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.

PR Grab & Go© Plarn Wristlet

This pattern is for your personal use only. 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.

Here is a crochet pattern to a plarn wristlet that I designed to help me keep stuff inside of my purse better organized - making my comb, cell phone and checkbook more accessible. I also wanted something that I use as a wallet for quick trips into the store. Believe it or not, this did the trick!!

Skill Level: Easy

Measurements: Width: 6.75"; Height: 4.25"
Materials Needed:

• Plastic Bags: Main Color: approx 15 and Contrasing Color: approx 3 (Picture - Double-Strand Cutting and Looping method used with Kroger & WalMart plastic bags).

• Crochet Hook: Size I
• Craft Needle

Please read through the following information before beginning:

• To make a color change - pull the new color through instead of the old color when completing the st. Place the tail of the old color behind your work to crochet over it when making the next couple of stitches with the new color. This will save you time later when weaving in your ends.
• The ‘ch’ at the beginning of the round is not the first st.
• 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.
• Plastic in general is susceptible to ripping/tearing due to its very nature. So when weaving in ends or sewing stitches together, it is a good idea to maneuver your craft needle in between stitches or use the open spaces in between stitches to avoid splitting the plastic yarn.

Row 1: With main color, ch 22, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and across.

Row 2-14 (or desired height): In blo, hdc in each st across. Fasten off, weave in ends.

Working along the sides with contrasting color, *join with sl st at corner of end row, sc across. Fasten off, leaving long enough tail for stitching. *Repeat for other side.

Fold in half lengthwise with wrong side out, sew sides together with tail. Weave in all ends. Pull pouch inside out, being sure to poke out corners.

Round 1: Attach contrasting color in a corner stitch of opening, in blo hdc around.

Round 2: In blo, hdc in each st up to the 1 st from the middle, ch 3, skip the 2 middle sts (wristlet hole), hdc in next st and around to same spot on other side, ch 30 (less if you don't want a handle or more if you want a bigger handle), skip the 2 middle sts, hdc around. Join with sl st in 1st hdc. Fasten off, weave in ends.

Round 3: With main color, in blo sc in each st around except sl st in each ch of wristlet hole and handle. Fasten off, weave in ends.

Enjoy!!!

Copyright © 2010 Plastique Recreations
Designer, Teresa Wooley
Email: plastiquerecreations@yahoo.com

It's All In My Head - or rather - on My Head

Plastique Recreations launched it's newest product line - Hats

And, of course, these were made from plastic yarn which is also known as plarn [plastic + yarn = plarn].

The ironic part of it all, I don't wear hats - never did. I don't even try because I just don't look good in them. I created these not only for the challenge but even more importantly, to have something new and different to offer my fashionista and/or fashion-gent customers.

I have always admired ladies that wore wide-brim sun hats. These are the cutest things ever!!! So, of course, what was the first hat I designed - a Sun Hat with a wide brim.

But it's not any ordinary sun hat - I designed this so the fasionista would have options. This awesome hat was made from WalMart produce bags. And, you know how soft they are.

Here are just a few of the different ways it can be worn:

Then the baseball cap came next

And, like all my plarn creations, these are completely washable and stretchable.

So while you're protecting your head from the harsh sun rays, you're even looooooooooooooooking good while doing it. You have to admit, these are a definite eye catcher.

If you like these hats, wait until you see what kind of hat I'm designing next. Hint - fabulous sun visors but not just any ordinary sun visor.

Stay tuned......

I would luv to know what you think of my newest product line.

Thanks for letting me share with you!!!

MOLLY J. WALTER ... Environment Hero

As most of you know, back in January I did a blog post 'Until Plastic Bags are Banned' which was to draw attention to the harm plastic bags are to the environment and even more so, what they do to our animal friends. Until a permanent fix is in place, we have a responsibility to do whatever we can to keep as many plastic bags out of the landfill.

There are multiple shops on Etsy that take this responsibility very seriously. I refer to them as 'Environment Heroes'.

Let me introduce to you .....Environment Hero -

Q: What is the creative process you use to decide what to create for your Etsy store?Functionality is always first! If I can make something out of plastic that is usable and beautiful, I will! I don't follow any patterns, but just go, and then I get to see what comes of it. No two items are the same, which I really appreciate as an artist.

Q: Are you selling your products in any other online venue other than Etsy? At this point, no. But I have plans to launch my own website in 2010!

Q: Do you have any interest in selling your product in an actual store/market place? Yes! I have discussed some consignment with a few different outlet, but nothing seriously yet. I'd like to get a few more art shows/events under my belt first and have a few already scheduled for 2010.









Q: What are your favorite things to make with plastic bags? Rugs. They are so functional, practical, and can be machine washed, if desired. Rugs are fun to make with all types of plastic, in all colors and kinds of crochet stitches (i have even knit a rug or two lately!) and the BEST part is that guests in my home are surprised to find they are standing on hundreds of plastic bags (ie: my entry room rug).

