are patterns in the pattern books at fabric store also, but if not, there are some oldies on ebay. (Watch out for these vintage patterns--they may be more narrow and/or shorter than will fit today's models, so do some measuring and add girth/length if necessary.) The stiffer the fabric, the more the "bag" will stand alone--they used to use quilted fabrics a lot, which looked like jackets on the appliances. I prefer single layer drapery weight cotton and piping in the seams to reinforce them.

I know that Kitchenaid sells readymade covers in a lightweight canvas for their large mixers, with a pocket in one side to hold the beaters.

If you have just a few oddball pieces left after a curtain or stool cushion project, sew the remnants into larger slabs, then cut on diagonal to make piping to be used on another piece of fabric for the body. Doesn't matter if it's patched--piping is just color and texture as trim, not a significant whole. People are very impressed by these, if you do it halfway decently, and they can be classy instead of cute Applique is another option--add color or letters/words from the top with a zigzag stitch.

Remember to wash the fabric sternly before sewing it up so it shrinks before instead of after you make it up. Wash the piping cord also so it doesn't shrink later.

Thanks for the ideas! I used to sew a lot, but have no room/time anymore. I think I should plan on a few appliances on the countertop, and the rest in a cabinet.

Here's what I would call a "portable" appliance garage:

Here is a link that might be useful: ebay wood appliance cover

My mixer has spent its life sitting on top of the trash compactor. At one time I used a piece of leftover quilted fabric and made a cover a lot like the toaster covers on etsy. Now that you've made me really look at it, I laughed! The fabric is clowns in a preschool style and my youngest is 32.

I loved the pretend-apothecary cover, but it's pricey. The etsy ones seem about right.