Before you Throw It Away - You need to Read This

It seems as though the holidays take so long to get here and then before you know it, we're left with pleasant memories of smiles, thank you's and full bellies. 

But what isn't pleasant are the visible remains of empty boxes, bags, cards and wrapping paper left to throw away.  And yes, throwing all of these things and more away is the easy thing to do.  Especially, when we're so anxious to get back to normalcy once again. 

But this year, let's try something alittle different ... 

I came across The E-Advisor Blog and they posted a list of 

40 Awesome Upcycling Ideas for Your Post-Holiday Garbage

Leave a comment on how many of the 40 ideas they listed you will do ...

or

leave a comment if you have better ideas ....

Pop Tab Plarn Bracelet Crochet-Plarn Along / Part 2 of 2

Sorry for the delay in posting Part 2 of 2 pattern instructions.  Life just has a way of taking over your life. 

Posted below are the final set of pattern instructions for the Pop Tab Front Post Plarn Bracelet Crochet-Plarn Along. 

In Part 2, you will be using a unique stitch - it's what I call the Pop Tab HdcFP st (Half Double Crochet Front Post Stitch): 

·          Pop Tab hdcfp: Yo, insert hook through the front of the pop tab back around and through the back of the next pop tab, yo, pull back through front of 1^st pop tab, yo and pull through all 3 sts on hook to complete hdc st.

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Pattern Instructions

Round 2:  Sc in same st and in next st, *hdcfp around same pop tab & in next pop tab (pop tab hdcfp: Yo, insert hook through the front of hole  of same pop tab back around to front of next pop tab, yo, pull back through 1^st pop tab, yo and pull through all 3 sts on hook to complete hdc st.).  

*Sc in last 2 sts of next pop tab, pop tab hdcfp.  *Repeat around to last pop tab.  Join with a sl st to 1^st sc.  Fasten off, weave in ends.

Repeat Round 1 and 2 pattern on the opposite side of the pop tab.

(Optional) Last Stretch - With hands on opposite side of bracelet band, gently pull in opposite direction. Repeat this around. This will align the pop tabs more uniformly giving the bracelet a tailored-neat appearance.

ENJOY YOUR NEW FASHION ACCESSORY or GIFT IT PROUDLY!!!

Don't forget about the Show Off Contest:

Contest Rules:

• Become a Friend in Facebook - www.facebook.com/plastiqrecreat
• Show off your pop tab beauties by posting progress pics on my FB wall.

On Dec 16th, a winner will be randomly selected to receive a prize


If you have any questions about the pattern or any other questions or inquiries, feel free to leave a comment or email me at plastiquerecreations@yahoo.com.

Have a very Merry Christmas but more importantly a Happy and Safe New Year!!

Pop Tab Plarn Bracelet Crochet-Plarn Along / Part 1

Pop Tab Bracelets are the newest fashion trend!!!

This Crochet-Plarn Along is for anyone seeking a 'last minute gift idea' or have a 'hard to buy for person' on their gift list.

See below for detailed Pattern Instructions and Show Off Contest 

Pattern Details:

SKILL LEVEL: Easy



MATERIALS:
Crochet Hook – Size F
Plastic Yarn: Approximately 2 standard size plastic grocery bags
                  If using 2 different colors , 1 plastic bag for each color
14 pop tabs (consistent in size)


Important Note: Not all plastic is made the same. When using plarn, achieving the desired size or gauge is dependent on the texture, thickness and strip width of the plastic yarn.


SIZE: Diameter – 10.25” around, 3” across


CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Hand wash, air dry


ABBREVIATIONS

ch(s) = chain(s)
hdc = half double crochet
hdcfp = half double crochet front post
sc = single crochet
sl = slip
sp = space
st(s) = stitch(es)
yo = yarn over

Helpful Tips:

Read through pattern instructions before beginning.

