how about a plastic bag CAL?

[karin4christ]

I don't know how to start a CAL or who I need to talk to about one but I am asking if anyone else wants to start a plastic bag CAL. It doesn't have to be a purse. It could be a rug (I have a booklet on that), decoration, etc. Anyone interested??

[Nichole]

I am!

[fireandice]

count me in...always wanted to learnn how-to

[crochetingfool]

How do we do this...? I can give instructions on how I make mine.

In fact I just finished a Red white and Blue one go see....

Linda :hook
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crochetingfool

[Mom w/a Motif]

Hee hee_ I just went to your thread about your plastic bag purses and said, 'Did anyone see this CAL?', Linda. And you were posting here, meanwhile. :lol I would like to join, too. I am going to get the rest of my stuff out of storage this weekend, and a plastic bag tote in progress is one of the things in storage. (And a huge bag full of plastic bags.) I'm going to call my mom and see what color bags she has, that she can give me, too. :P

Tina

Marlo's Crochet Corner (http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/patterns.html) has instructions on how to cut the plastic bags into strips, and crochet with them. She also has a couple plastic bag purse patterns. (Scroll down to purses, it's under there.)

[CrazeeMoi]

OOOOOOOOOOH I am in !! I am in!! Working on some now and have some new ideas going too!

Here is some stuff I have made using bags.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v354/CrazeeMoi/Bag%20Holders/ (I posted this pattern here)

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v354/CrazeeMoi/Cro%20Plastic%20Bags/

[sprtsbear]

I'm in. Tried this once before, but could never finish. I'm cutting bags now. Never knew you could make so many things with plastic bags.

[Yammy]

I'm in too, have some bags already cut and waiting for a project :)

[karin4christ]

I've been looking around on the web for more info about crocheting with plastic bags. I went to google and typed in crocheting with plastic bags. I saved the links to a word document but I can't copy and paste the links here I don't know why. I'm thinking that I might do an angel in plastic bags. I'm not sure yet.

[lilmari]

i'm in :D i got some giant sears bags i been wanting to mutilate into a handbag

[crochetingfool]

I'm in too....I've already started a bag with Home Depot bags plus an orange bag, a dk pink bag and a light pink bag...then I think I'll go back to the home depot bags to finish it. It's looking pretty hot!

Do we just start this Cal and then show the finished product? I've never done one of these before...then ask questions of each other if anyone has any questions?

thanks

Linda Ü

http://photos.yahoo.com/yetieddy

[karin4christ]

Hi Linda, just join the CAL. Let us know about your progress, any difficulties, etc. We're just all here to have fun and encourage each other. I found a picture on the internet of someone that crocheted sandals out of plastic bags. I tried to post the link but I can't get it to work. I don't know whats wrong with me today.

[crochetingfool]

I saw that one about the sandals too....I'm going to try and make some out of plastic bags....hehehe

www.interweavecrochet.com (http://www.interweavecrochet.com) the free pattern is there for Seaside Espadrilles


Linda Ü

[KateCrochets]

I've never done a CAL, but I'm game! My biggest problem is trying to find colored bags :think

My Wal*Mart discontinued blue bags, and everywhere else has white with a very little bit of color stamped.

I have a bag started, but I need to make twice as much more "yarn" to finish it up.

Funny story about my project:
My (generally incredibly supportive of crocheting) husband asked what I was going to crochet (once I convinced him you could, in fact, crochet with plastic bags), and I told him about the market bag I envisioned for my eco-friendly buddy now living abroad.

"Let me get this straight," my husband said, "You need all of these plastic grocery bags so that you can fold them, cut them, connect them, ball them, crochet with them to make... a plastic grocery bag."

Well, sure, it sounds a little crazy when you say it THAT way!

[Mom w/a Motif]

Yeah, but at least it's 'free' yarn! :lol And, you're recycling.

Sounds like something my husband would say, too. I always tell him, 'You complain about spending money, but every time I want to do something 'free', you don't want to do that either...' (Like look for cool rocks on the beach, or crochet plastic bags into a crocheted plastic bag...) :D

Tina

I've never done a CAL, but I'm game! My biggest problem is trying to find colored bags :think

My Wal*Mart discontinued blue bags, and everywhere else has white with a very little bit of color stamped.

