Focus Friday Grocery Tote

January 22nd, 2010

For this weeks Focus Friday I decided to check out making the grocery tote.

Why another bag? Well, it has a few different things that caught my eye and i had to give it a try. So there ya go. another bag. After making it I was pleasantly surprised.

The pattern was designed by Sweet Jessie. She has a very cute blog. Go take a look…

First of all—it’s big!!!! I mean finished size is 13″ X 12″ wide X 6″ deep. That baby can fit at least 2 mega boxes of cereal I’m telling you!! If you aren’t toting around cereal…then a pillow, blankie and all the other goods for a sleepover–it might even fit the sleeping bag. No, kidding..but you never know.

The thing that drew me to the bag the most was the sides. For some reason she has decided to make us sew another line down each corner…So here is the before: floppy sides- no form.

After: Nice sides.

Oh, my they are nice! I love this technique! I questioned this {like i do all new things}, but i thought….just stick to the pattern and stop your belly aching and do it. So, i listened and did what i was supposed to do. In love. It almost makes the bag able to stand on its own. The sides keep it’s shape and helps whatever is inside not flop out. Ingenious- as the kids say.

I didn’t find anything that i got hung up over in the pattern. It did call for interfacing in the bottom {a temtex piece} I didn’t do that. It does put the turning opening on the top edge –i like that— and not inside. Quick steps, easy to do. Can become addictive. It is very much like the bags you purchase at the store—but…you can use up your stash, 1 yard at a time…better fabric of course and they are sturdier and will last longer.

Do you want to review a pattern from One Yard Wonders? Email me patchworkposse @ yahoo . com {remove those spaces} We have one more week on this book……and go vote for next month now!! {on the sidebar}