This bag looks like a flower when it is hidden inside itself, and then pulls out to be a regular string shopping bag.

I live in Germany, where the Green Party has until recently formed part of the governing coalition. This has had a significant impact on the country’s recycling laws and attitudes. One example is clear to see when grocery shopping. Folks always keep their own reusable bags or crates in the car to be available for groceries and other shopping. While plastic grocery bags are available, you have to pay extra for each one you need. It can be tough for Americans new in the country to remember to bring their bags with them. The Sunflower Shopping Bag with its bright and cheery flower is a reminder to grab your bag when you go. The addition of a key ring hook makes it easy to hang on the back of the seat, in the trunk, or wherever you need it to be sure not to forget.

This is a good project to use up ends of crochet thread. I really wanted to use up some partial balls of white thread, rather than driving into the nearest city and purchasing the colors I wanted. What to do? So, I went to the kitchen to make a cup of tea and mull it over. AHA!! I raided the spice rack and pulled out my curry powder! Then I noticed that my husband hadn’t finished up all of the coffee that morning. My second color! Dyeing with natural ingredients is a MUCH better alternative than driving 30 miles to buy more thread! And the entire residue goes in the compost, too. It’s little decisions like this which add up to make a big difference over the long run.

If you don’t have enough green for the net to be all one colour, that’s fine. Hold strands of 2 different colours together, or work it in stripes! :D