Sunshine but Windy Day Plart (plastic art) Yarn

As I was looking around my plastic bag collection, the Dollar General bags jumped out at me. I had to figure out what to do with them - something different. As the wheels were churning in my head, I noticed my Louet wheel sitting there looking sad and lonely.


That's when I decided, it was time to introduce another plarn color combination. I thought the yellow with black (Dollar General) plastic yarn and white with black (Winn Dixie) plastic yarn would be a perfect match. It reminded me of a sunshine day.




I looked outside my window and saw how windy it was and decided that my new concoction needed to reflect that as well. That's when I decided to throw into the mix the Raffeta. After it was all spun, this was exactly what I envisioned it would look like.

My spinning of this was a little different than normal. I plied the plastic yarn with the raffeta using different alternating combinations. My combinations were:

• holding the yellow plastic yarn and raffeta while spinning the white around it;
• holding the white with raffeta while spinning the yellow around it;
• holding the yellow and white plastic yarn and spinning the raffeta around it

I wanted to make sure that all 3 colors stood out and not one dominated more than the other. I did discover that while spinning with raffeta was fun it was also challenging because it kept getting caught in the spokes on my wheel.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38762662

I haven't quite decided what type of bag/tote to make with this yet. But one thing I know for sure, what ever the finished product ends being, it will definitely be ooak.

How to Make Blue Jean Yarn

Since posting my 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.

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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 ><><><