how about a plastic bag CAL? [Archive] - Page 2

crochetingfool

July 3rd, 2006, 08:48 PM

I have never seen or heard of Sheetz here. :think

I finished another plastic bag tote bag, though! I really like this one. I want to keep it for myself. (I made it for my mom, though.) It's all out of white WalMart bags.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/TPryst/th_Picture947.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/TPryst/Picture947.jpg)

(Clickable Image)

Now I want to do a blue and white striped one.

Tina

Tina ~~

Great looking bag!!

Linda :hook

http://photos.yahoo.com/yetieddy

mimi_mia

July 3rd, 2006, 08:50 PM

Linda the stripes are awesome, I love it :manyheart

Mom w/a Motif

July 3rd, 2006, 09:04 PM

Thank you everyone.

Linda~ I love the black and white bag! It looks like a zebra stripe. Did you do it like that or was it just the way it came out? Really cool. :manyheart

Tina

crochetingfool

July 3rd, 2006, 09:20 PM

Thank you everyone.

Linda~ I love the black and white bag! It looks like a zebra stripe. Did you do it like that or was it just the way it came out? Really cool. :manyheart

Tina

Tina~~

It was my husbands idea....he's my helper putting together the loops....he suggested why not do one that is one black strip then a white strip...so he made a big ball of plastic yarn for me and I crocheted it...turned out pretty cool looking huh? I'm going to try it with other colors too.

Linda :hook

BarbaraJean

July 3rd, 2006, 09:53 PM

Looks like they're on the East Coast, mainly... Virginia, Pennsylvania... Oh well.

Thanks Barbara Jean! :)

Yeah, my sister works at one in eastern WV, I live in western WV and we don't even have them here. We always watch for them when we're traveling though.

crochetingfool

July 3rd, 2006, 10:30 PM

WE don't have Sheetz stores in California yet....must be an east coast store.....darn...the bags sound pretty!

Linda :hook

squish_52

July 4th, 2006, 06:29 PM

Barbara Jean: the bags really are pretty...and they are really only on east coast, based out of altoona...mybe your sister could score you some? teehee... i stop there alot i think i'm gonna try to collect them

crochetingfool

July 4th, 2006, 07:04 PM

Just finished another bag....this one in blue, grey, black and white. :cheer

http://photos.yahoo.com/yetieddy

Linda :hook

Mom w/a Motif

July 4th, 2006, 07:30 PM

Wow Linda you are fast! I like that one, too. :hook

Tina

crochetingfool

July 4th, 2006, 09:27 PM

Wow Linda you are fast! I like that one, too. :hook

Tina

Thanks Tina!!!

My neighbor brought over about 5 bags from Disneyland she found in the back of her closet....I'm making a purse out of them right now......it's going to be a really neat looking design.

Linda :hook

http://photos.yahoo.com/yetieddy

Jozzie

July 5th, 2006, 11:03 AM

crochetingfool

July 5th, 2006, 11:29 AM

:cheer Crochetingfool, I just looked at your afghans and love them!
How many have you made so far? You must crochet faster than anyone I've ever seen! :eek Amazing!

Great idea about the plastic bags - i just through a bunch of them away yesterday, feeling guilty of wasting so many..... didn't think to crochet them!

:hug

Jozzie,

I've crocheted 100's of afghans. These are pictures of afghans I've taken pictures of starting 3 years ago. Before that I never took pictures of my creations. I have about 20 left at home. I usually sell them at craft fairs. I am a pretty fast crocheter. I also work a full time job, I only crochet in my spare time...:lol :lol :lol

Linda :hook

firsttimegrandma

July 5th, 2006, 11:43 AM

:clap :yes yes I am very interested in learning how to do this. I would really like to join in too.:yes

crochetingfool

July 5th, 2006, 12:04 PM

:clap :yes yes I am very interested in learning how to do this. I would really like to join in too.:yes

read this...and go for it!!!! Enjoy the addiction!

http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/Plastic%20Bag%20tote.html

Linda :hook

CrazeeMoi

July 5th, 2006, 04:47 PM

Well..... yes I am obsessed......you problably all know that by now. Went to Hancock Fabrics the other day.... saw a Dollar Tree so of course I had to check on their yarn lol then as I am walking to the fabric store....... I see a Party Time store!! I bought a roll of RED plastic tablecloth..... 40 inches by 100 ft. on sale.....6.49. NO sense of continuing to buy 1.00 tablecloths right? LOL And just think..... I can unroll this 20 feet a time, fold and fold it over on the 40 inches side. and then cut strips! yesssssss, no looping, just tying it together. So.... for those who sell their plastic creations and want special colors....... Party Time is the place or stores like it!

Mom w/a Motif

July 6th, 2006, 11:19 AM

I think I saw a Party Time store last night when we were out. It's about a half an hour away, but... :D

Tina

xampx

July 6th, 2006, 11:25 AM

I feel quite ashamed :blush
I will try my best to have some sort of finished item on here by next week! I promise!:cheer

Ladycrochat

July 6th, 2006, 01:32 PM

crochetingfool

July 6th, 2006, 08:12 PM

Here is another bag I made from black and white plastic bags....people are asking me to make a lot of them for beach bags as we live near the water.....this can turn into a "cash cow"!
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h157/DKousmat58/Crochet/DCAM0004.jpg

Hope you like it , it is done in single crochets....but every 4th stitch in the first white row and the first black row I work in the row BELOW the place where I should have worked it, so there is the zig zaggy effect....

Your bag turned out beautiful!!! I love it! :cheer

Linda
http://photos.yahoo.com/yetieddy

Redhead Deb

July 6th, 2006, 08:28 PM

Very, very nice. What are your black bags?

marnie413

July 7th, 2006, 12:01 AM

Here is another bag I made from black and white plastic bags....people are asking me to make a lot of them for beach bags as we live near the water.....this can turn into a "cash cow"!
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h157/DKousmat58/Crochet/DCAM0004.jpg

Hope you like it , it is done in single crochets....but every 4th stitch in the first white row and the first black row I work in the row BELOW the place where I should have worked it, so there is the zig zaggy effect....

Love the Bag! Question what would you charge for a bag like this since its recycled material? There is a lot of work that goes into making one of these. I have had a lot of requests but haven't done any for anyone other then family and they have been gifts of course.

Stacy25

July 7th, 2006, 12:30 AM

Ooooh I am so in!!! I bookmarked the instructions, and I just went grocery shopping today. I have about 15 plastic bags. Is that enough? Well I guess it is to at least get started, right? :hook This is soooo exciting! I never thought to make something out of plastic bags.

CrazeeMoi

July 7th, 2006, 01:34 AM

Welcome aboard Stacy!!

Mom w/a Motif

July 7th, 2006, 01:49 AM

Welcome Stacy! :clap This can get addictive, be careful! :lol

I went to get a gift off of a registry list at Target. When I was looking at the bag later, I saw on the side it says:

10 Ways to Reuse this bag:

1. Tiny Trashcan Liner
2. Doggy Duty
3. Water Balloon
4. Roadtrip Rubbish
5. Soggy Laundry
6. Ice Pack for Head Lump
7. Toiletry Tote
8. Kitty Litter Liner
9. Tomorrow's Lunchbag
10. Care Package Padding

Um... 11... Plastic Bag Tote? :think
Should I write them and tell them, or do one of you want to? :lol
Tina

purplepeaches

July 7th, 2006, 07:55 AM

Ive been so slack - mine has been sitting half finished for ages, need more "wool" - Im not entirly happy with it - esp after seeing these - but Ill finish and it will be my learner!
Im so in love with everyone elses though - you have all done such amazing work!!