Q: Take a wild guess on how many plastic bags you have to-date been able to keep out of the landfill? 6 - 10 thousand so far. I hope to use twice that much in 2010.

Q: What will you do when plastic bags are officially banned in the U.S.? I would just find something else to crochet with! It is a challenge to upcycle, a challenge I really enjoy. If plastic bags are no longer availabe, which would be great for the Earth, I'm sure I will find something else to create with.

Q: For someone to get to know you, how would you describe yourself? Creative, passionate, and dedicated. I'm always striving to improve my craft and stretch my abilities, in all areas of my life.

To receive additional information about her fantastic plastic bag creations, she can be contacted at: mollyjwalter@gmail.com.

See more of her designs at mollyjwalter.etsy.com.

And, if you want to meet her in person, she will showcasing her talents at the following upcoming shows:

• Crafty Wonderland, Oregon Convention Center in Portland Oregon, May 1st and 2nd (tentative)


• Recycled Arts Festival, Vancouver Washington, Esther Short Park, June 26th and 27th
  
  I hope you enjoyed meeting Molly J. Walter as much as I have.....

Please come back and visit soon so you can meet the next Environment Hero!!!!

Now Offering Plarn (plastic yarn) Kits

I introduced last week for the first time, since my shop has been opened, Plarn Patterns. Something I've wanted to do for sometime and finally took the plunge.




PDF Crochet Pattern - Medium Eco-Friendly Grab and Go Plarn (plastic yarn) Market Bag. This is just one of the 3, I'll be listing the other 2 (i.e. Mini and Mega) very soon.

PDF Crochet Pattern - Round Carry-All Plarn (plastic yarn) Tote









I'm really raising the bar on myself this year which as you know was one of my New Year's Resolutions. Here's another new for my shop ... drum roll please -

'I Can Make This Myself' Plarn Kits

So what made me decide to use this Tote as the introduction of the first Plarn Kit?

Petite Shoulder Tote

I receive emails from different individuals who tell me how easy I make it look. I respond with - 'it is'. Also, that they are very curious at trying it out but just don't know where to begin. For some of us, me included, taking that first step down any path can be a little trying. This is my small way of 'walking with you' down that path.

I designed this Tote as a 'first project' perfect for any beginner or someone who wanted to try their hand at crocheting with plastic yarn. It's not too big and it does not have a lot of variations. To put it gently, it's simple and 'petite'.

The kit comes complete with everything you need - a sufficient amount of plastic yarn, detailed pattern instructions with a picture gallery, helpful hints and tips... also included is a crochet hook.

So once it comes, you can sit right down and get started without having to do any pre-work.


As a token of my appreciation, it comes packaged in this cute little darning basket as my complimentary gift. You can keep all your supplies in this while making the Tote and when you're finished, use for the next project.

Thank you for letting me share with you my exciting news... please come back and visit!!!

p.s. Comments are always welcome...

BAGS BY MELISSA .....Environment Hero

Back in January I did a blog post 'Until Plastic Bags are Banned' drawing attention to the harm plastic bags are to the environment and even more so, what they do to our animal friends. Until a permanent fix is in place, we have a responsibility to do whatever we can to keep as many plastic bags out of the landfill.

There are multiple shops on Etsy that take this responsibility very seriously. I refer to them as 'Environment Heroes'.


Let me introduce to you .....
Environment Hero - Bags By Melissa

Q: What is the creative process you use to decide what to create for your Etsy store? I never really start out with a vision for a finished bag or wallet. It just sort of happens. I start out with a finished piece of fabric and then collage over it. I can find inspiration anywhere from bread bags to fortune cookie bags or sushi grass. I love to watch the bags take form.

Q: Are you selling your products on any other online venue other than Etsy? Not at the moment, but perhaps sometime soon. Etsy is the only online venue that I am currently using to sell my bags, but I do post many of them on my facebook page and have gotten lots of good response and ideas that way.

Q: Do you have any interest in selling your product in an actual store/market place? Absolutely. For a potential customer to be able to handle and try on a product would definitely have its advantages. I did have my bags in a shop here here in downtown Greensboro. I did a few holiday Bazaar's here also. I have a few places that have shown interest in carrying my bags locally and plan to get on that right after the Holidays.

Q: What are your favorite things to make with plastic bags? My favorite things to make with bags are purses/handbags. I get a lot of satisfaction out of turning trash into something that I see as beautiful. Often my handbag will catch someone's eye and they are wowed when they find out what it is made of. I also like to make wallets, business card holders and checkbook covers.

Q: Take a wild guess on how many plastic bags you have used to-date for your creations? It would be a very difficult guess as to how many plastic bags I have kept out of the landfill. Each bag that I make takes at least 8 bags just for the foundation and then I add on several layers. Best guess is that it is up over a thousand, maybe two. I bring my own bags to the grocery, and when I need more, I hit the recycle bin. I wish that more people would think to recycle their bread bags, news paper bags, food bags...etc.