I have a bag started, but I need to make twice as much more "yarn" to finish it up.

Funny story about my project:
My (generally incredibly supportive of crocheting) husband asked what I was going to crochet (once I convinced him you could, in fact, crochet with plastic bags), and I told him about the market bag I envisioned for my eco-friendly buddy now living abroad.

"Let me get this straight," my husband said, "You need all of these plastic grocery bags so that you can fold them, cut them, connect them, ball them, crochet with them to make... a plastic grocery bag."

Well, sure, it sounds a little crazy when you say it THAT way!

[jobean]

I want to try making one too. I was thinking just a couple of colors but I googled this (http://www.diynet.com/diy/cr_needle_arts/article/0,2025,DIY_13768_3059465,00.html)and it looks kinda like those recycled silk yarns. I'd like to make a tote to take to farmer's markets but am worried I won't finish it if it's too big.

[marnie413]

I am in too I just started cutting up bags, one of the Doctors at the hospital where my sister works seen the one I did and wants me to make her one. So I have everyone i know saving bags.

[ChainOFools]

I'd like to join in on this one as well! I started saving bags before Christmas last year and cut up quite a few, I just didn't know how many you would need to do a medium-ish sized tote bag.

I think I saw a link to how to make the 'yarn' and a tote bag pattern on the cpc site, I will probably try that one. I think I saw somewhere too that it's best to use 'old' hooks, as the dye from the bags gets on them, is that true?

Is there a specific date when you want to start? Or is it just join in whenever?

[crochetingfool]

You don't really need a color scheme just use the bags you have around the house to make your first one....then after that start looking for different colors of bags when you go shopping........That's how I got started. Raid your friends houses...hahaha just say "do you keep your plastic bags?" :blush :lol


Linda

http://photos.yahoo.com/yetieddy

[crochetingfool]

Hey there....

I just finished another plastic bag....this one is a Surprise for Ava's birthday...hahaha won't be a surprise when she reads this though...hahahaha It's made out of home depot bags and three different pink bags from Asian stores...turned out pretty cool... check it out

http://photos.yahoo.com/yetieddy

I'm starting another one right now it's froms bags that are white with red flowers on them....

this is fun....

Linda :hook

[marnie413]

I'm starting another one right now it's froms bags that are white with red flowers on them....

this is fun....

Linda :hook
Hey Linda where all do you find your bags you seen to find so many different colors

[purplepeaches]

Wow, I think I can manage this - so Im in please. Now to find a pattern I like and to find boys free time to cut my "wool".

Linda how did you make your bags - the square ones - I love em!

[karin4christ]

I've cut up every plastic bag that I own. I MUST go shopping tomorrow. I'll get groceries but only because I need the bags! I only have the white bags too. No yellow or blue or red. I'll have to keep my eyes open. I've decided that I'm going to do two projects. The first one is a throw rug for my laundry room. The second is an angel. The pattern calls for it to be made out of thread. So it will be interesting to see how big it turns out. I thought I would put it outside my front door at Christmas time. Keep crocheting everyone! :)

[purplepeaches]

How many bags roughly to make a decent ball of "wool"? Ive spent all arvo cutting and conecting, its about the width and hieght of my 2 fists next to each other. i want to make a tote like bag - similar to lindas brown one (except I only have yucky white bags and a couple of blue)

[fireandice]

got my baggies all cut and ready to go... :hook
all I need now is a cute pattern
anyone wanna share theirs ??? :devil

huggz

[crochetingfool]

It takes about 50 to 60 bags depending on how big or small you cut the strips....I make my strips about 3/4 of an inch.

I use a plastic 'K' hook. I chain about 32 to 34 stitches...single crochet across the beginning chain then increase 3 stitches on end and continue on the opposite side of the chain to the end put 3 stitches in the end and continue single crocheting around and around (do not join) add colors when you want...if you want the bag wider continue to increase on the ends of the bag when you've reached how wide you want it stop increasing and continue crocheting. I usually just increase on the first row on my bags.
For the handles...I eyeball it. Crochet to where you think the start of the handle should be then chain about 30 stitches skip about 10 stitches and connect to the purse.. If you eye ball it thru trial and error you'll see what I mean. Then do the same on the opposite side or just lay the bag flat and match to other side. Crochet two more rounds and crochet into the handle...thats it.