Ladycrochat

July 7th, 2006, 09:25 AM

Thanks for all the nice comments everyone.....First off, the black bags are just some smallish generic plactic bags that are used a lot here in Morocco, they are about 12 inches by 10 inches......This bag took so many of these bags to make......I would say easily over 180! I don't count anymore I just keep gathering them ,cutting them up and crocheting away! You could probably get atleast 15-20 bucks for that tote bag................I am just going by the prices charged in stores for similar sized totes made from canvas....I know you probably think that is not enough, but considering there was NO cash outlay to buy materials.....you are charging for your labor.....maybe you could check on line and see if anyone is selling them on e-bay? But then you will be getting a ton of offers for them so you had better be prepared to make several!
http://cgi.ebay.com/UNBELIEVABLE-PLASTIC-SHOPPING-BAG-PURSE-TOTE-RECYCLED_W0QQitemZ130004487937QQihZ003QQcategoryZ6 3852QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Bethany

July 7th, 2006, 12:13 PM

Hee, all of the local health food store bags have something like that, too, and I keep thinking the same thing.

I must say, few of the grocery bags of my aquaitince are watertight enough to be water balloons. And they're not such tiny trash can liners if you buy one of the cans especially made for using grocery bags as liners: they have places around the rim to hook the handles on. Mine wouldn't work for a big family, but it's the perfect size for single-woman kitchen trash. (If I use the kitchen-size trash bags, I have seriously stinky trash before it's half-full.

Oh, CAL-related stuff? Let's see.

1) My mom just sent me a box of colored newspaper bags she's been saving in the mail. There are green, blue, red, orange, and yellow ones, but not huge quantities of each. Combined with the blue newspaper bags I've pulled out of recycle cans locally, they should make an interesting blue bag, at least. Maybe with green colorwork? Now I just need to figure out the best way to cut up newspaper bags.

2) I just got two 6-month-old kittens this week. When I got up this morning, they had dragged my current plastic-bag-in-progress to the middle of the living room floor and attacked it, but it appeared undamaged. :-)

Stacy25

July 7th, 2006, 02:27 PM

This bag took so many of these bags to make......I would say easily over 180!

:eek Well, then, I have enough for a nice chain! LoL I think I have about 30 more under the sink- hubby uses them for lunch when he forgets his lunch tote at work. Ah well...I'm sure I can find some paper bags for him to use! LoL
I went to Target today and they sell Glad bags for recycling, they're blue, and fit on my 13-gallon trash can, so....when I need some color I'll be sure to try them. :clap

jchinique

July 7th, 2006, 08:09 PM

cupcake

July 7th, 2006, 08:56 PM

I suppose I'm jumping in a bit late, but I'd love to give this a try.

I tried the loop method a while back but gave it up as it seemed to bulky to work with. I may have just cut the strips to wide...I'm looking forward to using the diagonal cut this time.
Anyhoo, I think the beach bag idea is fantastic. We are in NJ and have an abundance of yellow Shop-Rite bags (they have colored writing on them, depending on the season/holiday.)

If anyone is looking to trade some brown or tan, let me know. I'll post pics when I get it going!

welcome aboad! I only use the spiral cuts. I dont loop at all and they turn out fine. I am in and out of this CAL because I have decided my next one will have a more planned approach :lol . I discovered these lovely orange bags from the bottle shop and I may have to drink my way through a lot of bottles to get enough bags! I think I have about 5 so far... 1 from home and the others people have given me. It is addictive tho, and once people know what you are up to they start collecting bags as well. :D They are calling me the bag lady!

crochetingfool

July 7th, 2006, 10:02 PM

Love the Bag! Question what would you charge for a bag like this since its recycled material? There is a lot of work that goes into making one of these. I have had a lot of requests but haven't done any for anyone other then family and they have been gifts of course.

I've sold almost all of mine for $20 each. I can't keep up and I crochet fast....but as you all know what takes time is finding, saving then cutting and looping.

Found some cheap Black bags at the dollar store. They're for trash cans but so they're thin like a grocery bag....just fantastic to crochet with. The white ones come out very soft and looking like a soft white leather......go check out my purses..the one with the black and green stripe...it feels just like leather......

http://photos.yahoo.com/yetieddy

Linda :hook

BarbaraJean

July 8th, 2006, 11:44 AM

sprtsbear

July 8th, 2006, 12:37 PM

Linda, Those bags are absolutely beautiful. I'm glad you are making money on them. It is so nice to see your work appreciated.

Ladycrochat

July 9th, 2006, 08:55 AM

Way to go Linda:cheer :cheer ! I went to your blog and saw that you had 18 bags there:hook...Did you sell all 18? At 20 bucks a bag???? Like you made....360 dollars selling these bags!!!!????? :bounce That is like too cool for words woman! More power to you!:tup

sharoninseattle

July 10th, 2006, 01:15 AM

Thanks for the video, it makes looping alot easier.

Finally, I finished a plastic bag bag!

But first, here's the first bag I made, over the Christmas holidays, so it isn't part of the CAL:

http://www.duke.edu/%7Ebweber/PlasticBag1.JPG

That funny, stretched shape? That's what happens after you've been using them for groceries for a bit. :-) The most weight I think I've had in it is two half-gallon bottles of juice. I wouldn't load it up like I would a canvas bag, but it's pretty sturdy.

This is made from my Mom's stash of Albertson's and King Soopers bags. I ran out of King Soopers bags before the end but was pleased to discover that Harris Teeter bags are exactly the same color.

OK, my new bag, just finished at my SnB earlier this evening:

http://www.duke.edu/%7Ebweber/PlasticBag2.jpg

This is made from Harris Teeter and Kroger bags. The colorwork is done with tapestry crochet and didn't show up as well as I had hoped, but even though it was a pain I am encouraged to try it again. I tried a different style for the shoulder strap. I'll have to see which I like better.

Next up: I want to make a bag for my dissertation advisor, who admired my first bag greatly last time she saw it. Tonight I scored a huge selection of bags in various shades of brown and beige, now it's just a matter of deciding which to use. I sort of like the idea of a bag made of nothing but health food bags, but the Harris Teeter bags are such a nice brown.

I also have a stash of blue bags that newspapers come in, so eventually I'll try cutting those up. However, I actually sort of like the brown and beige bags: at first glance it looks almost like a natural material.

As an added bonus, if anyone's interested, here's a link to a video I made (http://%22http://www.duke.edu/%7Ebweber/Plastic%20Strips%201.wmv) of me joining the plastic loops together using a method I linked to WAY back in this thread. I think it's very efficient way of joining the loops (if you ignore the bit at the end where I pulled too hard and a loop snapped at a weak point).

I'm afraid the video is a .wmv since I couldn't figure out how to make it a reasonable size (it's 1 MB) in .avi format. So it has to be downloaded and played in something that plays .wmv files (like Media Player) in non-IE browsers. I'm sorry. I tried to shrink the .avi my camera made and I couldn't open it? If anyone has suggestions as to how to make the thing more web-friendly, please LMK.

