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Wednesday
03Jun2009

Molly's Sketchbook: Echino Oilcloth Grocery Tote

Recently I've noticed a lot more people bringing their own bags to the grocery store which is very exciting. I don't see any reason that those bags can't be exciting too!

This ultra sturdy and ultra exciting oilcloth tote is the perfect grocery store companion.  It's made with the new Echino Oilcloth. We love so many of these prints that we couldn't choose just one so this bag features three! This tote is a truly quick and useful project plus it's put together in a cool way since it has a circular bottom.

I think this would make an excellent housewarming present filled with delicious treats for the recipient. It also works really well as a picnic tote, which will certainly come in handy in the coming summer months. If you want to make your own please visit my Oilcloth Grocery Tote Project Journal. Thanks!-- Molly

Reader Comments (23)

Thanks for the tutorial. I live in Ontario, Canada and the grocery stores no longer provide plastic bags. I don't really want to walk around with their branded totes so this is a great alternative.
June 3, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterFlash
where do you get oil cloth? is it hard to work with?
June 4, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterdarlene
Hi Darlene,
We sell this Oilcloth. Whenever you see red text on The Purl Bee you can click on it and it will take you to the product. Or you can click this link:
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/fabricdetail/5443
June 4, 2009 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
Love the fabric combo.
June 4, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterRonda
I love the bags and the oilcloth! I've been carrying bags to the market for a long time and sometimes they are so cute I carry them as purses too! this one fits into cute grocery bag/purse! thanks for the great idea!
June 4, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterelsa
molly and the purlie bunch ... isss gooorgeeoousss!!! thanks so much for the fabulous tutorial ... mille baci ...
June 4, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterina and gumby
I've been thinking about working with oilcloth for a while.... so glad you shared this!
June 4, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterStacy
I saw that you have the fathers day ties but i was wondering if you have one for boys ties. It's so hard to find one for babys and little boys and that aren't to much.
Thanks
June 4, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterTrisha
thanks for the info! i'm all about bringing my own bags... most of mine are made of cotton or old t-shirts
June 4, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterjaybird
Trisha, we do have boy's ties too. You can find the pattern here:
http://www.purlbee.com/little-boys-tie/
June 4, 2009 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
I love this ! I'm almost ready to take a loan to buy a piece of each one of these echino oil cloth, they are just so wonderful ! I'm so far away though...
June 5, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterDorothée
Oilcloth reminds me of grandma. Love the tote!
June 5, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterVicki
I'm all for BYOB - bring your own bag! I love this one that you made...the prints are crazy cute!
June 8, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterClaire
Really want to try this, but haven't sewn with oilcloth before. Any tips or tricks I should know about?
June 9, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterSarah
The oil cloth is beautiful, and I intend to make this tote. My question: What kind of needle do you use in your machine when you're sewing on oil cloth?
June 9, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterMary
Great bag! Beautiful oil cloth!
June 9, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterMary
I have never worked with Oil Cloth... is it hard to get through the machine? I imagine it is thicker?
June 9, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterMelissa
i love this pattern thanks guys. beautiful oilcloth, however most certainly over my budget. so....i decided to make my own. you can too with any heavyweight fabric , a paintbrush, and a can of linseed oil. instructions are found for you on ebay guides at reviews.ebay.com keyword oilcloth. happy making!
angelina
June 9, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterangelina
Hi Melissa-
Oilcloth is a little thicker but it's very easy to work with- especially if you are sewing on the wrong side of the fabric, which this pattern does. If you sew on the right (shiny) side it can be a bit slow. For some reason my machine gets a bit stuck when sewing on the coated side- but that wouldn't be a problem in this pattern.

Thanks for your question!- Molly
June 9, 2009 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
Hi Mary-
Thanks for your question. I just used a regular universal needle similar to this one:
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/search/results?search_keywords=Sewing+Machine+Needle+-+Titanium+10%2F70&search_submit.x=6&search_submit.y=12

and it worked fine. Happy sewing- Molly
June 9, 2009 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
Hi Sarah-
There are a couple of tips I can give you about the oilcloth.

1. It's easier to sew on the wrong (un-coated) side of the fabric. This pattern is entirely sewn on the wrong side so it shouldn't be a problem.

2. If you need to iron your oilcloth use a press cloth and a low iron

Please let us know if you have any more questions. Thanks!- Molly
June 9, 2009 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
The picture of the gals at the Denyse Schmidt quilt workshop really got me going. The works in progress, on the wall in the background, look like really groovy paintings. That's my next art project----thanks for the inspiration----beth
June 10, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterElizabeth lee
I got a chance to see these at a local shop, they are so yummy! This tutorial is a great way to use them!
June 23, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterchase

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