That's one of the things I need to work on - the handles are a bit on the short side for an over the shoulder carry! I'm going to make them longer for the final product. I also want to wash this one and see how the canvas interior holds up. I prewashed it, so it shouldn't shrink, but I am a bit worried about fraying. And I put the binding on before I sewed it together, so there are still some exposed raw edges where it joins, which I am going to fix next time around.
I am eventually going to perfect it, and then I am going to figure out the perfect size for a reusable grocery bag and I will have the cutest grocery bags in Oregon! ;)
That was the first thing I thought - could it be used for groceries? It looks like a good size, and the bottom is squared off so bottles/jugs would fit nicely. One of the best grocery bags we use is a lined fabric one that has a square bottomed construction. I picked it up last year as a beach bag, but it's perfect for groceries - the straps are just right and it holds SO much!
I am thinking about selling them for fabric $$$ when I get them perfected. A farmer's market bag would be great. My box pleatis far from perfect, but I know I will get better every time I make one!
Oh! My sister quilts, and she made me some grocery bags for Christmas one year, using a plastic grocery bag as a pattern, so it's the same size and shape, and will fit over the bag hangers that they use in the checkout lane. Every time I use them I get compliments. I should post a photo of them.
Also, regarding the tote bags, my sister made one for my mother last year, and found out that the handles need extra reinforcing where they attach to the bag. The fabric started ripping within a year of hard use. She was looking at it and muttering something about reinforcing patches or strips or something to better distribute the pull on the fabric where the handle is sewn on.
I am eventually going to perfect it, and then I am going to figure out the perfect size for a reusable grocery bag and I will have the cutest grocery bags in Oregon! ;)
Also, regarding the tote bags, my sister made one for my mother last year, and found out that the handles need extra reinforcing where they attach to the bag. The fabric started ripping within a year of hard use. She was looking at it and muttering something about reinforcing patches or strips or something to better distribute the pull on the fabric where the handle is sewn on.