I have to tell you. Norma doesn’t bother us at all! We love her ❤️ plastic is a huge problem. If we all do what we can it helps. TFS

@n.w.414

2 жыл бұрын

It’s funny how people talk about not using plastic and yet the sewing machine is mostly plastic, as well as our glasses, phones, cars have plastic, clothes, water bottles…… etc, etc.

This is a great idea and a great gift for your patrons. Been making shopping bags for years now. I like to box the bottom. Gives the bag a little “stand up” stability. I’ve also made small drawstring bags for loose fruit and veggies rather than using the plastic bags off the roll provided in the produce department

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

yes - boxing the corners would be an easy next step - I think small produce bags is next on my 'make' list - I need to find some suitable cotton xxx

You are really a nice lady alongwith good manners ,nice attitude n smiling face....

I love it that your cat is as present as mine, like Noma, I can move him out of the way only to have him plonk himself back where he was a few moment later. He has a real love of paper, and when I am painting he thinks that his paw prints are a necessary addition to the picture.

Thank you Kate for posting this pattern for the bag. I will start tomorrow making these bags. My daughter just brought me some boxes of fabric that a man was giving away that had belonged to his wife. Lots of 100% cotton, canvas, and upholstery fabric which would make nice strong floral bags. I love your videos because your hobbies and interests are like mine. 🙂

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

that sounds like ideal fabric to use Tammy - a little stronger too! good luck with your production line xxx

Wonderful episode of Crafting With Norma. I already know how to make bags, just wanted to spend time with the host and her lovely friend!!

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

crafting with Norma- perfect alternative title for this channel! xxx

Plastic supermarket bags are banned in Australia. Plastic straws are also disastrous and have gone from supermarket shelves and are no longer available in bakeries, cafes etc.. Now to get rid of plastic packaging. So many food products are unnecessarily swathed in plastic and foam containers. Love your cat, Norma, by the way!

My mom and I have been making these for over 30 years. We still have a couple of well loved originals. We box the corners to make them easier to use. Norma, bless her! Sewing project = cat any day. Impressive production line. I'll have to raid my stash and make a shopping bag for my 12 teaching staff. Thank you!!!

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

thats a great gift! xxx

Thank you from America,, Yorktown Hreghts, N.Y. I will make as many as I can and give as gifts to use all my fabrics before I leave this earth.

I love the way the handles are attached. I could see adding a D ring on the handle that slips into place when you flip the handles up. It would be a handy place to clip your car keys to, or even a small wallet.

I forget to take my shopping bags all the time, but I'm nearly blind and sometimes try to leave home without my glasses! The only help for me will be to make a lot of shopping bags and put my daughter in charge of them. Thanks for the tutorial!

@helenrogers1400

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you, superb idea.

You can also make corners in the bottom (so that your bag stands up) by sewing across by 3 or 4 inches.

In California, plastic bags are outlawed. It took a bit to get used to cloth bags, and I do miss them for trash can liners, but, it's now a point of pride to bring them with us wherever we go. My favorites are bags made from feed bags. They're big, extremely strong and frankly fun with pictures of horses, chickens, pigs, etc.

@toodie535

4 жыл бұрын

I've seen these, and they're great. "XX Layer Mash" brand, lol.

@thomasmax4731

3 жыл бұрын

That's so nice of you Janice ,,,,,,,, hello 👋 how are you doing I hope you are having a wonderful day.

The bags looked great. The size was perfect . You could place one in a handbag just in case you wanted to buy something on the spur of the moment. Who needs another bag? we all do.

@thomasmax4731

3 жыл бұрын

That's so nice of you Carole,,,,,,,,,, hello 👋 how are you doing I hope you are having a wonderful day.

This was a great 'candle lighting' video...."You can curse the darkness, or you can light a candle" is one of my favorite quotes. Your knitting group had the right idea. I'm happy to say a few of the major grocery chains in the US have announced they will no longer provide the plastic bags, and a couple cities no longer allow single use plastic, such as the dreaded water bottle, it's a beginning!

