Here are the totes that we use when grocery (and other) shopping:
From left to right:
- Nylon reusable shopping bag (EZ Bag) with case– Super compact to carry, durable, and can fit a large load; Convenient because it can be easily carried around (the case has a clip so you can attach it to your keychain) and be available for unplanned shopping. Purchased from Abodeon in Cambridge for around $7-$8. I have seen other similar bags (different brands) in other stores.
- Synthetic or blend tote: free conference tote from a roommate
- Canvas tote: Levi’s, $1 or less with a purchase
- Cotton tote: Coca-cola koffeinhaltig, from Germany, free
- Cotton tote: American Society of Plant Biologists, free conference tote
My weekend project a few weeks ago (March 15-16) was to make a tote from a T-shirt. I don’t really wear t-shirts and this particular t-shirt is too big for me so I decided to make a tote that we will use regularly.
I chose to design the handles positioned similarly to the EZ Bag because the logo is high towards the neckline. The extra fabric (from the sleeves or bottom) can be used to make pockets and/or a case. The cut edges can be left as they are because t-shirt jersey doesn’t fray, however, in this case, I added bias tape along the edges to strengthen them and give it a neater look. Inside one of the long edges, I added a pocket using the material from one sleeve.
I don’t carry a purse and for those occasions I may not have any pockets. I added a zipper to the pocket to prevent the loss of any valuables (money clip, cell phone, etc) and to keep them separate from groceries. The zipper was stripped from a pair of old unwearable pants.
The next tote I try making will be lower so that the handles can be slipped over the shoulder and have side pockets (similar to those found on pants) for easy access even when the bag is full. At some point I will get around to posting an Instructables on this.
This came out great! I am going to try it with one of my tank tops.
Sue, you amaze me with your hand-sewing. I want to take pattern-making and I love draping and thinking up ideas. But when it comes to sewing, I get a similar feeling to thinking about ironing. Groan. Thumbs up for the neat edges.
Actually, this project was machine sewn. I do prefer hand sewing – it looks nicer and I have better control over the quality, however, in this case it was the right tool for the project.
I don’t know anything about pattern-making (although I have been making some through trial and error for the felt food I’m making). It would cool to learn. Too bad we don’t live in the same city so that we could take a class together.
that is soooo cute!! i lurv it! i think i will make one. i love third hand information. i got the link from m. Patrizio’s blog, and that lead me here. this is such a good idea. its like those cute bags made out of old jeans and some cotton print. anyway. this is a wonderfull idea. thanks! luv it.