bags for shoes and PE kit

[veggiechicken]

Lottie, If I was going to a fete I'd definitely buy a pretty, reusable shopping bag (like the MORS ones). I dislike being a walking advertisement for the supermarkets (or paying 5-10p for a plastic carrier bag).
The Co-op gave away cloth shopping bags which folded up into a matching little pouch so that you could stuff it in your pocket or handbag without it being too bulky. These are the ones I carry with me for spur of the moment shopping. Just a thought!

[lottie dolly]

you know what i have to try now is a 1 with a pocket to fold it all in,just need to work that 1 out

[Hilary B]

Best thing for a 'foldaway' bag is to make the bag, fold it as small as you dare (and iron in the folds as you go) before working out how big the pocket needs to be.
Sew the pocket on afterwards for the 'prototype', but once you've made one, and know the size (and best location) put the 'patch-pocket' on one side of the bag before assembling.
If you send me a PM, I'll take some photos of the 'commercial' ones I have, and send you, for some idea of how they work ('cos I actually have a few in different styles, some of them from supermarkets, some just 'sold').

[veggiechicken]

Sometimes the pocket is on the inside of the bag so that, when its opened, you can put small things into the pocket as well!
Another idea, for your drawstring bags, could be for vegetable storage, like the ones they sell in Lakeland.
Lakeland Preserving Bags in food storage at the home of creative kitchenware, Lakeland
It says they have zipped sides. I'm not sure what that means, or what the point of it is. If you can pull a potato out from the top of the bag, why have a zip on the side as well? Sounds like over engineering to justify a higher price!!

[lottie dolly]

thanks for the link,i was pondering the same thoughts as you regs the zip,it also says about a blackout inside and breathable fabric,so one wonders what they made of,i am using fabric i purchased moons ago,and will never use it all,so putting some of it to good use,so whatever i make it has to be with what i got,if i have to buy at todays prices it would not pay us,i got it for 50p and £1 per metre at the time,so i gathered it like i do seeds now,also have some wynciette,spelling,from my late mam,

[lottie dolly]

How about the bridal market? When I got married three years ago, my chief bridesmaid made "Diddy Bags" for herself and my second in command. They were simple drawstring bags in the same colour as their dresses and were big enough to hold lippy, some cash, mobile etc, but small enough to wear comfortably over one wrist and be pretty much hidden by their flowers. Worked a treat.

what a lovely idea,but sadly things have to be kept down,and that sort of thing is a more upmarket speciality,a few other peeps are doing other projects for our stall to,my this started out as a few bits of this and that,and is now growing like topsy lol,thankyou for suggesting

[veggiechicken]

I suspect that "Blackout and breathable" could be used for any close weave material -its just marketing blurb. You're mention of gathering seeds - what about small bags into which the purchaser can put gathered seed heads for seed collection and drying? Like lavender stalks, herbs etc. Some thing pretty to hang in the kitchen, or in the wardrobe with scented flowers in. Like Lavender bags without the lavender!
Just waffling now!!

[lottie dolly]

am holding fire for now lol,all are grand ideas from everyone,i recon i now have a lot of things to make,whoops,just pressed the wrong tab ,would like to do all the suggestions,but i got a come down to earth,a little way anyhow,when i get ideas it's red rag to a bull,i gotta do
THANKYOU to all who contributed to my thread,carry on adding suggestions if you wish,as it might give other sewing peeps good idea's,PASS EM ON