You're a great teacher, Kate!! This was an awesome tutorial. I love the ways that you made the bag stronger. I have OODLES of fabric, lots of which is curtain weight. I've been wondering what to do for my friends, family and neighbours who are helping us get groceries while we're self-isolating due to the coronavirus. This is just the ticket!! I have some "orphan" quilt blocks that would be very pretty appliqued on the front to customise them, or my dear husband will get a lot of enjoyment out of machine embroidering them! I live in a 2 Janome home. I do love that you use a Janome, too. Great minds run in the same channels, I was always told! xx

I can't believe the timing. I have been making grocery bags to distribute to all members of my family. I looked around to see how you are "spying" on me. But US Aquarius do tend to follow to the same tune. Thanks Kate

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

yes - it's the Aquarian vibe Glorian - we should start a club! xxx

@catherinemclaughlin6949

4 жыл бұрын

Pressing makes the fabric so much easier to deal with make you work go quicker in the long run love the bag I use my reusable bags all the time

Thanks Kate. As I use public transport I always have bags with me when I go to the supermarket. It’s second nature now. As you said, you can customise them. I would probably box the corners. I find the bags easier to carry then when walking up the street from the bus stop!!!👍🏻👍🏻😊😊

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

yes - boxed corners would be an easy next step - make them as individual as you like! xxx

Thank yoe so much for this Videodemonstration about "Hoe to sew a shopping bag". It helps me really much. I am writing from Germany, Upper Bavarian.

I've not bought a plastic bag for years. I always carry 2 small fold-up bags in my handbag and have at least 6 large bags in my car-boot for when I do a big shop. I sometimes sew shoppers to give to my friends but usually in a colourful fabric and with boxed corners. I liked the added colour finish to each bag top. Your plain fabric lends itself to be painted or stencilled :)

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

I was thinking how great they would look dyed - I might make that a summer project xxx

@lesleygilbert1945

5 жыл бұрын

I would love to see your tie-dye techniques :) Last night I went to the Hull Truck theatre - I used my 'going out' bag so no shop bags with me - we ended up going into the 24 hour Tesco next to the bus station and it broke my heart to have to buy a plastic bag!! I thought of you and my last comment when I was buying it haha

I've crocheted some items with plastic bags that I turned into "plarn". It's one way to re-use. We use cloth bags for shopping too. Thanks for another great video Kate! BTW...congrats on 5.8 thousand of us subbies!

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

the numbers are growing aren't they! it's lovely to have so many sweet people here on the channel! xxx

What a nice lady . We need more people like you in this world . I’m going to make one of these . Right now . Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺 and I have subscribed . Love it and love the simplicity of you. Just love it. Xxxx

I bought cotton bags with a cord for a few euros. There is a label attached so that they can deduct the weight of the bag from the total weight.

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

that is a clever idea! xxx

this is how one of my cats behaves when I'm on video meetings. It made me laugh out loud. Thank you Norma

Thank you for this lovely video. A good cause, a silly cat, and a charming chat.

I always hang my canvas bag back on the doorknob to the garage after I unload it so that it gets returned to my vehicle and ready for the next trip. I get the biggest kick out of Norma! She is always...look at me...look at me!

This is the clearest tutorial on making bags I've seen. I'm embarrassed to say at my age (60's) I am not a good seamstress but I might just be able to make this bag with your clear instructions. I do other crafts but never managed to learn to sew anything more than sew buttons and hems. Mother would be mortified!!! I've just subbed. Thank you.

Thanks for sharing your pattern! Norma approves as well. She is such a lovely cat.

I love that we both have Janome sewing machines. Silly, I know, but it's like... even though we're an ocean and thousands of miles apart, we're somehow connected. LOL Plastic bags were outlawed in my local grocery stores some time ago. If I forget my bags (and I don't want to buy any new ones) the store will sell paper grocery bags for $.05 (I think that's about 4 pence?). They aren't allowed to give them for free any longer. I love your videos. Thank you!

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

united by many common things! I think k the awareness about plastic bags is getting through to folk - its a start - but there is so much more to be done. one bag at a time! xxx

Hi kate, I too have been making my own shopping bags for awhile now. I also made small netted bags with a drawstring for the fruit and veg. I used mosquito netting and it works a treat. Love your videos 💜

@dee4174

5 жыл бұрын

Great idea. X

I’m so pleased you don’t edit Norma out of your videos. ❤️🐱

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

I just can't bring myself to - thanks for not minding how unprofessional it all is! xxx

@leannemori9688

3 жыл бұрын

@@thelasthomelyhouse if it was "professional " it wouldn't be a cozy chat and visit. Your family is part of you and your home

I like to square up the corners to make a flat bottom

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

yes - that would be a very simple next step xxx

A fabulous easy project for anyone to make..thank you Kate and assistant Norma 😘💐

I love this shopping bag. I would also box the bottom to give it depth. Nice job.

@rebawasswass3716

5 жыл бұрын

I was just thinking the same thing!

@nicolethijs5428

4 жыл бұрын

I would box it too because this bag is far too deep for a normal person. It would dragg on the floor!

Love to see Norma in the videos

Aww, Norma ❤. Ive a rough week binging your videos helps so much. Thank you, Kate!

