I am always interested when I see someone take an object that is intended for one use, and finds a completely different use for it. I’m a “make it outta whatcha got” kind of gal. Don’t get me wrong, doesn’t mean I don’t still like to go shopping for new and exciting craft materials.
Recently I’ve been working on crocheting a “purse” out of old plastic grocery bags. I’ve been working on it for about 4 days now. Here’s a progress picture:
Craft materials are everywhere
The upper rows are bags from Walmart, back when the colors were white and black. The red and white are bags from Ace hardware. The brown/tan are from Publix grocery store, and the blue and white are from Walmart of today.
There’s a dilemma when doing something like this though. I’m out of bags, and would like to finish. But really, would it be right to go shopping and leave my reusable bags at home so that I could get more plastic bags? Just doesn’t seem like the proper way to do things, does it.
So instead I think I’ll ask my neighbor if she has any plastic shopping bags. :o)
This little attempt that I’m making has 60 single crochets per row. And one plastic bag averages about two rows.
Here you will find instructions on how to create the plastic yarn.
A couple of things that I learned in working on my “purse”. I cut my strips thinner, so that I can have smaller stitches. I get around 13 loops per bag. Also, be careful when pulling the plastic loops together because the bags stretch and tear easily.
As you can see I’m using a crochet hook that I had found laying around the house, but as soon as I can, I’m going to buy a set of these.
They look so comfy!
As far as a pattern, I’m not using one, but here is a link to a wonderful pattern created by Marlo D. Cairns. You can also find her “recipe” for making thicker “yarn”
If you make any bags, I’d love to see what you’re up too. Please join and post your results.
Update: October 10th
I worked more on my bag tonight. I got some more plastic bags from my neighbor, so I had plenty to get going with. I finished the whole purse part, but am now working on the strap.
I’ll add another picture as soon as I get the strap finished and attached. I suppose I’ll need to line this bag if I want to use it. Any suggestions what I should use to line it with? Should be something I could recycle, right?
Update October 12th
Well I’ve finished my purse and wanted to share the pictures. Since this was the first try, it’s not very exciting, but I find it very neat that it was made out of recycled materials. :o)
The finished Bag
This was fun. I’d like to make some other colors, and I think if the leaves were glazed shiny and embossed with a stylus that would add a lot too.
I wanted to add a new project today and some update photos, but it appears that I’ve come down with something.
