home ec class: reusable grocery tote

I know today is usually all about my creative space at the moment, but I’m working on the beach blanket and there isn’t much else to show you except a nice pretty fabric pic like this one. Instead, I’m sharing my third home ec project: a reusable grocery tote.

home ec class handmade reusable grocery tote

This project got me thinking about handles. I usually seam up the sides first, fold over and stitch the top hem, then add handles. This project changed the order: top hem, handles, side seams. I can definitely see the wisdom in doing the handles on a flat piece of fabric. It makes a lot of sense. But, I also really like how the top hem hides the side seams when folded over. It’s something to think about. (Yes, I do think about these things.)

home ec class handmade reusable grocery tote

I’m planning to make some heavy duty grocery totes for our weekly shopping because I’d like something with a square bottom. I love this for the Farmers’ Market, though. The fabric is totally appropriate!

stash: I’ve been holding on to this fabric for awhile and I can’t remember where I found it. I was saving it for a farmers’ market tote, so now I can cross that off my to-do list!

my farmers’ market tote is featuered in greencraft magazine!

Sorry about missing Thrifty Thursday yesterday. I was planning to take photos and write my post in the evening, and right before dinner I found a copy of GreenCraft in my mailbox. I knew something was up because I don’t subscribe to the magazine, but I did submit one of my patterns and a sample to the publication many months ago. I was so excited, I completely forgot about my thrifty pictures and post until after dark. Whoops!

green craft magazine farmers market tote

I am so thrilled to see my Farmers’ Market tote in GreenCraft magazine! I designed this bag using men’s dress shirts and a terry cloth towel for interfacing. It’s reversible because our Farmers’ Market runs from May to October: one side has Spring colors and the other has Fall colors. If you get a chance, check out the design and instructions in the Autumn 2010 issue!

my creative space

messenger bag refashion

In my creative space today I’m finishing up a messenger bag refashion for a friend. This was a really cool project and I’ll have lots more photos for you once it’s delivered.

farmers market sandwich

Also a quick update on the Kind Diet. I haven’t been trying hard to avoid meat and dairy, but I’m finding it pretty easy and fulfilling to eat other things. I also loaded up on lots of wonderful veggies from the Farmers’ Market last weekend. Lunch today was tomato, hummus and grilled zucchini on whole grain bread. Yum!

I’m looking for more reading material on how the food we eat affects our planet. Any suggestions?

What’s in your creative space today? Join the fun over at Kirsty’s blog!