Hi Kate, I've just discovered your videos last week and I am hooked! My mom and dad came from Scotland to the US as teens, so it's a bit of a treat to hear your British accent. You are like me...trying every craft there is. Keep giving us your videos!!

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

welcome Patricia! xxx

A friend sent me a reusable bag out of a used large t-shirt. Cut off sleeves, cut the neck larger, and sew bottom edge together!

Lovely! I would box the bottom corners, as well.

Had no idea how straightforward that could be, what a great idea. My order arrived last week, all in good order. I see now what the attraction of the liberty fabric is. It’s beautiful.

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

I sometimes think people (who?) make things seems more complicated that they really are - this stuff is so simple - when you break it down into steps - like most things - have a go! xxx

Loved your tutorial I love french seams do them all the time on all bags especially drawstring as I use them a lot in doors for storage and in my sewing room. Will be watching more of your tutorials your a no fuss woman which is what I like. A woman after my own heart. 😍

Sorry I’m so wrapped up in the plastic issues I forgot to say what a great job you did on your grocery bag, very nice job for sure, again thanks 👍❤️😊

@annehatton8220

5 жыл бұрын

Loved your demo thanks. I’ve been making bags from fabric samples I find in the charity shops..works well, easy to find and very cheap.

First time watching your channel. Loved seeing Norma. Your instructions are so easy to understand.

Thank you for thinking of our planet. Where I live you get 5 cents for each bag you bring in to use. It is not much but it is something. I hate all the plastic they use for containers for food, it piles up so fast. Very nice and easy bag to make, thanks.

Hi Kate! I'm the original bag lady for sure 🤣🤣 I've been making & distributing my cloth grocery bags to friends/family for years. Here in Oz we're all aware of damage to the environment from plastic so we are trying to do our bit to cut out the use of plastic for shopping bags. Thanks for the great vid. Keep up the good work. Cheers from down under!!

Hi Kate I was seriously waiting for Eileen to show up at the end for some camera time... Those bags are really nice. I think I'll have my niece whip me up a few. Got my head spinning with ideas for gifts for my neighbors. I see them hauling in plastic bags all the time. Great informative video. Thanks bunches

You make it look so easy! Thanks. I ditched plastic many years ago. I keep my bags on the floor behind drivers seat to keep them handy at store. I couldn't shop without them. My conceince wouldn't let me rest by using plastic. Lovely to see how Norma helps! :)

Thanks for the reminder to do our part. I dug through my stash and made 7 bags this week. Love this pattern. 💚💗

Thank you, thank you! Yes, the world needs education. Well done, Kate . Living in Oregon we are seeing shifts from plastic bags to paper. Reusable bags very popular. Now, how do we encourage sewing machine manufacturers to back to metal....sad, plastic is plastic in many forms....urrrg!!! Well done!,

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

yes - you're right - plastic is EVERYWHERE! but every little helps xxx

Kate, you are wonderful. Thank you so much for the tutorial...please keep them coming...

Norma!😍 She was so determined, very cute.

Thank you Kate! And Arnie and Carlos!

i put my shopping bags in the car all the time, so i will never forget them. as well, gave to friends and other people Christmas gifts - shopping bags all from old beautiful curtains so they love to use them as well. bless. the superstar in this video is yr beautiful cat. bless. nice weekend.

I love that Norma magically appears❣Oh the music was grand! I sewed myself one recently from an old bag that I didnt want to discard the artwork (from Somerset Studio magazine, two goddesses!). I cut out and folded a scrap of very dark leftover denim from my mom! Turned out beautifully! I've never done a French seam, but I will next time. You are such a great teacher my new sister/friend! You make your sewing machine sing 🎶🎼🎵

That was such a simple project but the result was great. Thanks.

Thank you for sharing, what a great teacher you are. I'am gonna make some bags!! I love Norma😊❤🐱 i have a ginger🐈

Thank you Kate! Love Norma, her story is amazing! I have made a few bags over the years, patchwork ones, for friends and charity, they are really easy to make and are a good contribution to stopping plastic waste. Many blessings x

I love how you you stitched the handles in, and French seams are my favorite.

Love the bag and the message. I have thought of doing the same - handing them out at supermarkets as people go in. Thank you. Now I need to get some sturdy fabric. ❤️👍👍❤️

Great video! Love your helper!!

When I was younger you would NEVER see a lady go shopping without her shopping bag. Things were wrapped or put into paper bags

@judithkennedy5105

4 жыл бұрын

I have been using cloth bags for years. Holds groceries, craft items, quilt projects

@thomasmax4731

3 жыл бұрын

That's so nice of you Johanna,,,,,,,,, hello 👋 how are you doing I hope you are having a wonderful day.

