Here is something I don't think I've shown here yet. This bag was the precursor to the Grocery Bag.
I was so excited about this bag, and had grandiouse plans to make it the world's most perfect grocery tote! It is the same size as a large paper grocery bag, and then it has two good sized pockets on the outside--one each side.
I was going to add a clear vinyl pocket to one side near the top, so the grocery list could go inside. Then I'd fold the bag up and put it in the front of the cart and be able to see my list. Then I realized the vinyl pocket wouldn't wash well, and the bag does sometimes need to be washed. Oh well--reality sometimes trumps a few of my ideas.
So I made the bag super sturdy. The inside is cotton duck and then I boxed the bottoms, but left the extra triangles of fabric in place and sewed them down to act as support for the bottom.
Off I went to the grocery store...and the bag was way too bulky to be practical. My basic theory is if the grocery bag can't be folded/wadded up and put inside your everyday bag, then it won't be easy to take and it probably won't make it to the store often.
Then the clerk struggled to get things inside since it doesn't sit upright. So that was the end of my grandiouse grocery bag plan.
But the great news is this bag is fabulous for taking packages to the post office! In the photo above it has 8 packages inside. Sticking out the top of the front pocket are my completed customs forms.
Once I load it up with packages, I put it on my bike and ride to the post office:
Forgive the milk crate--my regular rear basket is a lovely wicker basket. But it is really big, which is nice sometimes, and then other times I wish it was not so big. So I tried out the milk crate.
P.S. This bike is so wonderful! Do you want to hear more about it? I could go on and on...