Friday, June 6, 2008

Produce Bags.......

I am trying to do my bit for the environment. I only use cloth grocery bags now. I keep them in the car all the time. One thing that has been bothering me is the plastic produce bags. So I decided to see if I could make some. First thing I do of course is search the Internet for ideas and I came across this fantastic article/how to over at Wisdom Of The Moon

I liked what I saw, but figured I would adapt it to suit me. I decided I wanted them a little stronger so I put binding the first one.




I then made one without the binding on, but double stitched all the seams.



Those two bags are quite long, over 18 inches long. Great for romaine lettuce or celery, but a bit deep for a couple of tomatoes.

So I made this one this afternoon and this one is only 11 inches wide by 13 inches long. Again I put binding around this.



The key to this project is to make these bags with lightweight see through fabric, therefore tulle or a sheer fabric is the best. The fabric should be washable. Also to save a bit of money, use up some old sheers you have around the house. I bought my tulle at Wal-Mart and got a metre for $1.97. I did make mine more expensive as I did add the binding for more strength.

It is also a discussion point at the grocery store when you use them!!!!!

12 comments:

akalittleeva said...

Fantastic idea! I have sheers sitting in my closet waiting to be reinvented! Looks like a new project if I can get my sewing machine back from my Mother - or better yet, give it to her to make for me.LOL

Gill - That British Woman said...

tell your mother, to make me some too, Cheryl!!!!

Wendy said...

Those are fantastic! The binding adds a really nice touch.

And I've been thinking about doing a few smaller ones myself. Geniuses like us must think alike. ;)

DeniseinVA said...

What a great idea. I don't have a working sewing machine but I try to do my part by not using the plastic bags and buying the reusable canvas ones that a lot of the supermarkets make available. I think many people have this mindset and say, "What can I do?" and don't believe they can make that much of an impact on the environment, but if we all took one step towards becoming 'green', well as they say, the longest journey begins with a single step right? Love your yummy recipes too Gill. Have a great weekend.

Gill - That British Woman said...

thank you Wendy, you have a great site, that I hope people who visit my blog, will take a trip over to your blog and see all those great ideas that you come up with.

Denise, you are so right it only takes a single step........

CannedAm said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
CannedAm said...

I will happily send you anything you want for a couple of those bags :) Let me know. I don't sew. I suppose I could....but I'm one of those ppl who would have the machine and the material out for six months on the dining room table and have 1/2 of one bag done that whole while. I'll buy some from you though if you're interested :)

CannedAm said...

Sorry for the double post. I'm too tired to be doing this. :)

Crafty Mama said...

They are fantastic!!

Anonymous said...

What a great idea. I really should do something like this.

I use reusable 'green' bags for most of the grocery shopping but like you would prefer non-plastic solutions for everything.

Kate

Gill - That British Woman said...

Kate thank you for leaving a comment on my blog!!!

Tracy said...

Great idea. I should make some too.

{{{SIGH}}}

Tuesday was a mixed bag type of day. Had the appliance repair guy come again to install another circuit board in the fridge.  When hubby got...