I could not be happier, seeing you sew shopping bags for a fantastic cause. I will pay it forward. ❤️❤️

Norma convinced me to subscribe!! Love your kitty! ❤️❤️❤️

I love this project, certainly one for me to make. Thanks once again Kate for the video.

Love the bags! Adding a square bottom could be another nice modification.

Thank you for this tutorial. Plastic bags were banned many years ago in Europe and supermarkets don't give them anymore , instead they give you a compostable bag in non-plastic material , but it's a single use product. A cloth shopping bag can last for years especially with the french seams you showed. I've been using them for a long time and it became an habit. You can fold it and put it in your hand bag and have it ready in any circunstance.

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

exactly - we have to make it a habit like you say - we can reverse this plastic invasion - one bag at a time! xxx

You are a neat lady. I’m glad youtube has recommended this video!

Dear Kate, I love the tutorial. I am always carrying a reuseable bag in my purse and I need it so often. There are some well not bedsheets but the other set of covers to put on the bed to sew some bags from. Also possible to use it to pack a gift with. xoxo from Germany, Stephanie

@carolg.6838

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Kate for a great tutorial and idea of dyeing the fabric for fun...and the enjoyment of seeing a bond with a cat. I have a box of really old dye still unused.. Stephanie you were not talking about using bed sheets but I have some sturdy ones probably not good enough to donate I can use to make bags.

That was fun! Norma knows where she belongs. YT has a video showing how to make mattresses out of plastic bags, the purpose being to give to homeless people. The mattresses roll up easily to carry.

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

yes - I hear fo that - there are so many excellent projects all over the world and so many lovely creative people giving their time freely to make these things xxxxx

enjoyed this just found you on youtube. I made 8 much smaller versions of this style bag 3 yrs ago for my 8 grandchildren out of Halloween fabric and they still use them now for gym shoe bags ballet bags etc but it was their trick or treat bag back then...great idea and a super stash buster as well.

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

yes - you really can adapt this simple pattern to any size and use! xxx

What lovely bags...and thank you for sharing the directions and tips for making it stronger. I am sure this is going to help a great many people. I love how Norma wants to be involved in all you do. She is just the sweetest. Have a Blessed day.

Aww... Norma wants to say hello, little love

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

I'm enjoying watching your lad and his girl! xxx

@dianeduncan5814

5 жыл бұрын

I am glad you are enjoying their vlogs, yes they are such a cute couple if I do say so...lol xo

Mi, i love the recicla bags. Thank you❤

Enjoyed the visit and learning more from you very much.

Thank you Kate - you are awesome also!! Love how Norma helps you by directing the video : ) Sincerely Your Friend Lynne B

I was in Market Harborough the other week and a kind lady gave me a lovely Morsbag! Since then a friend has given me some offcuts of cotton curtaining fabric, ideal for making bags. I like the way you have french seamed the sides before you do the turning down and handle attachment bit (the Morsbag tutorial does it the other way round) and the way you've shown will help manage the bulk as I am using a heavier fabric. Thank you for a great video. I am going to make lots.

Thanks Kate- easy pattern and so worth the effort. I’m not at all surprised you made and gave many away. I’m making bags to give all my family, I think I’ll square off the bottoms and put longer handles on half of them. They can carry one on their shoulder and two in their hands - - love, love, love your pattern. 😀🌺 Bye Kate. 😻

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

yes - I customise mine sometimes with two sets of handles on one bag for optional carrying. and boxing the corners is an easy next step - well done! xxx

Your very pleasant to listen to.

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

thank you Darlene! xxx

I think I will make some for Christmas & use denim with a recycled jean pocket on outside for decoration. Thanks Kate, great, simple instruction.

Hi You are tireless. I can't believe your energy. Thank you.

I have reuseable shopping bags like you are making. I have another project using 100 plastic bags. It's a purse that's crocheted.its really nice. Thanks for the pattern and reminding people to French seam for strength. Pet Norma for me.

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

Norma petted! tick! xxxx

HI Kate, This bag video is wonderful. I've already sewn a lot of cloth bags. But I think this French hem and the two-fold stitched straps provide more stability. I will definitely resew this bag. But only when everything else is done that is on my list. ..... I think that can take time. Greetings to all your "roommates". Big hug Claudia

@JAYASHREE141260

5 жыл бұрын

What is french hem ? Sorry for asking but I am a raw learner .

