How many times have I posted about the basic shopping tote? Too many?

I went through this website and counted 11. Could be more…. But at least 11 times. Might as well make it an even dozen!

While I was waiting for supplies to finish my Dinosaurs quilt, I whipped up another one.

This one is headed to the “Punch Board” at the Third Annual Homosassa Mullet Toss and Spring Festival that’s being held on May 6th.

Yes. They throw mullet. Real Mullet. (Real dead mullet.) Here in Homosassa we have people dedicated to catching mullet. They use it for bait. Food. And mullet dip. I have never developed the taste. Nor the need to throw dead fish. But anyhow, my personal preferences aside…..When the festivities are concluded, the mullet gets turned over to local fishermen for bait–the mullet do not go to waste. (And I do not throw any slimy fish but lots of people do!)

Money raised from the festival goes to the Citrus County Education Foundation, Homosassa River Restoration Project, Cayla’s Coats Life Vest Loaner Stations, and other worthy projects. Too many to list. So while I do not embrace the idea of throwing slimy dead fish, good things happen. From throwing dead slimy fish. Ick.

I usually donate two bags to the cause. You pay $20 then punch through tissue paper covering a prize. The prizes are all worth at least $20–donated by members and local businesses. So it’s a win/win situation.

Anyhow, this is the first bag headed to the toss.

Everyone loves these bags–especially the cashiers at our local Publix. I keep three in each of our two vehicles. I also help the members of the “Sew Cool and Crafty” group make them. I think one woman has made about 100 and is now selling them at craft fairs for $40. (I told her that they are priced too low!)

The pattern’s free and the bags are easy-peasy and fun to make! You can grab it right here!

I was surprised to find that I didn’t have any large pieces of denim left in my denim stash. Just pockets and scraps. Fortunately a friend had just given me the legs from a pair of jeans he had cropped off so I was able to make this bag without having to piece a lot of scraps together.

I pulled out all of the small pieces and pressed them. Time for a new denim quilt? Or should the second donated tote be a denim patchwork?

I usually include a pocket pet in but haven’t made one for this tote yet. How about a cat instead?

Just kidding! Love my kitten! I would never include her as a pocket pet.