Long time readers know that I usually spend the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas making Christmas gifts. This year was different as having to deal with my dad’s affairs left me little time for crafting. I did, however find myself with about three days before Christmas to whip up a few things. Fortunately, the gift(s) I had planned for my daughters were a simple pattern that I had made a few times so I was familiar with the process.

Regular readers also know that I like to make practical/useful gifts. This year I decided to make reusable shopping bags. My husband and I started using these bags earlier in the year and like how sturdy they are. They can be packed full, and we can just grab the handle and carry the bag without having to worry about the bag ripping open. The biggest problem we have, and my daughters mentioned it too, is remembering to take them along when we go shopping. We are getting better about it. I suggested to my daughter that after they are unpacked, they should be left by the door (near your shoes or coat) so when you go out next time you will remember to take them along to the car.

I had some fun fabrics that I had purchased when I saw it on clearance for $0.99 per yard. One of those deals that I couldn’t pass up even though I had no plans for the fabric at that time.

The bags doubled as gift wrap since I just put all the other gifts we had for the girls in their bag. No wrapping required.

Last week when my youngest daughter called me, she said that she had just got home from grocery shopping. I asked if she had used the bag I made her and she replied, “yes”. That made me happy! 😀

Do you use reusable shopping bags?