Teenage boys being teenage boys, my son is a slob with his dirty clothes. They are generally strewn around his room, only making it to the laundry room when he runs out of clean clothes, or I threaten him. Ever since we remodeled our laundry room, I’ve had my eye on industrial style laundry carts. like this one.
I’m still on the hunt for one that’s both affordable, and the right size for my laundry room, but I was in my yard the other day, and noticed the metal grocery cart that my husband uses to tote a propane tank burner around our yard to burn weeds. My grandmother didn’t drive, so she used a cart just like this when she walked to the nearby grocery store, to bring her bags back. It occurred to me, that it would make the perfect rolling laundry cart for my son.
The cart would need a fabric liner, so socks and other small pieces of clothing wouldn’t fall through the cracks. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a pretty pathetic seamstress, which is rather pathetic, because both my mom and several aunts are incredible seamstresses, but I thought sewing up a simple liner would be easy…I should have known better. I made a total mess of it, then I did what I should have done to begin with – I called my mom. She spent the better part of the next several hours talking me through making it.
Once it was assembled, I stitched some twill tape tabs around the top, so it would hang inside the cart.
I used fabric paint to add the the word, “Laundry” to the front.
I really am hopeful, that my son’s dirty clothes will actually make their way into this laundry cart, and he’ll be inspired to stay on top of his laundry, since it will be easy to just roll it all to the laundry room.
Time will tell.
I should note, that it still isn’t quite finished. When it was time to add the bottom piece, my mom gave up hope on me and said she would finish it when she comes to visit next month…works for me! Until then, I just have a piece of fabric laying inside on the bottom to keep his socks and undies from falling out!
Rolling carts like this one can be purchased here.
Blessings,
Angie!
I did the same thing with mine a few months back. I put it right in the bathroom to collect all the clothes. I didn’t make a cute bag though, instead I just bought a mesh bag at the local dollar store. Your’s is cuter.
I guess the main idea is to keep the laundry in the buggie/bag rather than all over. Whatever works, right?
My grandmother used a cart for shopping just like this. My dad still has hers. I have two that I’ve been fortunate enough to purchase for pretty cheap! Love them!
I haven’t left a comment since you switched over to your new site… I like it!
Very clean and easy to read.
2 thumbs up for you…
Pat
Cute, cute, cute! Good luck on getting him to use it! 😉 LOL
I did the same thing with a vintage rolling cart but used a burlap sack, tying it on with twine. Perfect no-sew project. Then, when it’s time for an antique fair, out comes the laundry and it goes with me to hold goodies.
Angie, what a fantastic idea! I recently purchased an old cart like that to use to haul stuff I buy at flea markets, but the handle is too low and all I do is run over my own heels with it. I’ve been debating extending the handle somehow, but this is a much better use for that cart. Thank you for the inspiration! Do you recommend a certain fabric paint?
Adina
Oooh, I LOVE this!!! What a great idea.
Hugs,
Jamie
This looks great! I have one of these too in a guest bedroom and I sewed the liner out of a couple of old feedsacks! I used to sell these on ebay but with pretty floral cloth liners.
This looks so great, Angie! You did a wonderful job! I have one of these carts and I need to use it somewhere!
I have one just like this! I’ve always wanted to make a liner for it (for like 10 years now!) but I have the same sewing issues as you. I would love to give it a try, but it just hasn’t made it to the top of “the list” yet.
Now what’s your husband going to use for his propane?? 🙂
LOVE it! Perfection Angie.
I love it, great idea. I have one in the garage, but sadly I am not much of a seamstress either. But I have one question, what is your hubs going to use now?
Hi Angie…I use one of these for laundry too. I haven’t made a liner though; I just use it as it. I haven’t had issues with socks, etc. falling out. I love it because I can wheel it from our bedroom to the laundry chute–no lugging baskets of clothes down to the basement laundry area. Here is a link to a post I wrote about laundry day–there’s a pic of my basket.
http://tymespast.blogspot.com/2013/06/blue-monday.html
Happy weekend! Bev
I just did a post on an awesome wire laundry hamper I got at Wal-Mart! It’s from their better Homes and Gardens line. I’m working on putting some graphics on it. They actually had two models, really inexpensive. I’d prefer a vintage French one, but for now mine will do! Love what you did. I can’t sew to save my life, either:)
xo Kathleen
Excellent idea and I a red cart just like this in my garage! Beautiful inspiration 🙂