Free Crochet Pattern - RecycleZip Plarn Kiddie Bag

This pattern may not be sold, published, reproduced-mechanically or electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying from any website(s) or electronic mailing lists, etc…  Please do not offer, sell or distribute this pattern in any way to anyone else.  

**This and all my other plarn patterns are all yarn friendly**

There are many different uses for this bag but it was designed to be a child's bag because it's the perfect size for little hands.  The ziplock is an added fun feature and the perfect closure to keep the important stuff from falling out. It's never too early to start teaching kids about recycling.

Are you asking - why a ziplock for closure?  My response is why not.  But the real reason is (lol) I'm zipper challenged.  Me and zippers just don't get along.

This bag is also the perfect size to keep fruit and vegetables safe from bruising while shopping at the farmer's market. 

RecycleZip Small Bag

Materials Needed:
Plastic yarn:  15 plastic bags each of 2 different colors of your choice (the Kiddie Bag was made with Publix grocery bags and Dollar Tree bags)
Size H crochet hook
1 quart size zip lock bag
Clear tape

Preparation of ziplock bag:
Cut about 1" off bottom and slit up the sides all the way to solid color strip. Lay bag on flat surface and fold over top layer.  This is to keep the layers separate while taping.  Working on the inside, fold bottom of bag up to solid color strip and tape across placing tape just below solid color strip.   Tape around a couple of times.   Measure about 1" down from the solid color strip and with your scissors make a diagonal cut on both sides.  This is to avoid the bottom of the ziplock bag potruding through the outside of the mesh bag. Repeat on the other side. 

Pattern:  
Bottom - 
Rnd 1:  Chain 14,  3 double crochet stitches in 3rd chain from hook and in each chain across and 6 double crochet stitches in last chain.  Continue on opposite side of chain, double crochet in each stitch across with 2 additional double crochet stitches in starting chain.  Join with slip stitch in top of chain 3.

Pattern Note for Rnd 2:  
Across -  One double crochet stitch in each stitch across for 11 stitches.          Corners - Make 2 double crochet stitches in each of the 6 corner stitches

Pattern Note for Rnd 3:   
Across - One double crochet stitch in each stitch across for 13 stitches
Corners - 2 double crochet stitches in each of the next 2 stitches, 1 double crochet stitch in next, 2 double crochet stitches, 1 double crochet stitch and 2 double crochet stitches in each of the next 2 stitches.  Join with slip stitch.

 Mesh - (16 mesh rounds)
Rnd 4:  In same stitch, chain 3 and 1 double crochet stitch, *skip 2 stitches, slip stitch in 3rd stitch, chain 3 and double crochet stitch in same stitch.  *Repeat around, join with slip stitch at top of chain 3.

Round 5:  With color 2, chain 3 and double crochet stitch in double crochet stitch of previous round.  *Slip stitch in top of chain 3 of previous round, double crochet in double crochet stitch of previous round.  *Repeat around.   Join with slip stitch at top of chain 3.

Round 6:  With color 1, repeat round 5.

Repeat Round 5 alternating colors each round for a total of 16 rounds or desired height ending with color 2.

Pattern Note:  the number of stitches made in round 20 should be the perfect fit for a quart size ziplock bag.

Rnd 20:  With color 1, make 2 single crochet stitches in each chain 3 space and in each double crochet stitch from previous round.  Join with slip stitch.  (50 stitches)

Rnd 21:  Single crochet in each stitch around.
Rnd 22:  With color 2, single crochet stitch in each stitch around.
Rnd 23:  With color 1, single crochet stitch in each stitch around.

Handles - 
With front of bag facing you, determine middle stitch and even count 11 stitches across the front.  Place a small strand of plarn on 12 stitch on both sides where handle will begin and end.  Do the same on opposite side counting 14 stitches from handle on one side around to handle on other side.

Rnd 24:  Single crochet in each stitch to handle marker, chain 35 skipping 11 single crochet stitches from previous round, single crochet stitch in 12th stitch for a total of 14 single crochets to handle marker on opposite side.  Chain 35 skipping 11 stitches, single crochet in 12th and in each stitch around.  Join with slip stitch in first single crochet stitch.

Rnd 25:  Single crochet in each stitch around.   Join with slip stitch in first single crochet stitch.

Attaching ziplock bag - 
Before sewing in ziplock bag, weave in all ends.  Place ziplock bag inside opening of kiddie bag making it even.  Pattern Note:  To allow zip flexibility, you don't want to sew the bag too close to the top.

With color 1, stitch ziplock bag to kiddie bag on round 23. Stitch around a 2nd time for double stitching. Weave in your final ends.  

