Everyone needs a tote bag. Whether you use them to contain knitting or crocheting projects in progress, lunch and a magazine, or kids' supplies, there are times when nothing else will do. Here are instructions for making a couple of different ones, both with a springy feel.

In both designs, small grapevine wreaths step in as handles. You'll want to pick off any prickly stems -- choose wreaths that are as smooth as possible to begin with. Or you can use bamboo hoops made for the purpose. In addition, the rug or placemats that form the bag need to be reversible, as both sides will show. In the case of the placemats, try to find ones that have different prints on each side, maybe also some trim around the edges for extra interest.

Funky Tote or Carpet Bag Revisited

What You Need

2 6" grapevine wreaths from the craft store
1 small (about 20" x 30") woven throw rug
Heavy duty thread
Large needle

What To Do

1.Clean off wreaths. Pull one end of the rug through one of the wreaths until the fringed end of the rug overlaps the handle by several inches.

2.Use a double strand of the heavy thread to sew the hoop in place, gathering the rug into rough pleats as you go, pushing it as close together as possible. It will take just a few well place stitches to sew the rug in place. Knot securely and trim ends of thread.

3.Do the same thing at the other end of the rug, making sure to have the fringe facing the same side.

4.Fold rug in half, fringed sides out. Use a double strand of thread to whip stitch the sides of the bag together, leaving an opening of a few inches on each side so that you can access the bag.

A Place(mat) For Everything Bag

2 fabric placemats, as soft (un-rigid) as possible
2 wreaths as above
sewing machine, if desired
Heavy duty thread and needle

1.Prepare handles as above.

2.Lay placemats atop each other, right sides out. Use machine to sew them together, across one of the short ends and halfway up both sides. Sew inside the trim line, if there is any, or just inside the edge of the mat.

3.Scrunch end of placemat at open top together and slide wreath over it. Pull mat through ring several inches, so the fabric on the inside of the mat comes out on the outside.

4.Use heavy duty thread to sew mat in place over wreath, placing stitches under folds, etc., so they won't show. Again, a few well placed stitches will do the job nicely.

5.Repeat on other end, making sure handles end up even.

6.Decorate front with large button, pin or silk flower if desired.

If you have any questions about crafting, or suggestions for something you would like to see on 7NEWS at 11, e-mail me at 11am@TheDENVERChannel.com