In my previous post, I explained about my old sheet collection that led me to create my first rag rug. In researching how to repurpose old sheets, I discovered another idea that would be both useful and space saving. We use our own bags when we shop. They are a collection of grocery bags that we have collected over the past several years. They are worn and beginning to less reliable with tearing sides and ripping handles. I always have them in my car and though I have them in a car tote, they always seem to be in the way of me getting things in and out of my trunk.
I decided that a perfect project for me would be to create some washable shopping totes that roll into a size of less than 4 inches by 2 inches. I had a sheet that I absolutely loved the pattern, but before I used that material I wanted to test out the pattern that I found on Youtube first on a fabric that I was less attached to, an old fabric shower curtain.
I was really excited about this repurposing project as it gave me the nudge I needed to purchase a replacement for my 30 year old sewing machine. The machine still works, but in one of our 7 moves the lever that changes the sewing foot was damaged and I can only sew with the current foot. It has helped me with several small sewing projects, but has also limited my abilities to simple stitches. I had been debating getting a new machine, but didn't know if the cost was worth it. This simple project was the tipping point. I purchased my new machine and began my first sewing project for easy cloth shopping bags.
Supplies
2 Pieces of fabric 19 5/8" x 17 1/2"
2 Pieces of fabric 4 3/4 x 14 1/8"
6 inches of elastic (1 yard of elastic at Joann Fabrics was $1.75)
For how to make it watch DIY Reusable Grocery Bags on You Tube. It is a great simple video. Thanks SewingTime for a great video!
I was nervous to even begin this project with the shower curtain. I had never made this project and I was using my new sewing machine for the first time. I decided to use some 28 year old sunflower fabric I still had from when I made my daughter's jumpers when she was 2 years old. I also did not have any elastic, so before breaking the bank and spending $1.75 at Joann Fabric, I decided to use elastic hair ties that were the right size. I am glad I made the sample. The project was simple and the hair bands worked great, but I still needed to perfect my seam allowance sizes on my new machine. Once I made 2 practice bags with the sunflower fabric, I was off to the races.
I made 4 bags with my shower curtain, but still have enough fabric left over I could probably make one more. They are sturdy, washable and I love how easily they roll into small bundles. I also had fun and embroidered my nickname on the handles. Why? Because my new sewing machine can do that! In my fabric stash I also found a cloth bag that a set of sheets came in. I am not certain why I kept it. Oh that is right, I hate to throw things away. I was able to repurpose the Velcro bag and now can place all the rolled shopping bags in the small tote and have them contained in the trunk of my car. I have 6 bags in the bag so far and can easily fit an additional 10 bags, if I want. This means I can have 16 grocery totes in a space of 8 inches wide, 10 inches high and 4 inches deep. No more avalanche of paper and plastic bags falling out when I open my trunk.
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