Redeyedtreefrog, that homemade pannier looks cool! I agree, much better than a plastic crate on top of the rack which definitely does mess with the handling of the bike (did this myself for quite a while, carrying groceries and having a few interesting moments). For another DIY carrying project, how about bucket panniers? I think crazyguyonabike has instructions for making these. Cheap, waterproof, and good for groceries when you're trying not to squish the bread. The only downside I have found is that the lids are really hard to get off the buckets when they are on tight.