She's Crafty! #2

The project of the week was a reusable grocery bag with flair! It turned our really well. The first step was to pick the fabrics (which I still maintain is the hardest step). I used an upholstery fabric for the majority of the outside base with a few accent fabrics: strips and polka dots. I made the bag a little bigger than the pattern asked for because I wanted to make sure it was very usable.

Step 1: Pick your fabric.
Step 2: Cut the base (19in x 36in)
Step 3: (optional) cut strips of accent fabric 19in x whatever width you want them. I went with 2 1/2 in strips.
Step 4: (If you choose accent strips) Cut the bottom 8 inches off the base
Step 5: (If you choose accent strips) Sew the accent strip each side of the bottom (right sides together) and sew the top of the base onto the strips+bottom
Step 6: Sew the right sides of the base together, turn right side out and press
Step 7: Add up the base (18 in) plus the width of the strip (the measurements before sewing).
Step 8: Cut your lining fabric 19 in x whatever you added up.
Step 9: Sew your lining right sides together
Step 10: With the lining, fold the top edge down 1/4 in and press then fold down another 3/4 in and press.
Step 11: Slip the base into the fold of the lining. Pin
Step 12: Sew the edge of the lining to secure the base and lining. Then sew the top edge of the lining. (Make sure to keep good tension on these two or you get bunching.)
Step 13: Cut your 2 strips for your handles 3 in x 24 in
Step 14: Fold in each side of the handles a 1/2 in and press
Step 15: Cut 2 pieces of batting 2 x 23
Step 16: Place the batting into the folds of the handles. (Pressing again makes it easier)
Step 17: Fold the handles together and sew down the edge. Then use a large zigzag stitch and sew down the middle of each handle.
Step 18: Measure 5 in into each side of the bag and pin the end of the handles inside the bag. (you want about 2 in into the bag)
Step 19: Sew the handles onto the bag (I sewed around each edge and then down both diagonals)
Step 20: Enjoy your super cute bag

You can adjust the size of the bag to pretty much anything that will be convenient. The handles and fold measurements will stay the same; all that will be adjusted will be the base and lining sizes. It really depends on your use for it. Good luck and have fun!