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?
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What a nice practical gift to make for your daughters! I do use reusable shopping bags, because they cost 70 cent per bag to buy! I’n not going to spend money when I can reuse the bags!
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One of the stores that we do a little shopping at charges for bags, but most don’t. Even so the cloth bags are so much sturdier than paper or plastic.
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Oh those are lovely! I always try to use reusable whenever possible!
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These look awesome! I make sure I keep dedicated shopping bags in my car (put them by the garage door after unpacking to put back). The problem is that I either shop for much more than a couple of my small bags, or think that I’m going in for a couple of things that I can just carry out in my hands and then end up getting more stuff… Love them for farmer’s market, though.
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Thanks! We often have more groceries than can fit in the bags than we take but if we can get the stuff that might cause paper or plastic bags to rip open (heavy stuff, boxes, frozen or cold stuff) in these bags it makes life easier.
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Those are great bags! The fabric patterns are perfect. We’ve been using reusable bags for many years, so they’re starting to show their age. We’ve actually had to do some repairs. If I was crafty, I’d make some nifty ones like yours.
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Thanks Audrey. I think these are fun to make and fun to use. 🙂
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I go to only one store that requires people to bring their own bags. I used to go there weekly. Now I go once a year.
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We like them so much we started taking them even when not required.
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How cheerful and fun, Ruth! Is the pattern easy? Sooo cute!
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Thanks, Mitzy. It’s based off a pattern for a bag I made earlier in 2024. I altered the pattern to make it very easy. I did write out the instructions for my sister but have to test my instructions to make sure they a clear before I share it.
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Thank you, Ruth!
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We have never used them, but I think we need to start. These are all so cute. And I do have a fabric stash that needs sewn up………
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I’m sure you will be making some when you run out of other projects. (Maybe not real soon eh?)
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Very clever Ruth! I like the Dr. Seuss and Snoopy prints … so cute and great that you could use them like a gift bag. I don’t use reusable shopping bags, but in the Summer I take in my Meijer chill bags and forego the plastic bags and just have the bagger pack the refrigerated items into those chill bags. It works well.
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Thanks Linda. We do have an insulated bag for frozen/cold stuff as well.
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Yes, on those very hot days I used to take an insulated bag or a cooler with me when I had my Pacer. It was like being in a fishbowl with all the glass!
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