Ladycrochat

July 10th, 2006, 05:31 AM

Bethany , that brown bag is incredible! No One would know it is plastic at first glance.....and, thanks, I like the video that you made for us...it is a very easy and efficient way of joining those loops without going "LOOPY":loco ourselves!.Very nice useing more advanced techniques too like the tapestry crochet to make designs.....and why not! Just because it is from plastic doesn't mean we can not design something beautiful! Thank you again for sharing your design and looping know how with us:hug

crochetingfool

July 10th, 2006, 11:38 PM

Sharon in seattle ~~~~ I love the brown bag you did a great job on it......don't you love working with the brown bags? I sure do.

LadyCrochat ~~~~ Yes 20 dollars a piece ...although two of them I gave as presents.. :yes

I started working on another bag that is brown with Disneyland bags in the center....it is turning out really neat!!! Got sidetracked on a rectangle granny afghan pattern...I'll post as soon as I'm done.

Linda :hook
http://photos.yahoo.com/yetieddy

Ladycrochat

July 11th, 2006, 07:26 AM

Oh CrazeeMoi!!!!! Are you still visiting this cal???? Did you ever post the pattern for those adorable bumble bee plastic bag holders that you made way back on post 61? Is your pattern available either for free or for sale? I would love trying to make some of those BEE-utiful bags!

(Editing) Sorry.....I just found the pattern for those little cuties over in the original patterns thread thanks for sharing them with us!

Ladycrochat

July 11th, 2006, 09:09 PM

To all you plastic bags crocheters who made bags with longer handles........what are your favorite kind of handles to make, and how do you keep them from getting stretched out of shape too much or breaking all together???

crochetingfool

July 12th, 2006, 12:05 AM

What I do is reinforce the area with a half double crochet when I start the handle and finish it...then when I come around for the second row on the handle when I get to the area where the handle starts I do a front post double crochet around the row below and the row I'm in...makes both side of the handle very sturdy...

Hope this makes sense.....:think

ps...I just finished a rectangle granny afghan go check it out...now I'm going to go back and finish that plastic bag made with Disneyland bags..

Linda :hook

http://photos.yahoo.com/yetieddy

CrazeeMoi

July 12th, 2006, 03:09 AM

Hello..... just another idea for you all. I thought of this over a year ago..... saw this snowman rug pattern and thought....... huh? white? a rug? then thought....oooooooh make it with white plastic bags!!
http://www.craftown.com/xmascrochet/pat9.htm

I am hoping to run across a Texas shaped rug I made a year ago using plastic bags, it's packed away someplace LOL

mimi_mia

July 12th, 2006, 04:39 PM

That is such a great idea...I love it!! :2snowman

TepperWear

July 13th, 2006, 10:17 PM

BarbaraJean

July 14th, 2006, 02:16 AM

Ladycrochat

July 14th, 2006, 08:36 AM

Okay, so after reading alot of this thread and seeing the amazing pictures of your bags, I decided to try this. Is it just me, or is it really hard to do? Or is it just the first round that's hard. I'm so disappointed. I was really excited about trying this, and haven't read anyone having a problem. Any suggestions greatly appreciated

When you are first getting started it is a bit weird....you have to experiment a bit with types of plastic (I like softer ones), hook sizes...I use a "g", and how wide you have to cut the strips of plastic ...I do about 3/4 of an inch. If you are using a very strong plastic you need a bigger hook and it is a lot tougher to do...find a lightweight plastic....maybe the kind the newspaper comes in and experiment with that...also good are the plastic bags that most grocery stores give out.....hint....ask them to Double bag your stuff (2 bags for the price of 1! tee hee). Try not to give up too quickly!

cupcake

July 14th, 2006, 08:59 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by TepperWear
Okay, so after reading alot of this thread and seeing the amazing pictures of your bags, I decided to try this. Is it just me, or is it really hard to do? Or is it just the first round that's hard. I'm so disappointed. I was really excited about trying this, and haven't read anyone having a problem. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
You missed my post then. :lol I tried it and gave it up. :blush

It is not for the weak wristed!

I can only do a few rows at a time and my hands ache. The first row is the worst, and I find grocery bags easier to work with. I do prefer the spiral cut which I find easier to work with as it is more like raffia. The plastic seems to slide better for me on a large 7mm aluminimium hook. It gets easier as you go along, but it is an acquired taste..

TepperWear

July 14th, 2006, 01:14 PM

Thanks everyone. I thought I was nuts. I did choose my thinner bags to start off with, and I was still having a hard time.

My biggest problem with doing this is that I've recently started to make an effort to become more environmentally conscious and have been bringing plastic bags to the grocery store so that I don't have to waste bags. I hope people really aren't asking for double bags just so they can go home and crochet with them. It's sort of defeating the purpose. IMHO.

Ladycrochat

July 14th, 2006, 01:46 PM

Of course you are right TepperWear! For this to be an environmentally friendly recycling kind of thing, well the bags should have been used atleast once in some other way......but if you are almost finished with a project, and you just need a few more bags of a certain color.....either you will find a way to get them somehow(raiding recycling centers, doublebagging your groceries, begging them from friends....)...or you will wait weeks until one comes your way again! Sometimes the desire to finish your project outways the recycling ethic!

Bethany

July 14th, 2006, 03:21 PM

I also try never to use plastic bags when I shop: I bring my crocheted plastic bags, canvas bags, or plastic Target bags I keep in the car for this purpose. I do slip up occasionally and forget to bring a bag in, but not often.

I just raid supermarket recycle bins to get my bags. (Health food stores seem to have especially good recycle bins.) It's also a good way to get tons of bags from places you don't shop yourself. Ironically, I now have WAY more bags floating around my apartment then if I actually got them while shopping.

jchinique

July 14th, 2006, 05:04 PM

I'm having the absolute best time doing this, and every day I'm amazed how much plastic we use.

I always try and recycle whenever possible, and have also been known to raid the bin at the grocery when I shop (hey, 2 cents off for each re-use, can't beat that!)

I've had my eye on the colorful "bagged salad" wrapper in the fridge, and this morning I cut up the bag we got from the vet when we picked up the dog's medicine. My bestest find of the day was one of those plastic leis that my son got at a party some time ago. It was trashed and coming apart and I was picking it up to throw away when I realized that if I kept unwinding it (basically a strip twisted together with string), I'd end up with 4 or 5 yards of colorful, precut "yarn"!

