The Plaid Post

Win-It Wednesday: Reusable Grocery Bag

Wednesday, 2 July 2008 19:25 by sara

In the end, I used the Morsbag pattern for both of the bags I finished this week.  But I did modify it a bit. As I mentioned before, the Morsbag did not have a square bottom.  So, I used the technique I learned in Bend the Rules Sewing, and practiced on the Little Boxy Pouch. Incidentally, once I did that, the bag appears to be remarkably similar to this week's tote at Sew, Mama, Sew

 
The fabric I used for this bag was actually a curtain I bought at Target about a year ago. It's from their Amy Coe line and was on clearance at the time. It was the last curtain left, and I think I paid about $4 for it, thinking it would be a great piece to cut up for other projects. I don't remember what I had in mind at the time, but I think it makes a very fun shopping bag. A big bonus, since the curtains were lined, this particular bag is now also lined. No extra work required.

 

This bag is also based on the Morsbag, but I made another one using the tutorial from Wisdom of the Moon.  The bag from Wisdom of the Moon also has a square bottom, but uses a slightly different (and easier) technique than the fold-over-line-up-the-seams-measure-and-sew technique that I usually employ. It's a neat folding trick that forms a square bottom as you sew the whole thing up. It was really, really easy. The tutorial was really well done and makes a nice, quick bag.

 
I am ridiculously proud of the handles on this bag. They look really professional--the same width all the way around and that sort of thing.  Handles are the part of bag making I dread most of all.  I'm not sure if that's because I have a difficult time getting them uniform, or because every single time I make a handle I burn my fingers with the iron steam.  Either way, these handles just came together perfectly, and I don't remember any injuries. So we're good.

I didn't have a chance to test out the third tutorial--using an actual paper grocery bag as a pattern.  I might give that a try later this week, if I find the time between the holiday and finishing my placemats for the swap.

In any event, if you didn't have a chance to make a reusable grocery bag of your own this week, fear not.  Leave a comment on this post before next Wednesday and you will be entered into a random drawing to win the striped grocery bag pictured above. Seriously free.

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Comments

July 3. 2008 17:15

I have been wanting to make some reusable bags for some time now...but keeps getting pushed back on the list since I have another baby getting ready to pop out of me! Thanks for the inspiration!

Amanda

July 3. 2008 17:55

Can't wait to make one of these for myself. I wonder how many I'd have to make to bring home all my groceries?

amy

July 3. 2008 18:47

I found your lovely blog while blog-hopping. You make beautiful things!

Jen

July 3. 2008 19:05

That looks wonderful, I am new to your blog this week. I am so far loving it!

Ginger

July 3. 2008 21:25

You know what I have noticed about fabric grocery bags.... the bag boys/girls always fit more in those than plastic. I will try making a whole bunch of reusable ones once I get caught up on my quilt-along but yours all look amazing!

britt

July 3. 2008 22:00

I just love those bags, i really must give one of those tutorials a go. The fabric you have used in the strip one is lovely do you mind me asking where you got it?
Sarah x

sarah

July 3. 2008 22:15

I love the butterflies and the stripes, nice!

I use cotton bags for my groceries, but they are all boring white (or should I be honest and say dirty white, eughhh).

Your blog is so inspiring.

dawninNL

July 3. 2008 22:31

Now that you have made them I'm wondering if they are sturdy. Do you think you could throw some can goods in them and they would hold up? Making them sturdy is my only hesitation. I believe I still have some crazy thick and thankfully cheap ($1 yard) fabric somewhere around here. I have to hunt it down and try some of these patterns.

Jennifer

July 3. 2008 22:44

What a beautiful shopping bag! Great job! Mary

Mary

July 3. 2008 22:52

Wow those bags turned out beautifully! I love your blog!

Alison

July 3. 2008 23:06

very cute and practical bags!

Holly

July 4. 2008 00:38

Great shopping bag! I can't wait to try and make one.

Colleen

July 4. 2008 01:32

Your bags turned out great. I am so glad you are trying out the different patterns for me so I can just use the best one Smile. I am loving your blog and you are now in my daily reading. I have really resisted the fabric bag thing but the stores give us sooooo many, it is really a waste. I have no room to store any more. I have some big ugly pieces of canvas that would be perfect. Thanks for all the great ideas! Have a great 4th!

Stacy

July 4. 2008 07:34

sew inspirational (i crack myself up). I will definitely be making a tote as soon as my machine is working again! in the meantime, I'll have to live vicariously through your blog.

micki

July 5. 2008 04:40

I love those bags. The butterfly one is so cute. I have a closet full of things like single curtains, towels etc.. just waiting for the perfect project.
Becky

becky

July 6. 2008 05:16

I love cute and functional projects!

Amy

July 7. 2008 20:19

Too, too cute! I need to make a list of everything I'd like to make.

Misty.Creek

July 7. 2008 20:36

Love the fabric on these bags...so cute! Recently found your site and am really enjoying it.

Carrie

July 8. 2008 04:23

What a gorgeous grocery tote! I agree with you about handles! I've burnt my fingers many times, followed by a bit of swearing under my breath!

Jo

July 8. 2008 18:29

Found you via sewmamasew - cute bags! I'm definitely bookmarking your blog.

Brenda

July 9. 2008 01:30

I've just found your blog and i LOVE all of your projects! You've inspired me!

Sinead

July 9. 2008 11:07

Love everything you do Smile Smile Smile Honestly !

Noelia

July 15. 2008 09:30

I just found your blog and I love it. You are so informative.

Airidane

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November 20. 2008 05:05