Something From Almost Nothing

This project was brought to me by my friend , Wendy.  I thought it was one of the best ideas for re-using something destined for the local dump.  This was something I not only could make, but also would use.   The best of all outcomes!  Wendy had seen the project in a magazine and had seen  some crafty people  were selling the bags on Etsy.  We got together the very few materials needed and set out on our new project.

Here's what you need to start. 
One  empty feed sack. ( the best ones  to use are made of a poly-plastic material very similar to what the reusable shopping bags are made from.)
Clorox wipes
sewing machine - (use a long stitch length and adjust the tension  until the machine is playing nicely with you)
multi purpose thread
scissors
ruler or tape measure if you are so inclined (I wasn't)

Turn the feed sack inside out and wash out the inside with clorox wipes or some kind of pre-moistened wipe.  Cut off the bottom edge of the bag.  Decide how big you want the tote bag to be and add 4 inches to the top for the top hem and about 6 inches  to the bottom for the seam and the gusset. Trim the bag to size.

Sew the bottom seam and turn down the top hem and stitch in place. The picture on the right shows how we made the gusseted bottom.  I hope it makes sense because I can't figure out how to explain it!
 Turn the bag right side out.  From some of the material that was cut off, cut strips to use for the handles.  We made our handles from strips about  4 inches wide.  Fold the material in from both sides, and then fold in half again to make a sturdy strap.  The length is up to you.  Attach the straps to each side of the bag. 

Now you have a spiffy new shopping tote that you can use for just about anything you need to tote around!  Get creative.  Make different sizes.  I even made a folder to carry all those important papers to meetings!



Here's a few more pictures.  Each bag took about 30 to 45 minutes to make.  The only thing we needed besides time, was thread and the empty sack.  Theoretically, you could try this with any used feed sack but I haven't tried it with the paper type yet.  

I had so much fun making the totes.  Thanks to Wendy for sharing the idea with me. 

our first four tote bags!

goat feed portfolio!  ready for the next business meeting!