I have an idea to do totes with the jute-type cord that you tie newspapers with, strengthened by doubling it with the bag yarn...hmmm:yes

Ladycrochat

July 15th, 2006, 06:44 PM

Wow! Unraveling the lei from your son was truly INSPIRED! and the idea of working another sort of fiber in with the plastic is a good one I think, I know that it is recommended if you are thinking of making a rug.......gives the project strength and weight I guess.It seems to me that at the very beginning of this CAL there was someone who was making a rug.....and then I never heard about it again, maybe she decided to give up on it...I guess it would be a tough project to finish.
http://********************/plastic_rug.html

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=87737.msg827719;topicseen

CrazeeMoi

July 16th, 2006, 01:30 AM

Ladycrochat....... ummmm I have some plastic pom pom thingys lol bought em cheap at my thrift store. Saw them..... had to have to try to crochet with them lol

Here is my lastest bag holder.... I am not truly happy with it because I couldnt find my black bead for the seeds, if I have them, they are in the storage unit and I cant get to MY stuff for another few weeks. Black yarn wasnt working either so I just stuck on some little white foam and dropped my price ( was a special order)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/CrazeeMoi/Bag%20Holders/StrawberryBagHolder.jpg

Ladycrochat

July 16th, 2006, 06:38 AM

CrazeeMoi, it turned out great anyway!:tup

cupcake

July 16th, 2006, 06:57 AM

CrazeeMoi

July 16th, 2006, 10:10 AM

thank you thank you lol at me...cuz I didnt remember to say it was a Strawberry Bag Holder. I was debating on even posting a pic of it to start with! But wanted everyone to know I was still in this CAL lol

OK....... ran across some black velcro strips I had bought from the Dollar Tree, sooooo, now I have black seeds for my strawberry LOL (just cut in little triangles)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/CrazeeMoi/Bag%20Holders/StrawberryBagHolder3.jpg

Mom w/a Motif

July 18th, 2006, 01:39 PM

CrazeeMoi~ I like your strawberry bag. :strawberr Yummy! :P

Has anyone crocheted with bread bags? I'm saving bread bags, too, now. I just wash them out and let them dry. I used to wash sandwich baggies and freezer bags (I still wash freezer bags out, but don't use sandwich baggies much anymore), to reuse them, too. :2c saved, plus the environment...

Tina

Bethany

July 18th, 2006, 02:14 PM

I'd like to. I know it's a traditional thing to crochet out of. I don't go through that much bread, though. :-) By next summer maybe I'll have enough to crochet with.

Mom w/a Motif

July 18th, 2006, 02:58 PM

Woo Hoo! My mom is sending me all her plastic bags!! :clap I just talked to her today and she said I should be getting them today. She thought I got them already.

Mimi Mia- Do you remember where that leaflet was from that you saw the purse (http://www.etsy.com/view_item_sold_anon.php?listing_id=244111&transaction_id=82752) similar to the one CrazeeMoi posted about? (The woman who sold that purse on Etsy for $30?) I would like to make one like it, but I tried and it is coming out like this:

[/URL][URL=http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/TPryst/Picture943.jpg]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/TPryst/th_Picture943.jpg (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/)

Thanks if you can find it. Otherwise I'll try something else... ;)
Tina

CrazeeMoi

July 18th, 2006, 03:24 PM

MOM...... how about this pattern for a purse?
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=92096.0

Wanna try it? I will do it with you if you do, just need time to figure out which color bags to use.

midnightexpression

July 18th, 2006, 03:49 PM

ok I'm interested can someone explain this to me please?

Ladycrochat

July 18th, 2006, 04:29 PM

Mom w/a motif.....is this the bag you were thinking about?
http://www.etsy.com/view_item_sold_anon.php?listing_id=244111&transaction_id=82752
I agree with you, it is beautiful and it looks very easy! Hope this helps you:hook

Ladycrochat

July 18th, 2006, 04:48 PM

hello Veganfairylover, welcome to our crochetalong! The first thing you want to do is collect A LOT of plastic bags.....I am talking HUNDREDS, OK? Then you have to create a long continuous string of plastic and there are two ways to do this you can do it like this
http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/bag%20cutting%20instructions.html
or this
http://crochet.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=crochet&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nezumiworld.com%2Fcrochet_038. htm
you have to scroll down to the bottom to see the other method of cutting the bags up....Ok so then you are going to think of a pattern to follow, now we are just fooling around here and creating all kinds of new stuff, but to start I think you should try this pattern, it is easy and it gives you the full instructions!
http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/round%20plastic%20bag%20tote.html I hope you have fun doing this, and just holler if you need any help!

Mom w/a Motif

July 18th, 2006, 06:45 PM

CrazeeMoi, do you remember that purse on etsy you posted? (Yes Debbie, that is the one. I thought I put a link to it in my last post...) :think
I would like to make one almost just like it. I'm thinking about trying to do something else than what I have...

I don't know if I would want to do that other one~ thanks, though. :hug If I figure anything out, I'll share it with everyone here, too.

Tina

Shellybrook

July 18th, 2006, 06:59 PM

Vegan,
I haven't tried it yet...but I'm going to make like a beach bag or something. I have WAAAAYYYY too many WIPS right now to be starting another...although I started 3 since the time I decided to wait on the plastic bag thing.
http://frugalliving.about.com/cs/craftshobbies/a/blpcrochet.htm
I researched it when I saw this post and you make your "yarn" out of plastic bags...and crochet it into something cool.

Michelle

Ladycrochat

July 18th, 2006, 07:04 PM

Veganfairylover here is a site to go to to see how to do the hdc
http://www.anniesattic.com/crochet/content.html?content_id=67

I think if you see it; it will be clearer to you than if i just explain it to you!

midnightexpression

July 18th, 2006, 07:25 PM

thank you

midnightexpression

July 18th, 2006, 09:40 PM

I'm doing it I'm following a pattern with very few problems!!!!! woot!!!! *dances*

Ladycrochat

July 19th, 2006, 07:33 AM

Way to go VFL! I am glad the pattern is working up easy for you! Is this the first time you are working from a pattern? If it is you will see that it isn't that hard, and now the possibilities to make just about anything are just a click away!!!! This might be helpful to you...
http://www.anniesattic.com/crochet/learntoread.html
keep with it, and there will always be someone here to help you if you run into trouble....That is why Crochetville rocks!:2rock

midnightexpression

July 19th, 2006, 11:33 AM

this is the first pattern I've been able to firgure out thank you guys!!!

Ladycrochat

July 19th, 2006, 11:36 AM

It is a pleasure to help! Happy:) you are doing so well with it!:hug

midnightexpression

July 19th, 2006, 11:38 AM

I use to only be able to crochet on vaction but now my beds covered in yarn and I can't help but crochet

CrazeeMoi

July 19th, 2006, 02:10 PM

I call this bag holder....... Patriotic Bag Holder. Used only Walgreen bags since they were red,white,blue. Sigh, they are changing thier bags to red lettering on white. Then, since I now live in TX, I attached a shape of it to the bag.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/CrazeeMoi/Bag%20Holders/PatrioticTXBag.jpg

CrazeeMoi

July 19th, 2006, 05:49 PM

MOM... what problem are you having with the purse from the etsy site? the circle isnt laying flat? what size hook are you using for it? I can try to help you...... for me.....if I were to make it.... I would do hdc cuz I think its easier to do using plastic yarn. I have thought of crocheting an oval instead of a circle....

squish_52

July 19th, 2006, 08:56 PM

Good job!! and i must say that i actually got on the ball today and i have one half of a tote done! nothing fancy just something simple to use up the bags that have accumulated around here....

Mom w/a Motif

July 19th, 2006, 09:10 PM

I was just trying to make it up as I went. I made a circle. Next time I will try to do an oval, I think. I'll get out my oval rug patterns to see how to do it... :P

Tina

MOM... what problem are you having with the purse from the etsy site? the circle isnt laying flat? what size hook are you using for it? I can try to help you...... for me.....if I were to make it.... I would do hdc cuz I think its easier to do using plastic yarn. I have thought of crocheting an oval instead of a circle....

