Re-Useable Shopping Bags

[Possegal]

I use the system where I have a hand held scanner, I scan the item as I pick it up off the shelf and then put it in my reusable bag. Then at the checkout counter, I just scan a barcode, it brings up everything in my bag, I pay and I'm gone. I love it - it aids in my ability to shop and yet still be a hermit.

[Becky]

Possegal- what store has the handheld scanner system? That's so cool!

[Possegal]

It is the chain Giant here in the DC area. Not sure how widespread they are, and not even all of them here have it. They have their occassional glitch, but for the most part, I really do like it.

[PamNY]

It's worth noting that shopping bags are easy to make even if your sewing skills are minimal. The seams need to be strong, but that's easy to accomplish.

Don't use cotton because it takes a long time to dry if it gets wet.

Pam

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

It's worth noting that shopping bags are easy to make even if your sewing skills are minimal. The seams need to be strong, but that's easy to accomplish.
Don't use cotton because it takes a long time to dry if it gets wet.
Pam

And be sure to check first to make sure the thread, fabric, your sewing machine, and your work table are not made in China- otherwise you'd just be deluding yourself about being 'green'.

(just kidding)


I agree that's a good option too if you have a sewing machine.

[PamNY]

And be sure to check first to make sure the thread, fabric, your sewing machine, and your work table are not made in China- otherwise you'd just be deluding yourself about being 'green'.

(just kidding) :

I know you're kidding, but I saved ALL the sewing-related whoozits that my late mother had. So much better made than stuff we buy now. I wish I could have kept her 1950s Kenmore sewing machine, too; I'm sure you could sew sheet metal with that thing.

Now my work table -- that I found in the garbage and hauled home on my dog's Radio Flyer (which I use instead of a cab) so just in case it was made in China I get a pass.

Pam

[OakLeaf]

My favorite shopping bag is the one my mom made for me. I suppose as shopping bag designs go it's rather elaborate, with its nice flat bottom and box-like folded corners. I don't know if she actually used a pattern or just made it up. But anyway, it's beautiful and I've been using it for some 20 years now.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I know you're kidding, but I saved ALL the sewing-related whoozits that my late mother had. So much better made than stuff we buy now. I wish I could have kept her 1950s Kenmore sewing machine, too; I'm sure you could sew sheet metal with that thing.

Very true!

I used to sew a lot, then haven't had a sewing machine for the past 12 years or so.
A few weeks ago, someone gave us an old 1970's Sears Kenmore machine that had a broken pedal and had lost its table that it fit into. It wobbled on 3 'legs' since it was not intended to stand alone. It had some other weird issues too.
We bought a manual for it. My husband made a new plate for the pedal and got it working, and he made a another leg for it so it could stand alone without wobbling. We took things apart and logically figured out the other little problems it had and fixed those. There were a couple of strange adjustments that someone had done to the working parts long ago, but we corrected them. Then we cleaned and oiled it and adjusted the tension.
Now it works great!! It's got all the fancy stitches too. I bought new needles and bobbins, etc. I just hemmed up some jeans shorts.
Many of those parts inside machines today are now made of plastic instead of metal, and I think this machine must surely be better made than the ones today.
So now I have a nice smooth running 'recycled' sewing machine.

[Miranda]

I know you're kidding, but I saved ALL the sewing-related whoozits that my late mother had. So much better made than stuff we buy now. I wish I could have kept her 1950s Kenmore sewing machine, too; I'm sure you could sew sheet metal with that thing.

Now my work table -- that I found in the garbage and hauled home on my dog's Radio Flyer (which I use instead of a cab) so just in case it was made in China I get a pass.

Pam

I didn't think of making my own bags too. That's a great tip. I am a hack at sewing. But, I could probably make a bag. My mom's old Kenmore was a 1970s model. In my basement, in need of work. Wouldn't let DH throw it out.

BUT, the best is my late grandmother's sewing machine. It's still at my mom's. I told her she has to put it in the will to me lol. It's a Singer manual foot pedal style (late 1800s as far as I can tell). OMG... it's just *beautiful* though old and worn. Still pedals to sew though.

That was my only grandma living that I knew. I have a farm bonnet she made me as a child we would wear in the garden together (sun protection). That woman could sew you up a whole mess of re-useable shopping bags in no time flat (eyes closed probably lol).

I think my bag makes a good "misc junk collector" spot in the car too. Versus making the purse so heavy to carrry.

[Becky]

It is the chain Giant here in the DC area. Not sure how widespread they are, and not even all of them here have it. They have their occassional glitch, but for the most part, I really do like it.

Ahh ok. We have them here in DE too, but they go by Super G. I need to check out the one near me to see if they have this nifty scanning thing