I do a lot of sewing at this time of year, too cold to go out, and my tables are situated at the front window overlooking the road, so I can look out and see people passing. Some projects are complicated and take ages, and some are quickly put together. Yesterday I knocked up four shopping bags. The fabric is offcuts from the Scrapstore, not enough of one colour to make up a whole bag, so I mixed and matched. They are heavy fabrics with a rubbery backing, so the bags are strong and should last a long time.
If anyone wants to make shopping bags it is quite easy. Use a 10p bag for life as a pattern to get the right size. Thick curtain material is best. Box the bottoms after sewing up the side seams, by sewing across the corners. The handles can be sewn to the outside if the fabric is thick, but if a lighter fabric is used the ends can be tucked under the hem around the top. Have a go if you have a machine. Get rid of the plastic bags.
Ilona