# 8 How-to make a tote bag out of an old (I ♥ NY) t-shirt

I ♥ NY ….
I used to say that one of the best things about living in Boston is the proximity to NYC.
One of my favorite things to do was to take the first bus to the city, walk from the central bus station on 42nd all the way down to the Brooklyn Bridge via Union Square, the Flatiron building, and ABC Carpeting (one of my favorite stores). Then, Take the last bus going back; recharged with energy that lasted for at least another month. 

Now, the closest I can get to the flatiron building is by staring at my over sized IKEA print hanging in my bedroom. 

I love the logo - I ♥ NY
This brilliant logo was designed by Milton Glaser, and it has been used since the mid 70’s to promote tourism in New York (city and state). For some odd reason, my girls have four  I ♥ NY t-shirts, So it was no problem to spare one and turn it into a tote bag. This project was made by Zoe, her first project using a sewing machine; make her Ima proud….

This is how you (or your child) can make a tote bag out of an old t-shirt:

You will need:
An old t-shirt (dah..)
Scissors
Sewing machine or needle and thread

How to:

1. Fold the t-shirt in 2
2. Trim the neckline
3. Trim the sleeves turning the t-shirt into a tang top
4. Turn the t-shirt inside out
5. Fold the shirt so the side seam is in the middle 
6. Stitch the bottom, use zigzag if you have it, or hand stitch.
7. Lay the bottom of the shirt flat, Stitch the corners of, make your miters even and perpendicular to the side and bottom seams, (stitching the miter will give volume to the bag)
8. Turn it right side out

And, TADA

Thoughts and variations:

• This is a great project for beginners like Zoe (7)
• Can be used as a gift wrap instead of paper
• Use large t-shirts to make eco friendly grocery bags
  
  I am linking this post to Craft Schooling Sunday