Don't set the table with these!

I love to wander through the discount stores, they are almost as interesting to me as a trip to the hardware store.


A couple weeks ago, I picked up these....some lonely vinyl placemats

I discovered a long time ago that a vinyl placemat is not just a vinyl placemat and these are not something I would buy for my table, I really don't like them as placemats.

BUT.....


I love to use them to make bags of all sorts. Tote bags, clutches...oh yes.....

This IS a vinyl placemat!

 

  And these are too......

I got so excited about how cute these totes were turning out, I wrote a pattern for them (my newest addiction) so you could make some too. I love, love, love writing patterns! These totes are soooo easy to make and the possibilities are as endless as the supply of clearanced vinyl placemats no one wanted for their table! 

If you aren't the DIY type, I listed some in my Etsy shop and the pattern is HERE if you are and want to make some for Christmas gifts...they make great project bags or market bags, strong and sturdy...not too big, a teacher might find them handy for everyday use. 

One of the rules of womanhood I find easy to follow is "you can never have too many bags" so I say, don't set the table with those placemats....make a tote instead!!