Plastique Fall Tote Featured on Craftgawker

As I was weeding my way through the various Etsy forums, I encountered a title indicating '...acceptance on Craftgawker..'. I had never heard of them before and from what I read, getting accepted was difficult.

What is Craftgawker - here is a copy and paste from their website of what they are all about:

"craftgawker is a gallery where anyone can showcase their art, crafting and photography skills. It's a place for you to discover new artists and handmade goods to inspire your own creations."

It was indicated in the Etsy forums that in some circumstances, it has taken an artist multiple to several submissions before getting accepted.

So I decided to give it a try. I had just finished creating my Plastique Fall Eco-Friendly Tote (made from Home Depot plastic bags) and had received several compliments on it. This is one of my favorite totes because of the gorgeous color combination of orange, green and brown.

Can you believe it, my first submission was accepted: http://craftgawker.com/post/2009/11/14/7958/

Other than a purchase, that is the second best form of flattery.

Thanks for letting me share this experience with you.

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How to Make Handspun Blue Jean Yarn

Since posting my Handspun Blue Jean yarn in Etsy, I've received several requests for a 'how-to'.

Below are the steps I take to make blue jean yarn. I welcome your feedback. If you do it differently, I would love to know how you do it. To start -

• Take a pair of blue jeans and cut the legs off at the crotch.
• Lay pant leg flat on cutting surface with one seam on top and other seam on bottom. (If you have a really sharp rotary cutter or good scissors, this can also be done in a double layer. Not sure I would go more than that but feel free to give it a try.) Cut off the bottom seam.
• Fold the bottom seam up to within 1" to 2" from top seam. (Note: the top seam is used as your stopper to keep from cutting straight thru.) Use the continuous strand method, (here is my tutorial: http://plastiqrecreation.blogspot.com/2009/04/continuous-single-strand-strip-cutting.html) to cut up each leg. (Note: The width of the strip cut will depend on the project needs to achieve an accurate gauge. For example, 1/4" cut would work for a scarf; 1/2" to 1" would work for a rug)

Keep each strip in a separate pile.

After all jeans are cut up, either by hand or with your sewing machine - stitch the ends of each strand together with clear thread. You now have 1 very, very long strand.

Throw this very long strand in the washing machine. (If the jeans were cleaned before you started cutting, the 'rinse and spin' cycle is sufficient. If not, wash as normal.)

Then into the dryer. Be prepared for a nice surprise when the dryer stops. (Note: When it does come out of the dryer, it'll be a big mess. Be prepared to spend alittle time untangling.)

Quite honestly, the blue jean yarn is ready to go now. Feel free to get out the knitting needles or crochet hook and let the creative juices take over. OR - go one step further and spin -

For Handspun (either with a drop spindle or spinning wheel) - I used a single ply, so really either an 'S' or 'Z' twist is sufficient. It really doesn’t matter because you're just wanting to achieve that tight twist affect.

(My Disclaimer - I'm new to the wonderful world of spinning so my use of terms may be alittle spotty.) Copyright 2009 Plastique Recreations. All rights reserved. Follow me on: Twitter: www.twitter.com/PlastiqRecreat Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=100000095248321&ref=name

The Plarn Market Bag/Tote of My Dreams

For the record, I love all the market bag/totes I make - however, we are allowed to have a favorite and this is it!!! My Eco-Friendly Grab and Go Plarn (plastic yarn) Bag: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29520417 was put to the durability and user-friendly test and it passed with flying colors.

My husband and I recently made a trip to Canada for a family visit. I used this bag to hold my crochet stuff I took to keep me busy on the plane and during the lay overs in additional to other stuff I put in it. The straps made pulling stuff out and putting stuff in so easy. Above all it lived up to it's name of 'Grab and Go' because all I had to do was pull the long strap thru the small strap then over my shoulder it went and I was off.

Handspun VCR Tape

Coming up with new recycling ideas is always fun. It allows us to explore without judgment -because skies the limit. There is no right or wrong.

We've read and seen projects that have been crocheted and knitted with vcr tape. When you stop and think about it, it's really kind of neat. Something that's almost obsolete has been given new meaning.

Here are a few sites that offer creative vcr tape ideas: My Recycle Bags: http://www.myrecycledbags.com/category/vcr-video-tape-crafts/ Craftbits: http://www.craftbits.com/project/vhs-tape-clutch-purse You would think just looking at it, it would feel rough and unpleasant - WRONG!!! It's very giving and is pleasant to the touch. But, just like everything else, what is not to one person may be to another.

Your creative juices are flowing and you just can't wait to get your hands on some. Look no further and wait no longer. Let me help you get started exploring the wonderful world of crochet or knit with vcr tape. Here's how you can receive handspun vcr tape for FREE:

• Receive a complimentary 100 continuous yards of handspun vcr tape FREE with a purchase of $10 or more (not including shipping cost).
• Receive a complimentary 200 continuous yards of handspun vcr tape FREE with a purchase of $20 or more (not including shipping cost).

Visit Crochooley.etsy.com for more details ><><><

What Eco Elegance looks like to me

WalMart has this really soft, delicious looking two tone green plastic to put your vegetables and fruit in. Of course, I wasn't going to throw it away. So I wanted to see what it would look like as a purse. This turned out better than I thought. To give it an even more touch of class, I added lace across the front.

Here are some additional pictures to show the different sides. It has lots of room. This purse is so soft to the touch.

Create Crochet Team Promo Madness Sale!!!!

As a member of the Etsy Create Crochet Team, I am participating as well as other members of the team in an awesome sale you just don't want to miss!!!! The sale begins Tuesday, August 25 at 2pm EST (Etsy time) through Thursday, August 27 until midnight EST (Etsy time). Buy anything in Crochooley.etsy.com at full price and receive 10% off the next item. To receive the discount price, just enter the code "CCT" in a note to me. My shop offers a color assortment of plarn balls ready for you to begin that craft project as well as an array of market bags/totes. Customized orders (color and/or size) are also available during this sale. Don't miss out on this fantastic sale. Now is the time to get a jump start on your holiday shopping. Here is the link to the Create Crochet Team Blog: http://createcrochet.blogspot.com/2009/08/createcrochet-team-promo-madness.html

My Plarn (plastic yarn) version of a Placemat Bag

There are some decisions in life that just take a little longer to make a final determination. For the longest time I have struggled with designing and creating a bag that was condusive to my style .. they are always tooooooo big or tooooooooo small. Choosing the right color, the right pattern stitch, etc... So many decisions.

I'll admit that there are a few websites and blogs that I have an addiction to. Can't stay off of them and do a refresh several times to see what new item was just added. There is no cure for this addiction other than to just take the computer away from me.

While viewing all the beautiful creations on craftster.org, I came across this really cute and creative placemat tote tutorial: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=93668.0

I fell in love with the concept and decided, this may just be 'IT' 'THE ONE' ....

So I decided to make a crochet version of it. I did make some minor modifications to the oval-ness of it. I wanted square corners. Of course it was made with plarn (plastic yarn) and added circles to the base of the straps to give it a little more interest.

Here are pictures of it empty and with contents. Also, it expands when being carried, and then flattens sitting on the ground.

I added a zipper lining.

Here is a side view - can you guess what the circles are? When you break open a water bottle, the circle is what remains on the bottle.

Copyright 2009 Plastique Recreations. All rights reserved.