Wild Bird Seed Bag Shopping Tote

I've been trying to take shopping bags with me to the market lately.  I figure the fewer plastic bags blowing in the wind the better.  I have a couple totes I keep in the car, but can l aways use more.  Since I feed the birds here at the Hawaii House everyday...I go through a 40 pound birdseed sack every couple of weeks.  They're very sturdy and sort of decorative...I figured one would make a great shopping tote.  You'll need one heavy duty feed bag (or rice or bean or other large bag)

Next, cut off the top and bottom edges

Turn inside out.  To form a flat bottom to the tote, open up the bag "as a square" then pinch in the sides until they meet in the middle.  Sew across the layers several times to reinforce the seam.

 

Turn right side out, press the bottom seam down with your hands and push out towards the corners to create the flat bottom

Fold over the top edge of the bag and sew 

Use the pieces cut from the first step to make your handles.  Fold over edges and sew down the middle.

Attach handles to the bag, reinforce the stitching to make it strong enough to hold your groceries!

And...you're ready for the market!