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Feed Bags Recycled Into Tote Bags
Love Birds? Horses? Chickens? Tell the world with the tote bag you carry. Carrie Tessier makes them from an obvious source - the bags that feed your favorite critter.
"We have a farm, and we buy grain that comes in plastic-type feedbags," Tessier explains. "I mimicked the idea of grocery tote bags and started ma
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Feed Bags Recycled Into Tote Bags AG WORLD 33-4-24 Love Birds? Horses? Chickens? Tell the world with the tote bag you carry. Carrie Tessier makes them from an obvious source - the bags that feed your favorite critter.
"We have a farm, and we buy grain that comes in plastic-type feedbags," Tessier explains. "I mimicked the idea of grocery tote bags and started making my own and gave them as gifts."
Now the young mother of two sells Tess's Totes on her website and at local farmers markets in Maine.
"They are water resistant and very durable," Tessier explains. "I make all different styles besides the totes - little purses, backpacks. I have a type of scrap bag that is made from bits and pieces of leftover material, which I use to make different designs."
Tessier uses the polypropylene woven bags used for all types of pet and livestock feed and wild birdseed. She hand washes the bags in hot water and soap or sprays them down with Simple Green.
She cuts pieces out carefully to center the images she wants on the front and the back, and she includes inside pockets for cell phones, papers and other items. She sews double folded seams and double stitches with an ordinary sewing machine. Straps are zigzag-stitched multiple times.
"I tell people that if the bags can hold 50 lbs. of grain, you can probably carry 50 lbs. of groceries in the totes if you can fit it," Tessier says. The rabbit backpack she made for her 3-year-old a year ago has proven to be more durable than a backpack she purchased.
Tessier lines her bags with cloth when customers request it, but she notes that they are much easier to keep clean without the cloth.
Tessier takes several bags into the grocery store when she shops and finds they are a great conversation piece. Her customers are generally rural people, pet owners or bird watchers. Horse bags are the most popular.
The 16 by 16-in. tote bags cost $15 plus S&H. For a custom bag, send Tessier a feed or grain bag of your choice.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Carrie Tessier, Tess's Totes, 337 Malbons Mill Rd., Skowhegan, Maine 04976 (ph 207 474-6380; j.tessier1@myfairpoint.net; www.tessiersfarm.com).
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