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!