I recently read an article about a family that has close to zero waste. If you are interested check it out here. My family is far from having zero waste, but it got me thinking. What can I do to reduce my family’s waste? I already try to remember to bring canvas bags to the grocery store. I thought I could take it a step further and bring bags for the produce. 
I tried to find the lightest fabric in my stash so it wouldn’t cost more when the produce was weighed. I found an old pair of PJ pants that has been loved so much that the waist has deteriorated. The legs are fine. I was able to cut out four bags. 
Simple Bag
Supplies
- fabric
- ribbon
- scissors
- iron
- safety pin
- needle and thread or sewing machine
Directions
- Cut the fabric into a rectangle.
- Fold fabric in half on the long side of the rectangle, with pattern sides facing each other.
- Sew the left and right sides.
- Fold the top edge in toward the inside of the bag and then fold it again. Iron the folds.
- Sew around the edge. The width between the stitches and the edge of the bag should be bigger then the width of the ribbon. Leave about an inch opening for the ribbon.
- With the safety pin attached to the ribbon, slip the ribbon through the hem of the bag. Jenny describes this process well in “Taking in Pants by Adding Elastic”.
- Knot the ribbon together. And reverse the bag.
This bag can be made for many different uses. It is a great substitute for a gift bag or made bigger can be a laundry bag. Tomorrow I think I will make one to protect the big boy’s ski goggles.