• Tutorial:  Pop Tab hdcfp: Yo, insert hook through front of same pop tab back around to front of next pop tab, yo, pull back through front of 1st pop tab, yo and pull through all 3 sts on hook to complete hdc st.
• When using plarn, stretching your work after every couple of rows is important. This will give you a more realistic view of what you have completed up to that point.    
• Plastic in general is susceptible to ripping/tearing due to its very nature.   When 'weaving in ends' - it is best to maneuver your craft needle in between stitches and not through a stitch to avoid splitting the plastic yarn.

Part 1 / Linking Pop Tabs

Pattern Instructions:

Round 1: Join with a sl st in a hole of the pop tab, 2 sc in same hole. 

*Grab another pop tab and 3 sc in hole.  (Important Note:  2 sc sts in each hole will work just as well if your plarn is too thick.  You be the judge.)

*Repeat for a total of 14 pop tabs or desired length to fit wrist. (Tip: If you’re making the bracelet for yourself, this is a good stopping point to measure around your wrist.)

To finish Round 1, bring the ends together to form a circle making one more sc in the beginning pop tab.  Join with sl st to 1^st sc in same hole. 

 

  This completes Round 1. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments about Part 1 pattern instructions.  

Round 2/The final set of pattern instructions will be posted on Sunday, 12/12

  Show Off Contest: 

Contest Rules:

1. Become a Friend in Facebook
2. Starting today, Dec 7th thru Wed, Dec 15th post progress pictures to show off your pop tab beauties.  
3. On Dec 16th, a winner will be randomly selected to receive a prize 

(FYI - for those of you inquired about why I chose to start this C-PAL on Dec 7th, it's a special day for me - my son's 26th birthday)

 

Have fun!!!

 

Wrap&Go Checkbook/Wallet Organizer Crochet-Plarn Along / Part 3: The Finale

Part 3/The Finale:

The Wraparound Band and Flower

Wraparound Band:


Row 1: Working on top of flap in the middle, with F hook attach contrasting color with a sl st in on top of a st, sc in same st and in next st, ch 1, turn. (Note: the flower will be placed over this spot hiding the area.)


Row 2 – 16 (or desired length of band): Hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn. Before fastening off, test the length making sure it is long enough by wrapping band around pouch and position end at beginning of band. Even though plarn does stretch, you want the band a little loose so it isn’t so tight when you fill the pouch. Fasten off leaving long enough tail to st end of band to top of flap. Stitch end of band to front of flap.

Flower:

Round 1: With Contrasting color and H hook, using the adjustable ring method, make 7 sc in ring, join with a sl st in 1st sc.


Adjustable Ring method: Make a loop as if to form a knot giving yourself about 4” to 6” of tail. Insert hook through middle of loop (front to back), plarn over, and pull hook back through (back to front). You now should have 1 loop on your hook. Ch 1 as this will count as your first sc. (The standard is ch 1=sc; ch 2=hdc; ch 3=dc). Make the # of sts in the loop making sure to crochet around both the plastic yarn and tail. I suggest making the stitches a little loose so it will be easier to pull the plarn tail. If you start running out of tail, pull the tail to give you more slack, however, you will notice that the loop will get smaller. Now for the fun part – grab the tail and gently pull the stitches together. As you do this, the inner circle gets smaller.


Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. Fasten off.


Round 3: With Main Color, 2 sc in same st, 1 sc in next 2 sts.Repeat around. Do not fasten off but pull out a big enough loop so the stitch doesn’t come out as you will be coming back to it.


Round 4a: With F hook and contrasting color, join with sl st in front loop of a st from Round 3 and following petal pattern: in same st-sc, hdc, sc, sl st in next petal.Repeat around. After completion of last petal, sl st behind a st of 1st petal made. Fasten off, weave in ends.


Round 4b: Insert hook back into loop of round 3, follow petal pattern around: in same st - hdc, dc, 2tr, dc, hdc, sl st in next petal. Repeat around. After completion of last petal, sl st behind a st of 1st petal made. Fasten off, weave in ends.

- OR -


Pop Tab Flower:


Round 1: With contrasting color and F hook, join with sl st in pop tab and make 18 sc around pop tab. Fasten off, weave in ends.


