Smoky Mountain Bag Lady

My Latest Project

2011-12-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

This year I discovered "plarn"--yarn made from plastic bags. Any kind of plastic bags...grocery bags, bread bags, newspaper bags, dry cleaning bags....you name it! I just finished my first plarn tote bag and a plarn pot scrubber. I admit, the scrubber whipped up a lot faster than the tote bag! My new favorite site for plarn projects is: www.myrecycledbags.com. Check it out & happy recycling!

Do you regift?

2010-11-23T20:12:00.000-08:00

I confess, I regift. White elephant gift exchanges are perfect for regifting--I mean, they'll never know I'm the one who put the smores maker in the pile, now will they?! teehee

My Mom saved Christmas bows from year to year. I save tissue paper. Our big yellow cat Dewey chews up the gift boxes, so in a way they are recycled as cat toys!

Speaking of cats, this year I'm regifting my mismatched socks as catnip toys to the local no-kill animal shelter. Check out the super-easy instructions: http://ohappysock.blogspot.com/

I'm also recycling my old blankets, scrap flannel and fleece as pet beds for the shelter. Check out the Snuggles project: http://www.snugglesproject.org/

What do you regift?

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

2010-01-03T18:42:00.000-08:00

Join the green bag movement! Reduce waste by reusing fabric shopping bags (email me for a FREE bag), and recycle the plastic bags you do have by donating them to a thrift store or dropping them in the plastic bag recycling container at your local Walmart or grocery store. Reduce carbon emmissions and save money this winter by turning your heat down a notch or two....I turned mine down 2 degrees and put on a sweater and thick fuzzy socks. Recycle your unwanted clothing, coats, books, furniture and household goods by donating them to a local thrift shop, and be sure to keep a record of what you donate--it's tax deductible! Or, host a neighborhood swap meet or hold a neighborhood yard sale. Every little bit helps!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-30T10:56:00.001-08:00

This time of year we always reflect on the past 12 months and what we accomplished (and what we didn't!) and what we want to accomplish in the new year. My resolution for 2010 is to sew as many bags for the Green Bag project as I can, and to donate as many quilts and blankets to New Borns In Need as I can possibly sew this year. That, and I want to lose 20 pounds (ok, maybe 40)....I think using up all my extra fabric is more realistic than losing the weight! What is your resolution?

Smoky Mountain bags still available

2009-10-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to all of you who have patiently followed my blog! My day job is a traveling job, and it has been quite the busy summer. I'm nearly out of bags yet have a couple dozen in process. So, keep the requests coming, I'll send you one as soon as I can!

Sara

Burnsville, MN Smoky Mountain Bag toter

2009-06-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

Got my bag, last week. Just wanted to say thank you!! I'm using it constantly! You Rock!!

Thanks again,
Sue

Fabric donation--thanks, Viji!

2009-05-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Viji R. of Medina, Washington, for the generous donation of fabric remnants.

Viji, a bag is in the mail to you!

Sammamish, WA Smoky Mountain Bag Toter

2009-05-17T07:55:00.000-07:00

Here's my daughter at QFC with your bag. Thanks! Cathia

Knoxville, TN Smoky Mountain Bag Toter

2009-05-17T07:54:00.002-07:00

Just wanted to say thank you for the bag! It will be put to good use.

Wendy V.

Easley, SC Smoky Mountain Bag Toter

2009-04-25T06:37:00.001-07:00

My beautiful pink bag came in the mail today. Thank you so much! I promise you it will go everywhere I go. You are a special person and will be blessed by the good thing that you are doing.
--
Barbie

Happy Earth Day, Wednesday April 22

2009-04-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

I have 20 "Go Green!" shopping bags ready for new homes! If you haven't received one from me or from the Green Bag Lady, send me an email with your mailing address and I'll send a bag to the first 20 requests I receive. Please, limit one per household.

Make your own laundry detergent and cleaning solution!

2009-03-28T05:37:00.000-07:00

Go Green! and save money at the same time with these laundry detergent and cleaning solution recipes from Woman's Day magazine.

http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Shelter/Organizing-Cleaning/Mary-Hunt-s-Do-It-Yourself-Recipes.html

Newark, OH Smoky Mountain Bag toter

2009-02-04T08:18:00.000-08:00

Hi there Sara I just wanted to let you know that we got our bags today, also thanks for the bags. My parents are using them as I am typing this email.

Thanks again,
Brooke

Fredericksburg, VA Smoky Mountain Bag toter

2009-02-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

Hi..
I wanted to thank you first for what you are doing. A friend of mine (Jen H.) just sent me the link to your blog. What an AWESOME thing you are doing. I would love to have one of your bags. We too are military, and people do look at you funny when you ask for paper over plastic. And to go out and purchase a bunch of the "go green" reusable bags just isn't in my budget. I've downloaded your pattern, and once I receive the bag I am hoping that I can make one. I will look forward to receiving it. My husband is due back from Iraq the first week in Feb. and I plan on having him help me in trying to get our family into the go green spirit.

