Friday, March 14, 2008

Sew Crafty Friday

This week I have been making reusuable fabric grocery bags. I wanted to make them from the pattern based on the plastic bags all the stores use. I've seen two or three sites with the instructions, but the day I was working on them was one of those days when I couldn't tackle a new pattern. I decided to use the pattern I have been using for my pocketbooks and just modify it some. This worked great and makes a nice bag.

My finished grocery bags are about 14 inches wide and 14 inches deep. They have 12 inch long handles and are lined with matching fabric. I double stitched the bottom seams so they would hold heavy groceries easily. (I hope!)

These are pictures of one of the bags full of groceries and one laying flat.






I still want to tackle the bags that look like grocery bags, but I think these are just as nice and they may be sturdier.

This weekend I plan to make pocketbooks, more grocery bags and maybe a clothespin bag. I still haven't made a rag quilt bag, but want to soon!

For more Sew Crafty Projects visit the Waiting For Him Blog.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great idea, I have been thinking about doing this for a while, but haven't gotten around to it.
Thanks for sharing~

Anonymous said...

Debbie, Wonderful idea! What about using denim for the grocery bags? It would really be sturdy and would not show soil so quickly! But, then, I guess we want to know as soon as our grocery bag is dirty!

And thank you for the good morning story yesterday. MLJW

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! This is what I have been working on this week too. I like your patterns a bit better then mine though, I tried to copy one I bought from the groery store, and it just isn't as nice looking when finished.

The other one I completed it made from old jeans and an old tank top. It amuses me, and will be a great tote for football games.. but won't hold as many groceries.

Mom2fur said...

Wow, those little bags hold a lot, don't they? I have some of the ones from the stores where I shop, but I think I'd like to make a few more 'stylish' ones, like yours. Great job!
PS...if you're worried about how heavy they are, would it help to put a piece of cardboard down in the bottom?

The Knitting Maniac said...

They look awesome!!! I also need to sew some totes for groceries!! My friend, Emily, made 2 for me, but I have yet to make some for myself!! Great Job!!! :) Bridget

Terri said...

They look great! You do such a wonderful job on these and what a great way to save a tree :-)!

Mom2fur said...

Hi, again, and thanks for the nice comment about my bag. LOL...I bought that fabric 'just in case' I might find a use for it. Now I have a new excuse to buy cool fabric...grocery bags! Can you ever have enough, LOL?

momawake said...

Hey, that's what I did this week also. They are great bags! Good job.

~yolanda said...

How nice! I've been buying bags for $1. It never even crossed my mind to make my own! What a great idea.

Little Penpen said...

I bought two grocery bags from a local grocery store for $1 each. I haven't actually used them, but they don't feel all that durable. Yours is a great idea!

Shereen said...

For the first time in a long time I am able to make my rounds and see all the nice things everyone made. How neat are your bags!! Do you mind sharing the links to the patterns you mentioned? How many do you plan on making? Thanks for sharing.

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