Many years ago I learned to crochet. Since I could never learn to keep all my stitches the same size I needed a project that didn’t care about gauge. I was happy to find one that was also useful. Carrying bags made of string. The ones I make store in their own pocket.
When stored they look like this:
This makes a soft-sided ball good for keeping young kids entertained for a while.
Eventually, they discover they can pull the middle out like this:
Most young kids get stuck at that point. But us big kids soon learn that if we keep pulling we can turn the pocket inside out and get a double bottom on the bag like this:
then we can stuff it full of all kinds of things. Here it is holding my iPad, a full-sized box of Kleenex, and my 20-oz water bottle:
Yes, it is strong enough to carry that weight. And it’s not yet full!
I am constantly amazed at what all I can carry in one of these bags. Recently I used one to carry out my food and beverage from Boston Market. You just pack it so that everything will stay upright when you pick it up, grab a handful of the top of the bag, and head on out. The bag changes shape to accommodate whatever you want to carry.
Which is why I seldom carry it by its handles. I’m short. If I don’t stuff the bag in such a way that its load is wide it would stretch its length until it scraped the ground. But by sticking my fingers through some loops I can make it be any height I want it to be.
Another thing I like about these bags are they are machine wash and dry-able. So if the lid pops off that beverage I put it in or I sit it down in a poorly selected spot or some baby drooled on it I just throw it into the laundry.
Which brings me to another use. You can put your dainties in this bag, tie it shut, and use it to protect them in the laundry. Untying it can be a challenge, though, so I only did that once.
I keep one or two of these with me most of the time. You just never know when you are going to need to carry more than you could otherwise handle.
No, I don’t take orders for them. I make them when my mood strikes–usually when Dave & I are watching TV. But, if you want one, ask me the next time you see me. I might have an extra one hanging around. And there’s only so many of them I can use myself.
TTYL,
Linda
Hey Linda, maybe if we ever meet you can teach me how to make one. I’ve learned and re-learned how to crochet a few times in my life. I enjoy it so much but never know what to do with the results. I love your idea!
What a wonderful idea. I can see many ways to use this bag. One huge advantage is it is so light. Great job!
What a great idea. We are so trying to get away from plastic bags.
wow. cool ! i don’t use plastic bags either – i do use them for trash sacks for the kitchen rather than buying trash sacks though. i just let them ‘bag’ my groceries on only one visit. that always gives me enough for the month. about 4 bags usually. otherwise i use cloth every time. still feel guilty for using the plastic at all even for trash sacks. they used to offer paper as a choice.
I saw you give Toni one. They look pretty neat to me. I’ve been practicing on a few stitches crocheting but haven’t really mastered it. See you soon! Merry Christmas!!!
Linda, do you have written instructions for crocheting those bags? I have done this in the past, but only for pillowcase edgings, doilies, tablecloths, baby sweaters, socks, and bonnets, blankets, etc.. My mother used to make lined, drawstring purses, but I never got the hang of that.
Ideal!! I’m impressed – totally useful. Thanks for mentioning them.
How clever! What type of yarn do you use?
Linda these are great. I’d love to know your pattern but maybe I can figure something close from the pics. you really should start to sell them. just sayinl
Very cool!