I hope you enjoy the pattern and would love to see pics of your finished items.

Free Pop Tab Bracelet Crochet Pattern - Lazy 'P' Pop Tab Plarn Bracelet

Pop Tab Bracelets are one of my favorite fashion accessories so I am always thinking of new designs and techniques to create with them.  

I recently completed a new plarn handbag using the traditional Puff Stitch as part of the design.  Impressed by the character the stitch offered to my handbag, it has been added to my list of favorite stitches.  

As I was thinking of my next pop tab bracelet design, I decided to see what a pop tab bracelet would look like using the traditional Puff Stitch.  At first, it lacked the finesse I was expecting.  Then I decided to make the chain 1 through the next pop tab giving the appearance the Puff Stitch was 'laying down on the job' so to speak.  That was it. 

That's how I came up with the name of Lazy 'P'. 

Made with Dollar Tree plastic yarn aka plarn

SKILL LEVEL:  Easy

MATERIALS:

·        Crochet Hook – Size G

·        Plastic Yarn:  Approximately 2 standard size plastic grocery bags (width of strip – approx  ¾”)

·         Approx 18-22 Pop/Pull Tabs (clean & consistent in size).  The # needed will be determined by size of wrist

·        (optional) Craft Needle for weaving in ends

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. 

ABBREVIATIONS
ch(s) = chain(s)	po = plarn over
sl = slip	st(s) = stitch(es)

Helpful Tips:

·        Read through pattern instructions before beginning.

·        Plastic in general is susceptible to ripping/tearing due to its very nature.   

                o   Weaving in ends - it is best to maneuver your craft needle behind a puff st and not through the stitch to avoid splitting the plastic yarn.

      ·        The edged hole of the pop tab will be always be placed behind a non-edged hole. 

 

Special Stitch:

Puff Stitch:  Po, insert hook in pop tab, po, pull through and bring plarn up higher than normal (3 loops on hook), po, insert hook in same pop tab, po, pull through and bring plarn up to height of rest of stitches (5 loops on hook), *po, insert hook once again into the same pop tab, po, pull through and bring plarn up to height of rest of stitches (7 loops on hook), [IMPORTANT NOTE:  For more puff,  repeat from * until enough puff is achieved.] po, pull plarn through ALL loops on hook. 

Instructions:

With 2 pop tabs overlapped, join plarn with a sl st in overlapped hole, ch 1, place a new pop tab under previous pop tab, make a puff st in that hole.

        

*Place another pop tab under the previous pop tab, in new overlapped hole make a sl st, ch1 and Puff st.

*Continue overlapping pattern until desired length is achieved ending in last overlapped hole.

Continue until bracelet is long enough to fit around wrist.  [Fitting Tip – wrap bracelet around wrist overlapping the first and last pop tab.  There is some stretch so no additional tabs are needed to maneuver finished bracelet over hand.] 

Remove hook from st (make a big enough loop so completed work doesn’t come out because you’ll be coming back to it).

Working on opposite side, in 1^st overlapped hole join with a *sl st, ch 1 and Puff st.  *Repeat pattern in each overlapped hole to last overlapped hole.   Before connecting the ends, do a second fitting.

                                                             The 1st  hole is skipped as it will be worked when forming the circle.

 

Form Circle - Overlap the ends together to form a circle.    

Both ends pulled together

 

*Work pattern of sl st, ch1 and puff st in this hole. Finish by making a sl st in 1^st puff st.  Fasten off, weave in ends behind the puff st.

*Repeat pattern on opposite side.

ENJOY YOUR NEW FASHION ACCESSORY!! !

Download the Lazy 'P' Pop Tab Plarn Bracelet

ABBREVIATIONS

ch(s) = chain(s)

po = plarn over

sl = slip

st(s) = stitch(es)

Both ends pulled together

(This link will take you directly to my (Crochooley) Ravelry pattern page)

I would love for you to share pictures of your Lazy 'P' Pop Tab Bracelet with me whether it is made with plarn (plastic yarn), tarn (t-shirt yarn), blarn (blue jean yarn), harn (hosiery yarn) or even regular yarn. 

PERMISSIONS

Feel free to make and sell your finished product from this pattern.  LOL - I can't stop you anyway from doing it so I might as well offer you the permission.

However, please do not take credit or offer the pattern as your own.  Please direct them to this page.  If you have any trouble accessing the pattern, feel free to contact me at twooleydesigns@gmail.com and I will email the pattern to you.  

