Foldable Big Grocery Bag!

IMO, this is a great concept for a grocery bag!  With more stores these days, being "green" bringing your own grocery bags is a smart idea!  I really like this pattern because it folds compactly, plus when you open it up, it is a generous 24" x 15".  There is also a smaller pattern that is more petite if you feel this is TOO large.  It is 20" x 12". 

The pattern I used is Butterick 5507, View B.

Visit the website for more info.

http://http://butterick.mccall.com/b5507-products-11219.php?page_id=380&search_control=display&list=search

The fabric I used, I'm guessing from the colors, is from the late 1980's or early 90's.  I cannot say I am totally in LOVE with it, but it is an outdoor home dec fabric and it is VERY durable.  I have about 10 yards or so of it.  Someone generously gave it to me, because they know I love fabric!  For grocery bags, this is a great quality fabric and it is machine-washable, too!

 

I definitely LOVE how small and compact these are.  I am thinking this could also be a great item to pack in a suitcase.

Maybe? for the next ones I make I will see if I can find mauve or teal fabric for the bias binding --Yeah, I know, 1992 is calling...

Grab your coupons, be "green", and using a fun fabric on these bags makes you a fashionista shopper for sure....

 

Time for Lunch!

As promised, here is a lunch tote that I made my DD, Lauren, for school.   I am sure you can understand being a Junior in HS is hard work as well as having a cool-looking lunch bag.  Lauren picked out the fabrics to sort of match her new backpack! 

I created the pattern to meet her expectations and size!  I would say it meets my expectations!  The black/white polka dot is home dec outdoor fabric as is the zebra fabric.  The inside lining is black faux leather(vinyl) so it can be easily cleaned everyday.   I figure if the outdoor fabric can withstand the Arizona sun, it can withstand my DD! 

 

A back view to show the belt loops which make it fun and functional to hold the belt/scarf.

 

I sewed some of the black faux leather to the tops of the handles also for a little punch but also to keep the handles cleaner!  But I really like the look it gives it....

 

I'm sure all the inquiring minds want to know.... Does Lauren like her new lunch tote?  Is it what she had in mind? (If anyone can for sure read a teenager's mind, please email me with your know-how.)

Yes, she LOVES it!  Whewwwwwwwwwwwww......

 

"Thanks, Mom"  You are so cool and awesome!!  (ok, so I made up the last sentence)  As I wipe the sweat from my brow......

 

Here is my other DD, with her new lunch tote!  I made this lunch tote in February for the new school year!  It collected some dust waiting for school to start, but it is just as much loved!  This one is larger but just as cute!

Enjoy!  Make a new lunch tote.   Now, only if they actually eat all those healthy items I packed for them ;)

Apron for Mommy!

I call my mother, at times, Mommy!  I know...a long story that I won't bore you with it!  

I purchased this RTW apron and when my mother saw it, she fell in LOVE instantly.  I knew then exactly what had to be done.  Monogram the apron and sew-up a oven mitt.  How fun would that be?  Too much fun.....

I purchased this apron at Fry's(Kroger), purchased the aqua fabric at Joann's and polka-dot fabric was in my stash.  Who does not have polka-dot fabric in their stash?  ( I have about 10-12 yards) of the black/white fabric in my stash.  Sad, but true!

 

 

I followed this tutorial for the oven mitt.  Sew much fun and easy.  Imagine all the fun combos you can sew up!

http://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/free/Free-Make-an-Oven-Mitt.htm

I also wanted to mention I have a bunch of projects I would love to share with you. More projects ahead!  Summer vacation plus new camera= NO BLOGGING for me... One of them is the cutest ever lunch tote I made my oldest DD!  She picked out the fabrics, too.  The sweetest part, is that school started up last week and she LOVES her new lunch tote. 

I LOVE school. I LOVE school. I HEART school... ;0