Reusable Bag- Sew N Tell

Charlie and I (mostly Charlie) always remember to bring reusable bags to the grocery store. It makes us happy to not use loads and loads of plastic bags; which when we do get I typically stuff in a corner of our pantry because it is what my Mum, and her Mom always did/do, so I do it too, don't ask why, even I don't know. I love not having to add to my growing plastic bag corner when we go to the grocery store, but I never remember to bring the bags to any other stores. They are kind of big, so I need something small that can fit into my small purse.

The other day my brother Garrett came over for dinner and was telling me about this group he is in that does environmental stuff. I guess the group had an event the other day where they did a lot of cool earth friendly things. He said that he worked fixing old bikes for people to ride, and then he told me that another bunch of people were making reusable bags out of tee shirts. Sounds pretty cool huh? He told me how they did it; "You sew the bottom together, cut off the arms and cut a bigger neck hole." This all made perfect sense to me, Charlie seemed confused, but maybe he just wasn't listening. My wheels started spinning but it seemed rude to start a sewing project when you have guests, even if it is your younger brother. I waited until the next morning at which point my head sprung from the pillow and I yelled; "Charlie get me a tee shirt you hate! ASAP!" What a coincidence, he had a shirt someone gave to him that was environmentally friendly and that he never wore!

I pulled out my serger, started sewing immediately, realized I made the same mistake I always make (got too excited about the sewing and forgot to extend the thread do-hicky so the tension was all wrong and my thread broke, which means I had to re-thread the serger, not an easy or quick task) then I went on to finish my bag. If I hadn't been such an idiot and messed up the serger this project would have taken me 2 minutes, but it took me about 20 (at least I didn't swear.) And now Voila; A reusable tote bag that can fold up to an insanely small size and also carry a lot! Hurray!

After the fact I found this tutorial by none other than Martha Stewart, in case you didn't understand my one sentence directions above, not that I expected you to. Happy Friday, and happy Sew N Tell!

Lauren