Ladycrochat

July 20th, 2006, 06:26 AM

This should help you out on the oval shape Mom w/a motif....
http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa100299.htm?nl=1

It is for a rug but ,of course ,you can make it smaller!
And I am looking forward to seeing your totebag Becca!
It seems to me that people either really love crocheting with plastic, or really hate it.......there do not seem to be a "Well ,I guess it's OK...." kinda opinions!

squish_52

July 20th, 2006, 12:44 PM

a tote pic might be awhile, cause i dont have a camera yet

Mom w/a Motif

July 20th, 2006, 08:01 PM

:lol Lady Crochet, well I love/hate it. I like it, but it really hurts my hands, so I can't do it for as long as I could normal crochet (with yarn). Thanks for the link to the oval rug I'll take a look at it later.

Tina

midnightexpression

July 20th, 2006, 08:44 PM

yeah thats true it hurts my wrist to crochet with it but its so much fun

midnightexpression

July 20th, 2006, 08:45 PM

and it helps the earth a little pain for some gain never hurt any body. go earth!!!!

Ladycrochat

July 20th, 2006, 10:05 PM

I am having no trouble with it whatsoever, it doesn't hurt me at all....perhaps I am useing lighter plastic or I am cutting it thinner, I use SCs, maybe that has something to do with it???? And I work with small balls of plastic, like a baseball size, then when it is done I make some more....maybe that keeps my hands and wrists from hurting? I don't know, but I wish I did so I could help those of you who are having troubles with this!

CrazeeMoi

July 20th, 2006, 11:01 PM

Doesn't hurt me either....... but.... I have been crocheting with plastic for over 5 years. I dunno, I use an N (use to use L)hook and do hdc, seldom do I do sc. I try to pay attn to how i crochet with plastic..... I think I might hold my wrist stiff

CrazeeMoi

July 21st, 2006, 03:56 PM

Has anyone thought of making AJ'S Dog Bone Mat??? I have no dogs but so want to make it! I am thinking of using just kroger bags since they are all brownish. I have some Cat Mat patterns too and thought ......ooooooh do it with the bags. But I dont have a cat either! LOL

squish_52

July 21st, 2006, 05:16 PM

i did something really cool last night, now keep in mind i dont care about what my tote looks like, i ran out of white bags but i have these colored ones, so i cut those up and made the yarn but i joined them randomly and it makes a really neat varigation...well thats all, i thought it was cool anyhow :)

CrazeeMoi

July 21st, 2006, 05:21 PM

It is cool to use different colors! Hope you can post a pic when you are done. White bags are good fillers too, do a color loop, white, color etc

Mom w/a Motif

July 21st, 2006, 05:55 PM

:mail I got a box of bags from my mom today! :clap Some white ones, and tan ones. But there's a few light green ones that are really cool looking! And a couple bright yellow ones... And she rolled up every single bag. They look like a box full of roses or something. :manyheart (My fourteen year old said, 'Sha must have nothing better to do with her time.' :P

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/TPryst/th_Picture988.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/TPryst/Picture988.jpg)
I took a couple of pictures but they all turned out blurry like this, sorry.
Becca I can't wait to see how your bag turns out!
Tina

AuntyM

July 21st, 2006, 09:48 PM

I was doing so well on my plastic bag. We are dogsitting my daughter's dogs (a beagle & a basset hound) while they are on a mini-vacation. Mr. Basset Hound apparently has a love of plastic bags..... you guessed it! He got into it and chewed a hole into it (on the bottom). I frogged it to the hole and will have to start over. *sigh* I am not a happy crocheter!

squish_52

July 21st, 2006, 09:59 PM

oh that's horrid! good luck on froggin it, plastic bags once crocheted dont like to come undone :(

jadyn05

July 21st, 2006, 10:58 PM

Well I seem to be here and gone and here and gone, but now I'm here :cheer . And this looks very interesting to me, checked out Marlo's page, and finally know what to do with all those Wal-Mart bags I have everywhere! So, I'm gonna get started, and show ya what happens when you give me a hook and a wally world bag.:hook

Ada

CrazeeMoi

July 21st, 2006, 11:07 PM

AuntyM.........awwwwwww sorry that happened to you
Jadyn05 Welcome to the CAL!! looking forward to what you make!

Mom w/a Motif

July 21st, 2006, 11:24 PM

AuntyM!! :( Dogs will chew anything I guess... Sorry though it must be so frustrating! :hug

Tina

AuntyM

July 22nd, 2006, 11:14 AM

Thanks for the sympathy ladies! I'm going to have to start from scratch... After the dogs go home! Mr. Basset also got into my knitting bag and somehow got my Clover Bamboo knitting needles out of their pouch and chewed them up. I was so upset! My daughter IS going to replace those. My things must be so interesting. I've put everything away so there are no more disasters. They are coming today to pick up their dogs.
BTW Mr. Basset was inside because he was yowling & barking so much outside that I was afraid the neighbors would start to complain. It's amazing how much trouble Mr. B gets into when I leave him unattended for 3 minutes....

BarbaraJean

July 23rd, 2006, 02:21 AM

Ladycrochat

July 26th, 2006, 12:12 PM

:heeheeI've done a silly thing! I have started ANOTHER plastic bag tote bag, well....actually I am just in the making the plastic yarn stage......But I am already involved with the flower:rose CAL and I do not know if trying to do two :hook:hookCALs at the same time is smart....I guess I will find out:shrug!

squish_52

July 27th, 2006, 01:48 PM

i finished my bag last night and since i dont have a camera i dont have a picture...but my aunt thought it was the bees knees and i'm really glad she likes it! when i do get a cam i will post a pic :)

CrazeeMoi

July 27th, 2006, 09:03 PM

wooooohoooooo squish!! so, did you give it to your aunt?

squish_52

July 28th, 2006, 02:15 PM

yea i did and she's going to use it for when she goes fishing so like her swim suit and stuff can get air, while still being in a "plastic" bag :)

Ladycrochat

July 28th, 2006, 06:04 PM

That is so cool Squish:tup ! Glad you finished it:hook , and glad your Aunt loves:bheart it so much.....I am looking forward to seeing it whenever you can post a picture:photo!

squish_52

July 28th, 2006, 09:22 PM

pictures within the next week!!

Melibean223

July 28th, 2006, 10:44 PM

this is something I would love to get in on but I think I should get a little more familiar with Crochet before I attempt it. But definatly an AWSOME idea. I always save my plastic bags abut never had a use for them before. Looks like I should keep saving them though

midnightexpression

July 28th, 2006, 11:16 PM

I had an awesome Idea when I was getting school supplies on how to use the tote as a lunch box and line it with something I don't know how I would do it but yeah any one got any ideas? I mean because you see kids bring in plastic bags and paper bags but this one you could use over and over. ok well I must get back to my tank top for school and the tote

squish_52

July 29th, 2006, 09:32 AM

hey melibean, this is really easy if you have a HUGE hook, i used redheart N, and it goes really fast too even if u are just learning this would be a great way to practice stitches :) and have something fun and funky to use afterwards

Melibean223

July 29th, 2006, 04:18 PM

I'll have to look at my hooks I bought a starter set of hooks not sure how big they go, I want to find a pattern for a beach bag type of thing (hopefully an easy pattern) so when I'm done I can send this to my mom for when her and my step father go to the beach or out on there boat for there wet stuff. I think she would get a huge kick out of it. hehe

Ladycrochat

July 30th, 2006, 06:17 AM

Veganfairylover, I do not see WHY you have to line it at all. Kids that are using regular plastic bags don't have lined ones.......besides it will be so much easier to clean if it is just plastic. Still, if you really want to line it, maybe you can line it in felt....sew the same shape as the bag in felt, and then drop it inside and whipstitch it to the top of your tote, it would just make washing youir tote bag harder though IMHO........But I do think this is a great idea, maybe other kids at school will see your cool lunch tote, and want to get or make their own! You can make others to sell, or teach others to make them and really use lots of plastic bags up!

midnightexpression

July 30th, 2006, 03:50 PM

I just didn't want like water to leak out if I used a cold pack.