Recycling Zip Lock Sliders

I'm not afraid to admit that I am zipper challenged.  It has actually become a phobia.  After several attempts even while watching YouTube videos, it was time to face reality.  It was time to throw in the perverbial zipper towel but only after I determed what could be used as a replacement.   I prefer zippers over snaps and buttons. 

Then the idea came to me that an alternative to sewing a zipper is attaching a ziplock slider from a Hefty or Ziplock Bag.   I use ziplock bags for everything in my house but the bag because unusable way before the ziplock slider does. 

Here is my creative way to recycle those ziplock sliders and below are a few of my original plarn (plastic yarn) pouch designs with zipslider closure as part of my newest RecycleZip© product line: 

Here are pouches made with a front bow pocket for an added bonus: 





Pouch made with Red plastic yarn and Bow made with Target/CVS plastic yarn

  


Top view to show the recyclezip closure





Pouch made with black plastic trash bags and Bow made with Dollar General plastic bags

 

(FL Gator Fans) Pouch made with Blue plastic bags and Bow made with Orange plastic bags

The most recent addition to the RecycleZip product line is the multi-color pouch:



Made with Home Depot plastic bags and contrasted with Walmart product plastic bags



Top view of zipslider




Made with Dollar General plastic bags and contrasted with Black trash bags

  These are available for purchase in my Etsy shop at www.crochooley.etsy.com !!!!

Thank you for letting me share my creative recycled designs .............

Wrap&Go Checkbook/Wallet Organizer Crochet-Plarn Along - Part 1: Let's Get This Party Started

(added excellent feedback received from plarn crocheters participating in this C-PAL)

We've been spreading the word ...  the time has finally arrived for us to get crazy.

The pattern instructions for the Wrap & Go Checkbook/Wallet Organizer will be offered in the following 3 increments:

Part 1 Instructions:  Pouch
Part 2 Instructions:  Flap
Part 3/Finale Instructions:  Wraparoundband & Flower

Here are hints/tips I offer on all my patterns:

• Read through the pattern instructions before beginning.
• When using plarn, it’s a good idea to stretch your work after every couple of rows. This will give you a more realistic view of what you have completed up to that point.
• Ch 1 at beginning of each row is not counted as the 1st stitch.
• Plastic in general is susceptible to ripping/tearing due to its very nature.
   o Weaving in ends - it is best to maneuver your craft needle in between the stitch or stitches to avoid splitting the plastic yarn.

-------------------------- 
Practice Swatch:
I typically don’t suggest making a practice swatch because achieving a certain height/width is an individual preference. However, it is suggested to ensure the Organizer is the wide enough for what you propose to put in it.


Ch 22, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each st across. Row 2-4: Hdc in each st across. Lay piece on flat surface and place the widest item that you will put in the Organizer once it is completed on top. The piece should be slightly (not much) wider than the item. If more width is needed, try again with additional # of ch sts until desired width is achieved.
---------------------------
MATERIALS:

• Crochet Hook – Size F & H
• Plastic Yarn (NOTE: 12 – 1” strips per standard size plastic bag = 6 yards):
   o Main Color – Approximately 20 plastic bags
   o Contrasting Color – Approximately 10 plastic bags
• Craft needle

ABBREVIATIONS Pattern Instructions:

blo = back loop only
ch(s) = chain(s)
dc = double crochet
flo – front loop only
hdc = half double crochet
rev sc = reverse single crochet
sc = single crochet
sl = slip
sp = space
st(s) = stitch(es)
tog = together
tr (treble or triple)






With H hook and main color, ch 22 or # determined with practice swatch.
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.  Ch1, turn.
Row 2 – 22 (or desired height): Hdc in each st across.  Finish with right side.

 (Tip: Depth determines Height. To ensure an accurate height is achieved, fold the piece in half and place whatever you will be using the Organizer (e.g. checkbook, calculator, cell phone, etc.) for inside. This gives a more accurate way of determining if additional rows will need to be added for height. 



Photo 1



Photo 2

Ch 1, sc in end st (1^st corner) and in end st of each row to corner, 3 sc in corner, across edge to corner, 3 sc in corner, sc in end st of each row matching up with opposite side (Important:  evenly match up sts on both sides or the rows will not have a straight line appearance when stitching up the sides, refer to photo 6), 3 sc in corner, across edge back to corner, 2 sc in corner (back at 1^st corner), join with a sl st in beginning sc.  Fasten off, weave in ends.

Photo 3

Sides (repeat on both sides):

With contrasting color and wrong side facing you, join with a sl st at the corner and sc in each st across, ch 1 turn. Sc in each st across. Fasten off leaving about 6” tail for sewing sides together.