Round 2: With main color and H hook, join with a sl st and sc in same st, *ch 4, sk 2 sts, sc in next st. *Repeat around.


Round 3: In each ch 4 sp, follow petal pattern: sc, hdc, dc, 2tr, dc, hdc, sc. After completion of last petal, sl st behind a st of 1st petal made.


Round 4: Still working behind petal, sl st to 1st tr, *ch 4, sl st in tr of next petal. *Repeat around. Fasten off, weave in ends.


Round 5: With contrasting color, follow petal pattern in each ch 4 sp: *sc, hdc, dc, 3tr, dc, hdc, sc, sl st in sl st of Round 4. *Repeat around. Sl st in 1st sl made of Round 4. Fasten off, weave in ends.


Join main color in front loop of a st in Round 5, sl st in each st around. Fasten off, weave in ends.

Assembly:
Position middle of flower over band ends on top of flap, sew flower to flap.
Final touch, with matching plarn and craft needle, sew remainder of I.D. pocket to flap.



 
Let me know if you have any questions ....  It was pleasure to offer this pattern to you and I hope you enjoyed participating in Plastique's first of many to come Crochet-Plarn Alongs.


If you're ready for more fun, please join me for the next C-PAL.  We will make a pop tab plarn bracelet.

Thanks, Teresa


Find also at:
Facebook: facebook.com/PlastiqRecreatShop online: www.crochooley.etsy .com

Twitter: twitter.com/PlastiqRecreat
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/plastirecreations

Pop Tab Bracelet Crochet-Plarn Along

Pop Tab Bracelets have become today's newest fashion jewelry accessory -

But this isn't just any ordinary pop tab bracelet, this is an eco friendly pop tab bracelet because it is made with plarn.

'Plarn' .. it is a commonly used word heard quite a bit in the crafting community. You can find write-ups and tutorials about it on various blogs and websites as well as in YouTube.

What exactly is Plarn? It is a very creative way to recycle plastic bags you bring home from the grocery store, retail stores, and even fast food restaurants.


The word 'Plarn' is derived from 2 words combined:  [Pl (plastic) + Arn (yarn) = Plarn] .


I recently hosted my first Crochet-Plarn Along and had so much fun with it I decided - Hey!!  let's squeeze one more in before saying good-bye to 2010 ....



This Crochet-Plarn Along will be in honor of those that are seeking a 'last minute gift idea' or have a 'hard to buy for person' on their gift list.

The skill level: Easy

This pattern is so super simple that even the newest of new crocheter can do - all you need is:



Materials Needed:

• Crochet hook - size F
• Approximately 14 pop tabs consistent in size 
• 2 standard size plastic grocery bags or 1 of each color

and in less than 30 minutes you’ll have an adorable bracelet just like this.

(except if you're laughing too hard from watching something funny on TV or chatting away with friends ...all of which are completely acceptable and encouraged)


I will share the pattern in 2 sets beginning Tues, 12/7 and last posting on Sun, 12/12.


If you interested in participating, please leave me a comment or email me at plastiquerecreations@yahoo.com.

Find Plastique Recreations:

www.facebook.com/plastiqrecreat
www.twitter.com/plastiqrecreat
shop online at: http://www.crochooley.etsy.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/plastirecreations

Wrap&Go Checkbook/Wallet Organizer Crochet-Plarn Along / Part 2: The Party Continues

Part 2:

Making the fold over flap with inside I.D. Pocket and Pen Holder

We will be using the rev sc (aka Crab St) in Part 2.  If you are familiar with how to make the rev sc, feel free to jump down to 'Pattern Instructions'.  

Here's how to make a rev sc stitch (aka crab st):  It may feel a little odd because you’re make a sc just going in the opposite direction (i.e. left to right).  Insert hook, plarn over and pull through  (2 loops on hook), plarn over and draw through both loops.  Continue in each st. 

