Originally Posted by
coopah
My DS lives in the PNW and is charged 5 cents for each plastic grocery bag every time he shops! Does anyone know of a bag pattern that is quick and easy, but would be good for groceries? He eats a lot of fresh produce (dunno if they charge for those bags, yet). I'm thinking the bags should be able to be reversed, so they could be used more than once before washing. I know the pollution arguments for not using plastic, but now he'll be using water, detergent, and energy to wash these bags. Sometimes what seems to make sense...doesn't.
I make tote bags from old pants and skirts and just remenants. They are completely washable and will not cut and break like the fabric (@@) bags the stores cell. Some are lined and some are not. Easy to toss into the washer when something spills or leaks or they just get soiled from dragging around. Over the years, I've made probably 200 of them.
The last 4 I made were from a chunk of drapery fabric that I inherited. Only need about 2/3 of a yard to make one if the fabric is heavy enough.
There are gobs of tote bag patterns available. Mine only have straps (usually from the same fabric) and then boxed bottoms.
Take almost no time to make them.