Years ago, groceries were loaded into brown paper bags that I rather liked, though they either lacked handles entirely or had handles that broke when you picked them up. Then came plastic—now banned in some areas because they are not biodegradable and, in aggregate, take up lots of room in landfills.

I have conscientiously bought some of the ugly logo bags that the supermarket sells, but I wanted something that would improve on the old brown paper ones. I don’t like the open knit, crochet, or macrame bags because small items fall through the openings.

Hence, this knitted and felted grocery bag, also very nice as a carryon, knitting bag, or general purpose tote. I perked up with a pair of handsome and sturdy leather handles The bag is fitted with a center magnetic snap, available from notions racks anywhere that knitting supplies are sold; buttons can cover the snaps, as on the small bag.