Ladycrochat

July 30th, 2006, 06:32 PM

I see....that IS a tough one!:yes I guess you can put a plastic bag on the inside of it somehow.....but I am not sure how...I think I have to think about this more:think !

CrazeeMoi

July 30th, 2006, 11:12 PM

Maybe line it with a plastic flannel backed tablecloth. Probably can get one for a dollar at a Dollar Tree or some dollar store.

midnightexpression

July 31st, 2006, 01:00 AM

yeah

Mom w/a Motif

July 31st, 2006, 05:09 PM

:lol Just an hour ago while looking at lunchbags in WalMart (and spending $12 on two...) I was thinking 'I wonder if I could somehow crochet the kids new lunchbags for school?' :think They probably would be embarassed to bring them, though... I think it's a neat idea though!:clap I could have saved $12...

On a side note, has anyone thought about making a button for this CAL? (I would if I knew how, but I am a computer dummy if there ever was one...)
Tina

squish_52

July 31st, 2006, 08:51 PM

hey mary, have you thought of just wrapping the coldpack in lets say paper towels or a plastic bag? or make a pouch for the pack out of old sheets or something?

Ladycrochat

August 2nd, 2006, 05:42 AM

The idea of a button would be great:tup.....But I don't know how to make one either:think . Maybe someone will come long who does! :dreaming

squish_52

August 2nd, 2006, 09:55 AM

I finally have pictures....not of the tote i did, but a new little handbag! it's so cute! please take a look and tell me what you think, pictures are on my blog

mimi_mia

August 2nd, 2006, 01:08 PM

Becca the little bag turned out so cute...I looked at your blog and you do great work, love the hats and the blankets!!!

CrazeeMoi

August 2nd, 2006, 02:02 PM

Your small tote is veryyyyyyyyy cute!! I may make a small one after all lol

squish_52

August 2nd, 2006, 03:43 PM

Thanks everyone! I love it when people comment on my work, and fellow crocheters..well never had that happen, so thanks for the positive feedback :) i'm working on another bag, a little bit bigger than this last one but i ran out of white bags, hopefully it'll grow when mom gets back with groceries

sharoninseattle

August 2nd, 2006, 11:00 PM

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l210/sharoninseattle/HPIM1648.jpg

Here is my first bag made out of the plastic grocery bags, I thought of this months ago and thought it was too complicated, but after I saw the video a lady posted on how to loop, (by the way thankyou very much or I would not have made one) I was inspired.

I used a size "g" hook and cut my strips into 3/4" loops :hook

sharoninseattle

August 2nd, 2006, 11:23 PM

I finally have pictures....not of the tote i did, but a new little handbag! it's so cute! please take a look and tell me what you think, pictures are on my blog

Very cute bag, I like the change of colors, I'll have to try that on my next one :hook

squish_52

August 3rd, 2006, 10:04 AM

Sharon, that bag is awesome!! it looks very sturdy in addition to very attractive :) thanks for sharing

squish_52

August 3rd, 2006, 05:53 PM

i've finished yet another one today, pictures are on my blog :) didn't turn out as great as i wanted it to but it's cute i guess

Mom w/a Motif

August 3rd, 2006, 06:55 PM

Sharon and Becca, both your bags turned out great! Did you put a button on yours, Sharon? I like it. :clap

Tina

jadyn05

August 3rd, 2006, 07:57 PM

ok, after making all that "plastic yarn" and attempting to do this, I've decided that this just isn't for me. So, i'm sorry to announce, that I am just not gonna be crocheting along here no more.... so sorry.... anyone want my plastic yarn tho? pm me

Ladycrochat

August 4th, 2006, 08:15 PM

Ahhhhh Ada! We shall be sorry to see you go, but admittedly this isn't for everyone! Still, keep coming 'round to check out our latest creations!I think the bags that you made Squish are adorable, especially the little one, I like the wooden handle look to it! very creative! The bigger one is great too....never know when you need to haul more stuff! Sharoninseattle, your bag is beautiful too....I like the longer handles that you made! As for myself, I am beginning my third totebag....the first two were a bit stylized, with stripes and working in certain patterns, but this one is going to be a riot of all different colors joined together in no particular pattern....I will post some photos when I have enough of it done for you to appreciate the color changes!:hook

sharoninseattle

August 6th, 2006, 05:42 PM

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l210/sharoninseattle/HPIM1699.jpg

Thanks Deb (ladycrochet), here is my latest Wal Mart one :hook My muscles between my shoulders are sore, I need a break :)

Mom w/a Motif

August 6th, 2006, 05:49 PM

Your bag looks great, Sharon! I love it. :manyheart

Tina

Ladycrochat

August 7th, 2006, 06:15 AM

Yes Sharon, the button and the way you made the handle are beautiful!:manyheart

sprtsbear

August 7th, 2006, 03:29 PM

Just wanted to show my latest plastic bag. http://www.crochetville.org/forum/http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/sprtsbear/th_PatrioticPlastic.jpg (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/sprtsbear/PatrioticPlastic.jpg) Made this one for a friend for her birthday. She is crazy aout Patriotic things.

Ladycrochat

August 7th, 2006, 06:24 PM

Very Nice Sprtsbear! And it certainly looks patriotic!http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_15_55.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSYYYYYYYYMA) !
I hope your friend likes it! You did a great job on it!

CrazeeMoi

August 7th, 2006, 06:42 PM

Loooooooooooks great!!! Very patriotic!!!

mimi_mia

August 8th, 2006, 07:49 PM

The bag looks great, love the red white and blue!!

Ladycrochat

August 11th, 2006, 12:26 PM

Here is an update photo of my latest totebag in progress
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h157/DKousmat58/Crochet/DCAM0053.jpg

It is mostly White,Lavender and blue but there are many other small spots of different colors all througout it!

Mom w/a Motif

August 11th, 2006, 12:38 PM

Ooo! I love the way you made the 'variegated' yarn! It never occured to me to do that. I really like it so far!

I still haven't worked on mine in a while. Maybe I should just give it up and do a pattern I know... :think

Nice WIP, though, Ladycrochet! :hook

Tina

Ladycrochat

August 11th, 2006, 12:50 PM

Thanks Tina, it is fun doing it in the variegated yarn because it is always a surprise to see what colors will wind up next to what other colors! Everyone who sees it says that they like it a lot, but it did take over a month to gather together enough plastic bags of every shade imaginable, the only color I did not want to use here was black, but there is still a bit of it, if there was, for example, a yellow bag with black lettering:

mimi_mia

August 11th, 2006, 12:50 PM

Wow that is turning out beautifully...I love the variegated idea too!!