Thank you,
Lori L

South Bend, IN Smoky Mountain Bag toter

2009-02-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much for my bag (#318). I have had the chance to use it multiple times already and can't wait to go to the local farmer's market tomorrow with it! Should I ever get a sewing machine I would love to be able to provide free bags for people in my area as well.

Thanks again!!
-Kate

Ft. Wayne, IN, Smoky Mountain Bag toter

2009-01-17T06:44:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much for sending me the shopping bag! Now I have two to use when I get my groceries! I'm glad there are others out there that care about our environment and think green!

Take care,
Angie L.

Thanks for the Donation to Newborns In Need!

2009-01-14T04:54:00.001-08:00

I have been green with recycling since college. I never thought it impacted my kids, Alex(10) and Nate (5) until we were at the commissary (military grocery store) on Sunday and the cashier asked "paper or plastic." Before I could reply Alex said,"Mom, neither is good for the environment. Paper kills trees and plastic is a toxin to the earth." I was so proud of him and am am glad that although he sighs about dropping of the recyclables, maybe my greenness is influencing him for the good.

Well, I went out today and did buy a couple of Target bags. I then thought I would check online to see if anyone offered them FREE or at a discounted price. It's surprised that companies like Target and Walmart wouldn't GIVE them away as it's good for the earth and it's FREE advertising! I was so happy to see that you make these incredible bags and you give them out FREE!

I will send a check to your wonderful cause. I would rather help out with a cause than just give money to a corporation and then walk around advertising their store that gives out plastic bags.

God bless,

Jennifer H

San Jose, CA Smoky Mountain Bag toter

2009-01-14T04:52:00.000-08:00

First of all, I want to thank you for the amazing job of recycling that you are doing to help the environment. My new year resolution is "go green" to the maximum extent possible.

I got your bag today. It is cute. Thank you and again I will use it everytime I go shopping.

Ranjitha

300 bags in 2008!

2009-01-11T18:25:00.000-08:00

In 2008, I cut, sewed and distributed approximately 300 Go Green! fabric shopping bags. Many thanks to all who "adopted" a green bag and those who donated fabric.

As of today, I've distributed 26 bags in 2009, and have sewn approximatetly 150 bags for the Green Bag Lady to give away at a conference in April. I have a couple dozen more ready to go.

If you have not received a bag from the Green Bag Lady or from me, I will send you one free of charge, to anywhere in the United States. Please, limit one per household.

I support the charity Newborns In Need, and have 75 Go Green! bags that I made as a fundraiser for this organization. If you would like to make a donation in return for a bag, please let me know.

My very best wishes for you and your loved ones in 2009--together we can make a difference!

Thanks, Amauni!

2009-01-09T03:10:00.000-08:00

Hi. I just think it is great what you are doing. My name is Amauni and I live in Ohio. I just wanted to let you know that what you guys are doing is Phenomenal! You all have really touched my heart and I just wanted you to know that!!!(:

Superior, WI Smoky Mountain Bag toter

2008-12-13T06:42:00.000-08:00

Thank you for the lovely shopping bag you recently sent me. As promised, I have been using it and have received compliments on it as well!

Thank you for you for trying to make a difference in our world. We should all follow your example.

Sincerely,
Renee

Austin, TX, Smoky Mountain Bag toter

2008-12-13T06:28:00.000-08:00

THANKS!!!!
I got the bag, its' great and I got to use it the other day at the store :). You all are doing such an incredible thing!!!
*Teodora

NIN Fundraiser a success!

2008-11-04T06:45:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who participated in the Newborns In Need fundraiser at the Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church Arts & Crafts Fair! We gave away 35 Go Green! bags and raised $200. 100% of the proceeds are used to provide clothing and essential supplies to newborns in crisis in the East Tennessee community. If you would like to join our organization or make a donation, please visit http://newbornsinneed.org/lenoirtenn/.

Newborns In Need Green Bag event

2008-10-30T09:09:00.001-07:00

If you live in the Knoxville area, I and my fellow members of Newborns In Need, East Tennessee Chapter, will be giving out fabric shoppping bags on Saturday, November 1st. In return we ask that you use the bag instead of plastic, and that you make a donation to NIN so that we may continue to provide baby items such as diapers, clothing, blankets and layettes to newborns in crisis in the East Tennessee area.

Event details:
November 1, 9am - 4pm
Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church Arts & Crafts Fair
Middlebrook Pike UMC, 7234 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37909

Thank you for your donations!