----------------------------------

Pattern Instructions

Fold over Flap -

Decide which side of pouch will be the back, with back side facing you still using the H hook, attach contrasting color with a sl st in corner st.


Row 1 & 2: Sc in same st and in each st across. (Fast Forward moment:  the 2nd row will be placement of the pen holder.)


Row 3: In blo, hdc in each st across. Turn.


Row 4 -7: Hdc in each st across. 

Photo 8

Row 8: (This row will be the width of your I.D. or other card that will be used.) Hdc in each st across only for the desired width of the card. Turn.

Photo 9

Row 9 – 15: Hdc in each st across. Fasten off, weave in ends.



Photo 10 - Outside Back View



Photo 11 - Inside View

ID Pocket:

(Note:  The Pocket is made separately then attached to the inside flap by making a rev sc through both layers when edging around the flap.)


Row 1: Ch the same # of sts to match Row 8 plus 2.  Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn.


Row 2: Hdc in each st across. Turn.


Row 3: Hdc in next 2 sts. Turn.


Row 4: Repeat row 3. Turn. Remove st off hook (DO NOT FASTEN OFF, you'll be coming back to it.


With wrong side of pocket facing you, join sl st in 1st st on opposite side of Row 3, hdc in same st and in next st. Turn, Repeat row 3 &4.  Fasten off, weave in ends.




Photo 12

 Row 5: Place hook back on st, hdc in next 2 sts, ch 9 or the the # of skipped stitches on Row 3,  hdc in the last 2 sts.  Turn.


Row 6 – 8 (or desired height of I.D. card): Hdc in each st across. Fasten off, weave in ends.

Photo 13

Lay pocket on inside flap to determine what row to rev sc through both layers of the pocket and flap.  (Tip:  I found it works best to have the ID opening lined up with the 2nd row from the top of the flap, see photo 16.  This avoids any hang-over)  

With contrasting color and back of pouch facing you, join with a sl st in lower left corner. Rev sc up the side attaching I.D. pocket along the way, 

Photo 14

Photo 15

2 rev sc in corner, rev sc across top (in flap only), 2 rev sc in corner, back down opposite side (including I.D. pocket) of flap and around pocket opening to 1st rev sc made.  Fasten off, weave in ends.  The remainder of I.D. pocket will be attached with craft needle.

FYI - RecycleCindy raised a valid concern so I wanted to share this with you. She didn't like the way her rev sc was turning out so she chose to do a regular sc st around. If this is your choice, then here are the directions for doing a sc st edging:   assuming your right handed, (referring to photo 10) join with a sl st at the bottom right corner of the flap, up the side to the corner, now going left across the edge of skipped sts, to the corner that would start the first joining of the I.D. pocket to the flap, up the side to the top right corner, the sc’s from the corner to the corner is a single layer in just the flap. You’re now at the opposite corner, sc thru both layers now attaching the other side of I.D. pocket, going back down the left side then arriving at the bottom corner parallel from where you started. Fasten off

Photo 16

Pen Holder:

Determine how wide of a holder you desire for the pen and placement of the holder.  (Tip: I prefer 8 sts evenly centered on the flap.  There is no right or wrong, it's a personal preference.) With inside flap facing you, join with a sl st in the 1st st of the pen holder, sc in same st and in each desire # across.  Turn,

Photo 17

Sc in each st across for 4 total rows or # of rows needed for pen.  (Tip: Plarn has some stretch to it.   You want it to fit snug.)  

Photo 18

Attaching - sl st in each st across to attach holder to flap.  Finish off, weave in ends. 

Photo 19

Photo 20

You did it, you now have a Wallet/Checkbook Organizer. 

But were not done yet!!!  Just 1 more set of instructions left.  Please continue to provide the fantastic feedback.  

Feel free to post your comments, questions and/or progress pictures via this blog post or at any one of the following sites:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/plastiqrecreat (you will have to be a friend for real time 'chat')
Ravelry: (Crochooley) Group - From Trash to Treasures
Craftsters.org: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=364976.0
Crochetville: http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=122076