DIY-grocery tote...

fabric from Ikea...

My husband & I have talked about ways we can help cut down our use of plastics (yuck) & decided the best thing would be to cut down on plastic bags. As a result I made myself several grocery totes that I leave in my trunk & take with me to the store. Here a little D.I.Y. project for you...

1}cut your fabric & lining (mine was 18" x 18")
2} to do a French seam you'll pin the pieces right side out & make a 1/4 in. seam::then you'll turn it inside out, press & make a 1/2 in. seam-to enclose your raw edges...it looks the best!
3}I sewed these little darts across the inside corners to give the bag some structure(see the 3rd set of pictures from bottom)
4}finish your raw edges at the top of the bag by sewing a basting stitch 1/4 in. from edge, fold on that line, then fold once more...then stitch
5}To make your straps...I cut long pieces about 5" thick, pressed 1/4 in. on both sides (lengthwise) then folded it on itself, pressed again & stitched 1/4 in. from the finished edge
6}I attached the straps by pinning in place then sewing a "X" pattern, for extra sturdiness

Viola! You have an eco-friendly, reusable grocery tote {or anything tote for that matter} which will help greatly reduce the use of plastic bags!

Now go shopping!!