Ladycrochat

August 11th, 2006, 02:20 PM

Thanks for your encouragement as well Maria, it is nice to know that what you are making is REALLY, TRULY coming out as nice as you think!:lol

sprtsbear

August 12th, 2006, 12:39 PM

I just love your bag. The colors are yummy.:cheer

Ladycrochat

August 12th, 2006, 06:24 PM

Thanks Sprtsbear:hug ! What are everyone else's projects looking like:think? Anyone have some photos to post?:photo

Mom w/a Motif

August 15th, 2006, 06:42 PM

I haven't started a new one lately. I had one I was trying to do but in a moment of disgust I threw it away... It had been sitting there for weeks, I really didn't know what I'd do with it, who I'd give it to.... My mom keeps sending me bags though so maybe that's a hint I should start a new one? :think I think the next one I want to make is going to be tan. After the kids are back in school maybe... And the tea cozy swap is over... And the baby afghan I need to finish before September 15th is finished... :sweat

Tina

CrazeeMoi

August 16th, 2006, 12:37 AM

I have only been making bag holders. Have 3 not done tho lol 2 cuz I ran out of Albertsons bags. Was helping my daughter move so I grabbed bags that were the same and cut strips and crocheted some then. I really want to make AJ"s bone mat with Kroger bags. hmmmmm dont have a dog tho lol

jezmay

August 16th, 2006, 01:56 AM

Well this will be my first Cal but I'm definetely in. I've got an idea brewing in my head for a big basket type thing for my washing. I'm headed back and forth to the laundromat a few times each week and think that a basket with handles will be great. I don't have that many plastic bags so I'm thinking that I will buy a roll of white garbage bags. Another advantage of this is that if the dye does come out of normal bags, I won't have any problems! Will post with my progress soon!
Jezmay

CrazeeMoi

August 16th, 2006, 02:48 AM

Welcome Aboard Jezmay!! A big basket for laundry would be great!!

Mom w/a Motif

August 16th, 2006, 10:22 AM

Welcome to the CAL and to Crochetville, too, Jezmay! :)

Did anyone see Tammys' snowman (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=32165) she crocheted out of plastic bags?! :eek
It's so cool! All but I think the scarf and nose are done out of plastic bags. (She says in the thread).

Tina

Ladycrochat

August 16th, 2006, 11:14 AM

Welcome Jezmay! Glad to have you with us! And welcome to crochetville as well.......you are going to LOVE it here!

I saw Tammy's snowman, and it was SO CUTE! It is just an adorable pattern and she did a wonderful job on it, but she said she didn't write the pattern down.......:no ......just sort of winged it!

At the very beginning of this CAL Karen4Christ was making a rug out of plastic bags, but I think she gave up.....I think I want to try that too...I mean....How many tote bags can you make after awhile??? Unless you start selling them....but an oval area rug will take a long time to make, it can be a running project....you know something that you work on in spurts until you finish it.

Mom w/a Motif

August 16th, 2006, 02:14 PM

Ladycrochet~ I think that is why I gave up on the purse I was working on. :P I was trying to make one (like the one) someone posted about that, the person sold on Etsy for like $35... It looked like an oval rug; which is what I was trying to do, but... gave up.

Tina

Ladycrochat

August 17th, 2006, 06:18 AM

Was it to tough to make Tina:think ? I read SOMEWHERE on line that to make a rug you are supposed to crochet with one strand of yarn:yarn held with the plastic, sort of gives it weight and strength.....So you gave up on it, and Karen gave up on it, Now I am thinking maybe it is too tough to do?:blush

squish_52

August 17th, 2006, 01:52 PM

i dont think it would be that difficult...what if you just did large grannies and sewed them together? that seems like a good solution and i have made a rug in this manner out of rug yarn, it can't be that difficult out of plastic, i would think a throw rug would be easier than a handbag...imo though

Ladycrochat

August 19th, 2006, 08:05 AM

Well Squish, I agree:yes with you that it can be done! I am looking around for a pattern or some ideas at least while I am collecting enough plastic bags to get a running start on it! I hate:thair starting a project and then having to stop it because I ran out of supplies! Don't know:shrug if I will make it oval, rectangular or from granny squares.....still thinking and planning! :think

squish_52

August 21st, 2006, 10:15 AM

i really like this one, i made a smaller version of it a few months ago

squish_52

August 21st, 2006, 10:16 AM

oh yeah hers the link oops http://www.*********************/crochet/grarug.html

Ladycrochat

August 25th, 2006, 05:59 AM

Becca, thanks for the pattern....it looks fun and easy to do....Still not yet decided as to what or how I will make it....that pattern looks like I will be saving plastic for years before I get started! LOL!

Mom w/a Motif

August 26th, 2006, 11:27 AM

Ladycrochet- Yes, I was making an oval 'rug' (for that purse), but I just gave up on it. I don't know why. (I wasn't using a strand of yarn with it, either, just if you are curious...)

Someone our family has been friends with for years (who crochets) wants to do a plastic bag! She doesn't have internet access, though, so I am sending her a printed copy of how to cut up the plastic bags and loop them. My mom was at her house, and she had the plastic bag purse I crocheted with her. So now she (the friend) wants to do one, too. :clap

Tina

KateCrochets

September 24th, 2006, 01:26 AM

http://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n248/katecrochets/crochet/th_plasticbag.jpg (http://katecrochets.blogspot.com/2006/09/plastic-bag-bag.html)
After lots of cutting, lots of starting, and lots of hand cramping... I've actually finished a bag! It's a mini-tote (purse size). I'm sorry the picture didn't come out better, and will try to get a better one when it gets back (I started Thursday, finished Friday, and entered it Saturday in the VA State Fair in the Trash to Treasures (Misc) category). I used birthday party tablecloths in purple, yellow, and balloon print - and a lot of lotion on the hook!!! There is more at my blog (http://katecrochets.blogspot.com/2006/09/plastic-bag-bag.html) (perma-link to entry) (and the picture is bigger)

maria isabel vazquez

September 24th, 2006, 02:56 AM

CONGRATS KATHERINE:cheer You did a wonderful. Thanks a lot for this great tips:manyheart :clap

Mom w/a Motif

September 24th, 2006, 07:30 PM

Your tote turned out great, Katherine! :clap Did you win any prizes for it?

Tina

KateCrochets

September 24th, 2006, 11:00 PM

Thanks so much!

I won't know for about a week and a half how I did. I'm going to the fair on October 5th for the speed crochet contest and a day of fried candy bars for hubby, pig races for daughter, and a few acres of arts, crafts, and displays for me :U

daisycrochet

September 25th, 2006, 12:48 AM

:)I'd like to take place in a plastic bag CAL...god knows I have enough to make something out of them, lol. (I'd probably have to go with the rug idea or maybe an bag)

Gretchen

September 25th, 2006, 09:57 AM

Oh I wish I would have found Crochetville months ago! I started cutting up and crocheting my plastic bags about six months ago - and of course never finished. You are all so lucky to have bags locally that are other colors - around here the only thing you can get is white and tan. BUT that can make a decent bag. I'm thinking of starting over - my plan is to make a bag to put plastic bags in - so they're not all over my kitchen and I don't have to feel guilty about throwing them away. Thanks for the renewed inspiration, everyone!!!:clap

KateCrochets

September 25th, 2006, 04:05 PM

Gretchen, one of the best tips I learned was that plastic crochet isn't just grocery bags. You can add in a little bit of color, but mainly use up your tan and white bags, by using other sources for accent colors. The red flags you get at Home Depot for long loads. The plastic tablecloths you use at birthday parties (and can get at the $ store and come in tons and tons of colors). Black plastic trash bags. Just a little bit of color can make the project less "endless" while crocheting, and really really cute when you're done :U

Don't forget a little bit of lotion on your hook - I thought it sounded weird until I tried it and it made SUCH A BIG DIFFERENCE!! :U And welcome!