Photo 4

Fold piece in half lengthwise with right sides together (wrong side out), st sides together with tail. (Stitch Suggestion – whip st the blo of one side and flo of other side [the 2 sts back to back]).  Fasten off; weave in all loose plarn ends.

Photo 5

Turn pouch inside out and push out bottom corners. Just give the pouch a good stretch, tug and pull on both the front and sides.   a sl st in 1^st sc st.



Photo 6





Please 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:  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

11/28- Sharing the excellent feedback received from a few plarn crocheters - RecycleCindy and KristyRecycles ....

1) Both used a ch base of 28 w/hdc in 2nd chain from hook instead of the ch 22 I used. RecycleCindy is using newspaper sleeve plastic yarn which would have a completely different texture/thickness than the Dollar General or Lowe's plastic yarn I have used.


This confirms my previous comments of what to consider when using plarn for any project -
a) the type of plastic bag - textures/thickness differs
b) tension - loose or tight crochet stitch
c) width of plastic strip - determines gauge


2) Ch 2 at row end was used as an alternative for a more taylored edge.


More feedback to received -
11/30 - Received progress update from a fellow Craftster crocheter participating in this C-PAL:

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=364976.msg...  / Reply #18 … she even included pics …

This is so awesome!!! Keep the feedback coming -luv it!!!

Plastic Yarn Preparation

I can't believe the overwhelming number of responses received and still receiving for the C-PAL.  It really is exciting to hear from both crocheters and non-crocheters... 

Let me take this opportunity to address a few questions from the individuals not quite ready to take the plunge.  

Most are concerned with ....  where to begin / what to do first?   

For those that have never tried using plastic bag yarn (aka plarn), I have outlined below some helpful hints and tips:  


1) Where to find plastic bags:   Majority of the grocery stores (e.g. WalMart, Kroger, Winn Dixie, Publix, etc.) typically have a recycle container located at the front entrance.  You should have no problem finding an ample supply of plastic bags in the container.  The recycle containers are either a cardboard boxes (with or without a lid) or something fancier as a hard plastic green colored container with a slot on the front for depositing.   

For this type of container, there should be a key turn on the side. Just turn the key, open it in front and choose from what's in there.   The recycle container could also be located in the checkout area.    If that's the case,  I suggest going to the Customer Service counter and letting the manager know what you're doing and make sure they have no objections.  I have yet to be told no  (but, I always have an example of a plarn item on me so I show them what I make with the plastic bags and the fascination puts them into a trance).  Also, be prepared for the stares and questions.  


2) RECOMMENDATION: Whether you choose to pick through the recycle container at the store or wait until you get home - I strongly urge, recommend, suggest you wear some form of hand protection - (e.g. playtex gloves, etc.). Over the years, I have discovered that people also use plastic bags for various other things (to be specific, dog poop) and they'll put those nasty plastic bags in with the other plastic bags. And believe me I have come across much worst than dog poop ..


3) Finding what you want:  There are many various types of plastic bags but amongst the popular are the t-shirt style most grocery stores use

and shiny merchandise/retain store bags .

 
If you're new to crafting with plastic yarn, I strongly recommend choosing the t-shirt bag as these are easier to work with.  The retail bag has a tendency to resist the crochet hook. 


4) Once you've picked the plastic bags you will be using for this project it's time to make plastic yarn.  You can access the tutorials on how to make plastic yarn on my blog.  The 2 creative ways are: 1) double-strand method (cutting the plastic bag into loops and looping the strips together) or 2) continuous strand method (making 1 long strand).   There are also other sites on the internet that also offers tutorials including YouTube.

As I indicated in my previous post, I recommend that a practice swatch be made prior to beginning the project because:
Not all plastic is made the same.  When using plarn, achieving a desired size or gauge is dependent on texture, thickness and strip width of the plastic yarn. 

Hopefully you will find this information helpful as you prepare for the C-PAL.  By all means please leave me any comments or questions that you might have.  Feel free to email me privately at plastiquerecreations@yahoo.com.

Let the count down begin - 7 days remaining

Crochet - Plarn Along

Let me be the first to invite you to participate in Plastique Recreations first

Crochet-Plarn Along (C-PAL for short)

Before going any further I don't want to presume that everyone knows what a 'crochet-along' is let alone what 'plarn' is. 

What is a Crochet-Along?  

An online virtual event where crocheters get together and work on a particular pattern together.  It is also an opportunity to share experiences, offer suggestions, and give helpful tips/hints to each other.  

