Time To Recycle

Once I got the hang of the basic crochet stitches, I decided that my next project needed to be something unique.  In searching for patterns, I came across people using cut up plastic grocery bags as yarn.  http://diyfashion.about.com/od/crochetsupplies/ss/Make_Plarn.htm#step4

This really caught my attention.  I read and watched as much as I could on how to cut the bags, then I tried it.  This is my first attempt to crochet with the bags.  I made a bowl.  As of the moment I finished the bowl, I started cutting and making as much "plarn"(plastic yarn) as possible.  

 I decided that my next project should be something useful.  Why not turn the plastic grocery bags into...wait for it...a Grocery Bag, but this one would be reusable.  I found a pattern I wanted to use and got started.
https://bobblesandbaubles.com/2013/06/13/market-bag-with-floral-accent/

I started working away and was very excited about my finished product.  I asked everyone for their plastic grocery bags that they had taking up space.

 I decided to make lots of designs and started selling them.  I actually sold a lot. These market totes are great.  They hold a ton.  They are great for farmer's markets, grocery, swimming, etc.   I probably would be still be selling them if I had the time to cut and make the yarn.  I still plan on making them again, I just need to take a week to do nothing but cut and make "plarn".  I forgot how much I loved these bags until writing this.  I think it might be time to start asking for bags again.

Next I got adventurous.  I decided to make myself a purse.  I found a pattern I liked and got started.

https://zween.wordpress.com/2011/08/09/plastic-bag-bnanza/

I didn't want to spend the money on the handles, so I made the strap.  Here is what I came up with.

I used it for the longest time.  Now my teenage daughter is actually using it.  I had an order for a pink and black one.  I used garbage bags and 31 bags.  I even lined it with hot pink fabric.  Did I take a picture before I delivered it?  Of coarse not...ugh!

I got busy making other things and life got busy.  Making the plarn was just too time consuming, and the plastic grocery bags everyone was giving me were everywhere.  I decided to wait until I had more room to get back into this.  Well, we have more room, life isn't completely hectic right now either.  Guess it's time to make plarn!

Hooked

I decided that I would start this blog as a place to share ideas, patterns, projects and general crochet information.  I have been crocheting for 2 years now.  It all started with a simple baby flip flop.  I was SO determined to figure out how to make it that I stayed up all night watching YouTube videos on how to crochet.  Once I figured it out, I was "Hooked"!  I started with simple patterns, and have now moved on to creating patterns of my own and freehand crocheting.  I have been able to make some extra money by crocheting items for others too.  That brings us to where we are today.  I have a Facebook page and am staying pretty busy with orders, but I think that I need to take the next step and start taking part in craft fairs.  I really didn't know where to start until recently.  I was invited to be a vendor in a craft fair this November.  I haven't sent in my application yet.  Part of it is nerves.  Part of it is the $65 entry fee (while I am pretty sure I will make that money back, I am always gun shy when it comes to money).  The biggest part is being able to have enough finished to sell, and deciding which items I should have in my booth.
So, this is where a little pair of baby flip flops have brought me in 2 years.
Here are the flip flops that started it all
http://www.whistleandivy.com/2014/06/crochet-baby-flip-flop-sandals.html

Even then I decided to change things a bit.  This is what I came up with.  This is the first finished crochet product I ever did.  This is what started my obsession.

 Fast forward a year and many projects later, I decided to try some baby sandals.  This time, I already knew what I was doing.  I found a pattern that I loved and started working.  Here is that awesome FREE pattern I found.
http://thislovelylife-blog.blogspot.co.nz/2013/03/todays-crochet.html?m=1

Here are my finished products.  

By this time I already had my Facebook page, and I got several orders.  This just fueled the fire. Although baby shoes started the crochet obsession, they are not my favorite or most popular project. They also don't seem to be as popular this summer as they were last summer.  I made several pair this year in anticipation of orders, but only sold 2.   I have several pair available for purchase right now in different sizes and colors.  If interested, just message me on my Facebook page.  I don't think that they will be good sellers at a November craft fair, so I'm trying to get them sold before summer is over.  

www.facebook.com/YarnDesignsByAleica

Well, I think this is a good place to stop for now.  I wanted to give an idea of where this crochet journey started and where it is taking me.  

If you have any suggestions for the craft fair, Please share them!