@claudiaebert7842

5 жыл бұрын

Watching the video, you can learn how to stitched a French hem. Dear greetings Claudia

@leannemori9688

3 жыл бұрын

@@JAYASHREE141260 she demonstrated the French seam. It is when there are no raw edges showing. They are all encased.

I made a tote bag out of some lovely navy worsted twill that I think looks "dressy" enough even though it's a super-basic tote. I carry my stuff around in that (together with a purse), and often another fabric bag inside it. And that way I'm almost always set. :-) P.S. Although it's a *bit more* sophisticated than this - I took inspiration from a previous bag which I bought, that had facings along the upper edge, and the handles sandwiched underneath them. And to prolong its life, I interfaced the handles and the facing. It goes well with the "dressier" style of bag I wanted that one to be.

We will never eliminate plastics. It is too useful, helpful, in fact, fantastic in many ways. Just not thrown out into landfills. Or left on the side of the road. So we are all responsible to do our best to eliminate all the plastics we can do without. Love the bag!! Great idea!! Hope folks educate themselves and do their best for reducing waste!

Great bag! Drooling over your sewing room! I sure miss mine! Now I have the kitchen table and a wall in the kitchen of my unfinished 500 square foot off grid home. Going to make bags for shopping and fabric napkins for our home.

Brilliant tutorial, thanks so much! Very clear instructions which I really appreciate :)

Norma wanted to share her feelings on plastic as well. =)

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

she is a very ecological cat! xxx

plastic is horrible, horrible. Thanks for this Kate💚😍😘💕

“Don’t worry about it, just be bold.” Best advice ever.💜

I just found you. Congrats on 6K... I liked the video. I'm saving all kind of videos that show different types of bags and am collecting fabric, so that I'll make a bunch of them for Christmas gifts, soon. Thanks for adding your great bag to the collection. Hopefully we are influential in getting rid of plastic.

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

it is small acts like this that all add up - so getting the word out and making small changes - all of this adds up and is important! xxx good luck

Hi from Missouri USA! That's a neat bag. I made several bags strictly for my shopping. I keep them in the car, where they usually are when I finish shopping and I ready to check out. I think I need to make myself a new brain that can remember my bags.

@leannemori9688

3 жыл бұрын

I do that sometimes too. Try putting them in the front seat with you when you head out to the store, or wherever you put your purse. When we see them they are easier to remember

November 18 2022. Great idea to use fabric and give out. Strong yes and ample enough. Size and French seams great.

Terrific bag!! Great idea to use this larger size. Painters Drop Cloth (“Canvas”) makes wonderful bags and very sturdy and very economical. Easy to embellish too. Sometimes I embroider mine b/c why not be pretty as well as functional! Bigger bags here we come... thanks, Kate! Smooches to Norma 💕

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

pretty AND functional - a double benefit! and yes - I like the size - just don't overfill it so I can't lift it! ha ha!!! xxx (it must be all that wine?????)

I like to sew an X over the handles where they go under the top seam for extra strength. Myabe some boning or vinyl tubing into the handles so they don't collapse on themselves; make them easier to grab. These would be fun to block or jelly print!

Thank you, really enjoy watching, I'm not a machine sewer but I've got to try this xx

Good Afternoon, Kate, and of course the ever-present Norma. Really great tutorial and for all the right reasons. And you're creeping up on the big 6K - how exciting!!

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

isn't that crazy! for a little channel with a cat to have so many lovely subscribers - I think it's Norma in fact - she should definitely get star status! bless her! xxx (dribbling all over me as i type - delightful! xxx)

You could stencil a great motto on it, too. Or fancy designs..

Thank you Kate for such a easy useful bag to make.. I will be making some of my own. x

I made these bags at the NEC about 6 years ago, and been making like this since.. while in lockdown I have made them out of old sheets and duvet covers and given them away to anyone who wanted one , l make them to put presents in instead of paper at Christmas etc , Love sitting on Sofa and having a natter x

Lovely bag and equally lovely story about your knitting group. Years ago I purchased the 'Jane Market Bag' pdf pattern and made one for everyone on my Christmas list but I really admire your efforts to putting plastic bags out of business. Here in the US there are more and more places where plastic bags will soon be illegal and people will have to provide their own bags and no doubt that will help a lot. One type of bags that will still (sadly) be around are the very thin bags offered in the produce departments. In this country we really need to get a movement going to do away with those. Thank you for the video, the great story and sharing the free pattern. Hopefully you have inspired many, many people to make their own market bags.

@thelasthomelyhouse

5 жыл бұрын

a few people have mentioned these thin produce bags - so I think that might be the next thing to research and make for ourselves! - we'll do it - one bag at a time! xxx