What is plarn?  It is a creative way to reuse plastic bags by turning it into yarn.  [Plastic (pla) + Yarn (arn) = Plarn]

This C-PAL is being offered to give any yarncrafter who has always wanted to crochet with plastic yarn, but didn't know where to start, the opportunity.

About Me - My name is Teresa and I have been crocheting for 41 years.  I celebrated my 30th wedding anniversary in August of this year and have 3 fantastic kids.  My first experience with crocheting with plastic bags was merely by accident about 15 years ago.  I was contracted to make an item and had just enough yarn for the project but not enough to make a practice swatch.  I remembered looking around and found plastic bags tucked away in a drawer.  I figured out how to cut the strips into something that would resemble yarn.  I was so intrigued on the texture and appearance of the swatch I ended up making the entire item with the plastic yarn.  Needless to say, so did my client and that's what she ended up paying me for.  I have perfected my cutting technique over the years and have preferred plastic yarn ever since.   

Who is invited to participate in the C-PAL?  Anyone and Everyone.  Don't keep this a secret.  Help me spread the word.  Tell everyone you know that crochets -blog about it... twitter about it... facebook about it ...myspace about it...  and any other media venue you can think of.

The skill level for this C-PAL is 'Easy' so everyone from novice to seasoned can join in the fun! 

What is the project for the 1st C-PAL?  One of Plastique Recreation's original designs, the Wrap & Go Checkbook/Wallet Organizer.   

S&S Food and Home Depot plastic bag yarn

ACE Hardware and Red newspaper sleeve plastic bag yarn

Top pic - Taco Bell & Purple newspaper sleeve plastic bag yarn
Bottom pic - Lowe's and Dollar General plastic bag yarn

 

Why was this chosen as the first project?  Because of  the overwhelming number of requests received for this pattern and because it is 'EASY' for the 1st P-CAL. 


When will the C-PAL start?  It will start on Sunday, November 28th.

Where and When will the pattern instructions be delivered?  The first installment of pattern instructions will be posted here on Sunday, Nov 28th; 2nd installment of pattern instructions will follow on Thursday, Dec 2nd; and the 3rd/final installment of pattern instructions on Sunday, Dec 5th.

How does it work? Once the pattern instructions are posted on  11/28, 12/2 & 12/5, I will also update the following medias:

• Plastique Recreation's facebook (www.facebook.com/plastiqrecreat) page each time with the blog link.  Facebook is a excellent interactive tool that will be of real benefit for anyone that wants to chat real time. For the record - you DO NOT have to friend me on facebook to participate. My blog will be the primary point of communication.  However, you do have to friend me to participate in the real time interactive chat.

• Ravelry's 'From Trash to Treasures/Crochet-Plarn Along' topic thread.

I encourage anyone participating to leave comment posts for suggestions, questions and progress pictures on any of the medias - blog, facebook and Ravelry.  However, the best place for it to be is on the blog.  If for any other reason but for retention. 

Why is this starting on 11/28?Firstly) from now until the 28th, most of us will be pre-occupied with Thanksgiving activities.
Secondly) 11/28 is my birthday and I will be turning 50 this year.  The gift of giving is the best gift of all to receive.



Why is the C-PAL only lasting one week because normally they last much longer?  Christmas is just around the corner and after you make one for yourself, you'll be addicted and realize this will make the perfect gift.   Thus, giving you plenty of time to make up as many as you can in time for Christmas.

When does the C-PAL come to an end and how long will the pattern be available?  There is no 'official' end date.  Pattern instructions will be accessible on my blog and I will continue to make myself available to answer any questions via the blog or facebook for past, present and future C-PALs that I am planning.  Continue to crochet at your own pace and at your leisure. 


I really can't think of any other questions. I tried to think of anything someone might ask. If I missed anything, don't hesitate to leave a comment post. 

I hope you are as excited about participating in my 1st C-PAL as I am hosting it.

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions. Feel free to email me at http://www.blogger.com/.

Now on to pattern details for those who want to participate -

Plarn and other materials needed:
Important thing to remember about using plastic yarn:

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. 

• Plastic Yarn - 20 standard size plastic bags for each color.  This really is more than enough.  Everyone crochets differently (i.e. tight, loose) so this is to ensure you don't run short.
• Crochet Hook:  size H
• Craft Needle

Other Details:
FINISHED SIZE: Width-7 1/2"; Height-5" Gauge Info:  Typically, I don't worry much about the gauge.  However, I do recommend it for this project if you want to ensure the Organizer is a specific width/height that you want it to be. 

GAUGE: 5 hdc = 1”; 3 rows = 1 ¼”