We’re cutting down on rice consumption in our household and only occasionally buy a 10kg bag. Instead of throwing out the tough plastic bag, I recognised its potential as a bespoke library bag.

I’ve rediscovered the library as a great source of inspiration. We can borrow for a month then extend for a month (if no one else has placed a hold). That’s plenty of time to absorb any book’s offerings I reckon. And the Brisbane City Council library e-catalogue is such that you order on-line and be emailed when the book’s ready for pickup at your local. Fabulous service #teambne. I’ll be using my new library bag to return my books this morning before flying to Biloela this afternoon for our weekend History Skirt workshop and the regional launch for our homegrown #REfashion Revolution. 

After our fantastic waste jeans-to-apron workshop yesterday, there were a few stray legs around so I used them to create sturdy handles for my 10kg rice-cum-library bag. I trimmed away the top of the plastic bag to what I thought was a suitable size then turned down about 2cm towards the inside. I cut a strip of denim and stitched it in place to create a neat trim at the top of the bag. To make the straps, I cut two strips which fit over my shoulder. Sew each length together (right sides together) then pull through (I use a nappy pin for this) and flatten so the seam is sitting at the centre inside of the strap. Pin and stitch them in place to firmly secure the bag straps. My basic sewing machine handled this plastic bag sewing reasonably well (using microtex needle). Of course it would be so easy to buy a new library bag, this one is unique, sustainable and reduces waste.