ymib.com - Daily Inspiration

Oh, I had to share this. Does anyone else subscribe to the Craft of The Day newsletter from marthastewart.com? If not, you should because many times they send out some really great craft and sewing ideas and projects. This one caught my eye because it was so practical, that I was like "now why didn't I think of that". Anyways.. i want to make a few of these. Man, just think of the reusable bags you could get crafty with by just purchasing some tees ans tanks from the thrift store or from goodwill...hmmm. my ideas are flowing. I will try these and post them once I finish them! anyone else going to try this?

Turning an old T-shirt into a reusable shopping or grocery bag is a simple, clever craft to help everyone be "green." It's a Good Thing that will help protect the environment.

Tools and Materials
Heavy-weight cotton T-shirt
Pins
Sewing machine
Medium-size bowl
Water-erasable marking pen
Scissors

T-Shirt Bag How-To
1. Turn T-shirt inside out and pin bottom of the T-shirt along the hem. Using a sewing machine, sew bottom of T-shirt closed. Flip shirt right side out and lay flat on table, making sure all seams are lined up.

2. Place medium-size bowl about half-way over the neck hole. Using a water-erasable marking pen, trace along the edge of the bowl. Cut along the outline, making sure to go through the front and back sides of the shirt, in order to create an opening for the bag that's larger than what the neck hole allows.

3. Line up the hems on the front and back side of the sleeve and cut, making sure to go through both sides of the shirt. Repeat on the other sleeve. Tip: A jersey shirt would also work well for this craft, as it is already sleeveless, and it's made of a great mesh material.

Resources
Water-erasable marking pens can be purchased at most fabric stores for about $5. To purchase an already-made t-shirt bag, visit greenteebag.com.

First Published: October 2007

Sew Inspirational!