My mission? Two pairs of completely different grocery bags. I tried a new pattern this time around just because it is so super cute!
You can get the tutorial here. It is the Compact Grocery Bag. I'm wishing I made the outer fabric in red because it looks like a strawberry when it is all tucked in its little handy bag. I do believe I'll be making more of these for teachers and whatnot.
I have to add that I used stretchy shoe laces for the ties. The pattern called for drawstring toggles and I could not find a single one in my craft abode so I thought I'd go with the tied effect. I didn't like the long laces so I got some neoprene washers from Home Depot, ran the laces through the hole, used a wickedly cool knot my son created one day while playing with rope - then I snipped the ends... Sadly, I didn't snap a picture or two before posting it off. It is MUCH cuter without that really long lace! Next time I'll take pictures. I'm sure I'll be making more of these again.
I might be making up more of these in the next week or so. I was thinking.. hmmm.. I got to carry all those supplies in to the class rooms during the teacher meet and greet on Aug 6, so I might as well start off the year by spoiling the teachers with some go green market bags... If they say they will use them, then I will be happy to leave them with them! The less plastic that we use, the less plastic that will end up in the landfill. I wish more states would outlaw those wretched grocery store bags. People need to be more responsible with our earth and try to not use them whenever possible.
Okay. I'm getting off my tree hugging soap box. Sooo... Make a grocery or market bag for yourself and make one for a friend - or in my case this time around, for someone who got flaked on in a swap.