2008-10-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

A great big thank you! to all who have donated fabric, it is much appreciated! Please don't forget to spread the word about using fabric shopping bags instead of plastic.

Boca Raton Smoky Mountain Bag Toter

2008-10-13T04:51:00.000-07:00

Sara

I received my bag today - it's adorable!! I can't wait to go out and use it.

Thank you so much,
Cynthia

200 Bags and Counting!

2008-10-13T04:48:00.000-07:00

The Green Bag movement continues to expand--200 bags have been given away! Help save the environment by purchasing an inexpensive reusable shopping bag from your local Wal-mart or grocery, by requesting your own Go Green! shopping bag, or by sewing bags and giving them away. Click on the link to the right for the pattern.

I make bags out of fabric that has been donated, purchased from remnant bins, and from my own personal "stash" of extra fabric. Please contact me if you have extra fabric stashed away that you would like to donate.

Jensen Beach, FL Smoky Mountain Bag toter

2008-08-30T05:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for the soooooooo cute bag, went to Winn Dixie and used it today..You are a wonderful person to care about our planet, God Bless and , I'll share with people I know, Sincerely Tracy

Aurora, IL Smoky Mountain Bag toter

2008-08-30T05:23:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE BAG!!! The bag is so pretty, I can't wait to fillit with my daily haul :).

Teri

Austin, TX Smoky Mountain Bag toter

2008-08-30T05:22:00.000-07:00

Sara,

I got your eco bag today. THANK YOU so much for sending it. I love it and will use it daily!!!! You are doing great work!

Katy

75 Go Green! bags and Counting!

2008-07-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

The Green Bag movement continues to expand--75 bags have been given away! Help save the environment by purchasing an inexpensive reusable shopping bag from your local Wal-mart or grocery, by requesting your own Go Green! shopping bag, or by sewing bags and giving them away. Click on the link to the right for the pattern.

I make bags out of fabric that has been donated, purchased from remnant bins, and from my own personal "stash" of extra fabric. Please contact me if you have extra fabric stashed away that you would like to donate.

Cartersville, GA Smoky Mountain Bag toter

2008-07-16T05:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks!!! I received my bag recently and LOVE it!!!! You are doing a great service.

WOW!!! I still can't believe it was FREE!!! I am very proud to use it when I shop!

Blessings,
Jill

Hamburg, PA Smoky Mountain Bag toter

2008-07-16T05:44:00.000-07:00

Sara,
Thank you so very much for the bag! I love it!! Keep up the good work. This world is a much better place with people like you in it!! Have a wonderful day!
Tonya

Ashtabula, OH Smoky Mountain Bag toter

2008-07-11T03:38:00.000-07:00

Sara,I received my bag today. Thank you so much for your generosity. I assure you I will use it.
Thanks again,
Diane

Gallipolis Ferry, WV Smoky Mountain Bag toter

2008-07-11T03:34:00.000-07:00

Hi Sara,

Just wanted to let you know that i rec'd the "green bag" you sent me and I love it!! It is very kind what you and The Green Bag Lady are doing. I plan to start making some myself, if i can figure out how..lol. I am not too handy when it comes to sewing, but i will figure it out. God bless you and Thank you so much.

Sincerely,

Rita

Hamburg, PA Smoky Mountain Bag toter

2008-07-05T15:00:00.001-07:00

Hi Sara!
I received my bag from you this week. I LOVE it! Great job! I used it today as I did my shopping. It was a good feeling taking it from store to store and saving on all of those plastic bags! Thanks for your time and effort to help save this world of ours! Keep up the good work! Many many thanks!
Tonya

Seattle, WA Smoky Mountain Bag toter

2008-07-03T09:35:00.000-07:00

I had originally written an email to greenbaglady (http://greenbaglady.org/), and she forwarded my e-mail to you. I just received the bag you made me in the mail today and wanted to say thanks. It's perfect and I really appreciate you ladies taking your time and energy [and money] to send all these bags out for free! You made my day!

-Lauren

Go Green!

2008-07-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

The green bag movement is growing! Many around the country, including myself, are answering the Green Bag Lady's call to "go green" by shunning plastic bags. If you sew, this is a great way to use your fabric that's sitting in a dusty bin in the back of the closet. If you don't sew and live in the Smoky Mountain area, send me an email (smokymtnbaglady@aol.com) with your name and address, and I will mail you a fabric bag, free of charge. The only catch is that you must promise to use the bag everywhere you shop!

So, get sewing! Download the Green Bag Lady Pattern at the address below, and spread the movement!

http://www.scribd.com/doc/3285051/Green-Bag-Lady-Pattern )