Gretchen

September 25th, 2006, 09:24 PM

Hey thanks! The plastic tablecloth idea is a good one - I'll be scavenging this weekend for sure! :hook

daisycrochet

September 25th, 2006, 10:03 PM

:think Are we still doing this? I don't know when everyone is starting, but I'm already looking up how to cut the bags.

CrazeeMoi

September 26th, 2006, 02:00 AM

this is an ongoing CAL also...... think.... the bags pads come in too. They are thicker so dont cut them as wide as the grocery bags. When you have the time..... read all the posts. More ideas for bags are there plus how to cut them. Good Luck!! I have been making the bag holders. Its really easy....... the way I do it that is.

Ladycrochat

September 26th, 2006, 05:27 AM

I was sorry to see that this CAL had sort of run it's course; glad to see that I was wrong! I am making some shopping totes as holiday gifts for my kids' teachers! Will post some photos in a while..........

three4me

September 28th, 2006, 12:43 PM

I've been trying to stash any bag I can find to give this a try. I have so many ideas of things I would like to try to make. Like a pumpkin for fall, and an angel or snowman for Christmas, and of couse these beautiful bags you guys have made. Time, I need more Time. Along with my other WIPs/UFOs I don't know when I'll be able to give this a try.:think

DameErin

September 30th, 2006, 03:10 PM

I have a question and I wasn't sure whether to post it here or in the help section, but I thought everyone working on plastic would be here. I'm trying to figure out how to make a handbag. A few of us at work are trying to work it out, but I'm having a harder time. I looked at Marlo's website and sliced my bags, made my yarn and started crocheting, but it looks very large, as opposed to what everyone else's looks like.

I've got about 10 rounds done, and each individual stitch is about 1 by 3/4 of an inch. So far, the purse is about 16 inches wide. It looks like half of the Titanic, when I sit it upright. I'm doing the bag on her site, with all the HDC.

Is there a pattern somewhere that I can use that calls for maybe a smaller needle with SC or DC? Maybe that will make it look okay.

KateCrochets

September 30th, 2006, 11:58 PM

Marlo's Crochet Corner is an awesome resource - such great pictures and patterns for starting plastic bag crochet.

But you can use pretty much any pattern for crocheting with plastic bag "yarn", and any hook, so long as it fits the width of bag you cut. I have cut some bags very skinny - about 1/4" - and used an H hook. I have used 2" wide strips and a Q hook.

The "pattern" I used for my bag at the top is pretty simple, and adaptable. Basically, using single crochets: Chain 11. Sc in each 2nd from hook and each across (10 sc). Ch 1, turn, sc in each across (10 sc). Repeat for 15 rows total. Slip stitch in the end of each row and each stitch of both ends (50 slip stitches). Ch 1, sc in each slip stitch, slip stitch in first sc. Work in rounds of SC until desired height. Handle rows(HRs):HR1: ch 1, sc in first 14 stitches, *chain 20, skip 7 stitches*, sc in next 18 sc, repeat * to *, sc in remaining stitches, slip stitch to first sc. HR2:Ch1, sc in each stitch and chain around, join with slip stitch to first sc (76 sc). HR3: chain 1, sc in same stitch and next 12 stitches, *work SC decrease over 3 stitches, sc in next 18 stitches, work sc decrease over 3 stitches*, sc in next 14 stitches, repeat * to *, sc in last 2 stitches and join with slip stitch to first sc (68 stitches).

I did a row of reverse sc across the final row, just for finishing. You can make this bag any size (you flip it inside out at the end), just make the bottom rectangle bigger or smaller, and adjust the handles as you see fit.

Email or PM me if this is a little unclear and you actually wanted to use it. I'm going from memory.

Koalagirl9394

October 1st, 2006, 04:31 PM

I made
my first plastic bag ball into a bag

tygger428

October 1st, 2006, 04:55 PM

I tried doing a freeform (= no pattern) tote tunisian style with plastic cut up grocery bags. I gave it up because it nearly killed my hands.

rosebud5367

November 5th, 2006, 12:31 PM

HELLO I am new to this. Just got the internet and have been looking up crochet plastic bags. I was looking to see what other designs is out there. I am glad I ran into this page. I became a member yesterday and I really look forward to give some of you advice and I hope you can do the same for me. If your hands hurt try cuting the strips about one inch, if your not already, and on some crafts use double crochet, this is what I do my mother cuts hers two inches and I tried that some years ago and didn't like it and gave up. But I tried again about two years ago and that's is all I am crocheting with now is plastic. A tip that my mother does to help the needle though the stiches is vasoline or lipblam, she likes that better it's in a stick and no messy fingers, I rub the hook on my nose and the oils on my face help me, this usally happens when crocheting with trash bags because of the shine. Like to hear from you all.

Greenbeing Nancy

April 2nd, 2007, 12:44 AM

Other than plastic bags, do you know that you can use vhs and cassette tapes too? It's plastic too. I have started a blog encouraging others to use waste material to create crafts. The link to this information can be found at this link:

http://greenbeingnancy.blogspot.com/2007/03/vhs-and-cassette-tapes-before-you-chuck.html

I use plastic bags in my creation too. When I cut them, I am not particular about the width it will turn out as I just cut both ends off. Divide each strip into half to cut and divide half to cut again until I am satisfied with the width. I think that should make your work more interesting and unique from the others.

I have a solution for getting colours on your plastic bags. If you know someone who is painting house, pass them some of your plastic bags and ask them to clean their excess paint off their brushes on your bag. A splash here and there should make the plastic bag interesting. What do you think? Will acrylic paint stays on plastic? I will give it a try and let you know.

Check out how crafty I am with things plastic.

http://greenbeingnancy.blogspot.com/...row-check.html
http://greenbeings.netfirms.com/samples.htm

GinaMarie

April 2nd, 2007, 01:57 AM

I'm in!

I've never done this before.. someone tell me what i need. How many bags will this take? How wide to you cut the strips? How do you join the strips? I need a pattern suggestion.

Hugs !! Thanks !!

Greenbeing Nancy

May 12th, 2007, 12:31 PM

You can find some free tutorials and ideas at this link:

http://greenbeingnancy.blogspot.com/2007/03/vhs-and-cassette-tapes-before-you-chuck.html

Also, I found out from my friend that acrylic paint stays on plastic bags. So, if you want some colours for your bags, go find someone who paint with acrylic paint and have them clear the excess paint off their brush on the bags.

I have also used raffia strings, that come with the carton of eggs, I purchased to crochet. I have not completed the piece as I ran out of strings. Will post picture when done.

Happy croeating.