Q: What will you do when plastic bags are officially banned in the U.S.? I am not really worried about what I will do when plastic bags are banned in the U.S. It would be better for the planet. We are currently drowning our oceans, our forests, and our back yards in them and I do not think that I will find a shortage of plastic bags anytime soon. If there is a shortage of them in our near future, I am a pretty resourceful person and will find a way or another passion.

Q: For someone to get to know you, how would you describe yourself? I am a Mother, a Massage Therapist and an Aesthetician. I have always had a passion for crafting and for re-cycling. y My home is decorated in found, refurbished objects. I was home from work about two years ago with acute tendonitis when a friend told me that you could make fabric from plastic bags. I was living in a town in Louisiana that did not recycle and had a mountain of bags that I did not know what to do with. My first couple of attempts at fusing were hysterical. Determination, trial and error is about the only advice that I can give. I gave up on the idea for a little while and started to crochet things made from plarn (plastic bag yarn). When I moved to North Carolina, my sewing machine came back out of storage and I went back to the ironing board. Once I got the hang of it, it did not take long for my creative juices to start flowing. I have always been the sort of crafter that only gifted. When I started making bags, the really fabulous friends that I have here encouraged me to market them. I was reluctant at first, but it has really been loads of fun. It makes me happy when I sell a bag to see the smile on the purchaser's face and how happy that they are with their new "green" bag. They also feel that they are doing something for the planet by carrying one of my creations.

Here are a few additional creative designs for you to enjoy:

Don't forget ........ Green is the new Black!

I hope you enjoyed meeting Bags By Melissa as much as I have.....

Please come back and visit soon so you can meet the next Environment Hero!!!!

FANTASTIC PLASTIC ....Environment Hero

Back in January I did a blog post 'Until Plastic Bags are Banned' drawing attention to the harm plastic bags are to the environment and even moreso, what they do to our animal friends. Until a permanent fix is in place, we have a responsibility to do whatever we can to keep as many plastic bags out of the landfill.

There are multiple Etsy shops that take this responsibility very seriously whom I refer to as 'Environment Heroes'.

Let me introduce to you ..... Environment Hero -

Q: What is the creative process you use to decide what to create for your Etsy store?
Plarn (plastic yarn) has become an increasingly popular material to work with. I started playing around with it about 4 or 5 years ago. Once I discovered the possibilities behind making wearable forms I was pretty much hooked. I am always looking to diversify, but for the time being the plarn accessories take up the majority of the shop. I have a few grocery totes as well.

Q: Are you selling your products on any other online venue other than Etsy?
Not at the moment, but perhaps sometime soon.

Q: Do you have any interest in selling your product in an actual store/market place?
Absolutely. For a potential customer to be able to handle and try on a product would definitely have its advantages.

Q: What are your favorite things to make with plastic bags?
I really enjoy the freeform accessories. Taking something like a plastic bag and making something sculptural and chic is a satisfying venture. It also just seems a little funny. Not to mention that moment others have when they see what you’re wearing isn’t yarn or hemp. Working with something that is intended to be worn provides an extra challenge. Aside from working with what can sometimes be an awkward material, I’m working with the body. I like knowing that each accessory is totally unique. Since I’m not working from a pattern each time I make something new it can become more complex with even more skillful construction. Good times.

Q: Take a wild guess on how many plastic bags you have used to-date for your creations?
I’m not sure I could guess. A lot. To give you a reference, many of the cuffs are anywhere from two to five bags. The necklaces are about double that. I have made larger items that took hundreds of bags. Also, I have a few large baskets of plarn skeins. This stash consists of hundred of bags. A decent amount for a one woman operation. Although, as we all know this is not even a dent in the massive amount of bags that still make their way to the landfill.

Q: What will you do when plastic bags are officially banned in the U.S.?
Well, when I run out… I run out. I suspect it will be a little while yet, particularly for those of us here in the Midwest. I have friends that save them for me. This keeps me fairly stocked up. There are always materials to be repurposed. Despite the current green movement, we are consumers. There will always be some waste. I’m a scavenger. I will adapt and find other materials to work with.

Q: For someone to get to know you, how would you describe yourself?
I’m an artist and college art instructor, both which I thoroughly enjoy. I prefer summer to winter, the city to the country, and dogs to cats. I have a tendency to speak my mind even when I shouldn’t. I love word and strategy games and can be a bit competitive. I watch a lot of movies and if I love them I will indeed watch them many times. I’m a scavenger and a collector and a domestic. I’ll make something out of anything that lands in my little paws.

Here are additional jewelry pieces for you to enjoy:

I hope you enjoyed meeting Fantastic Plastic as much as I have!!!!

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.