I've almost finished a white bag with red writing..looks like a peppermint to me...I post when finished.

enjoy and start crocheting...

You can always do the same thing but make it round start like you would for a circle granny.

Linda :hook

http://photos.yahoo.com/yetieddy

[mimi_mia]

I have so many bags to use I should get in on this one.....I hope everyone will post pictures...I would love to see other than purses made so that I could be inspired to make something exciting with my bags.:hook

[CrazeeMoi]

A suggestion for the ladies who only have white bags.... think plastic bags!! bags from frozen foods (yes, wash out really well), bags from pads, toilet paper and paper towels. These type of bags are usually thick, just dont cut them as wide as your grocery bags! Hope this helps you!

[lildumpling]

My lighted, animated deer where stolen the night I placed them out during the Christmas holidays. :cry

Since then, I've thought :think about trying to crochet deer made from plastic bags. That way, the deer would live through the rain and snow, and be less costly to replace.

Has anyone ever done this? Could this type of plastic bag project hold up in the weather? :yes / :no TIA

[karin4christ]

I don't know for a fact but I would think that the plastic bags would be fairly durable outside.
I called my mom in Pennsylvania (I'm in Arizona) and asked her if she had any colored plastic bags. She doesn't right now but she said Foodland uses orange bags around Halloween and that she used to have some blue bags. Who would ever have thought that I would look forward to getting plastic bags in the mail. Are we all completely crazy about crocheting or what!! :yes

[crochetingfool]

I know I'm crazy about crocheting....my cousin emailed me from Georgia and said she has a tons of brown bags for me....I never thought plastic bags would get me this excited either!!! hahahahahaa :lol :lol :lol


Linda :hook

ps...

I'll be posting another plastic bag in a few minutes...the bags I used were white with red roses on them...the way the bag turned out sort of reminds me of a peppermint candy...

http://photos.yahoo.com/yetieddy

[ChainOFools]

Point of frustration....I started my tote bag last night while watching tv and during the Desperate Housewives season finale I not only ran out of bags, but our cable went out about 15-20 minutes before the end of the show! So now I have to wait until we grocery shop to get more bags, and I have no idea what went on in the show! :lol I'm more upset about the bags really, I only watched one or two of the episodes this season...

My bag is a little more than 1/2 done...one thing I noticed, and it could be just me, but the side of my thumb hurts, either from the pressure while crocheting or the fact that the hook I'm using has no indentation on it...I can't decide which. I did notice that sometimes I have to put more pressure on the hook than I would with regular "yarn" type yarn...anyone else have this problem?

[crochetingfool]

Yes I have to back off on making the plastic bags...my hands hurt after making a few of them...this is why I only use grocery bags now..they are easier on the hands.

[Yammy]

I'm planning on making a rug for near the litter box. I used to have one in canada and they are great cuz the litter falls thru and stays put. I did have a little fun with it however, had to do a 'test' swatch and I had tried twisting the 'yarn' while winding it, made a nice little pot scrubber that way :D

My hubby thinks crocheting with plastic bags is cool, it's lightweight, waterproof and free. I laughingly suggested I could make a little rain jacket and he thought that was a great idea.

[jobean]

I started crocheting my bag last night and after a few plastic bags my hand hurt too. I switched to a smaller hook and started to work much looser and that helped a little, the plastic doesn't pull through as easily as yarn so it takes some getting used to. Will this build up my hand muscles? I cut as I go to give my hand a break, just the thought of cutting up 50 bags would make me give up.

[crochetingfool]

I save bags for months...then I cut them up and put in baggies. My husband and I then spend about a week after work looping them and making balls of yarn...hahaha Then and only then will I start a purse. I hate running out of yarn. I can make about 5 purses in a row, then have to take a break for a while.


Linda :hook

[ChainOFools]

Hey all!

I found a stash of bags in my utility closet, so I was able to finish my tote bag! I used the pattern on the cpc site, but changed it a wee bit. I used bags from our local grocery store only, and a 9.00 mm (m/n) hook. In future I can see myself saving coloured bags from here and there and trying new combinations :D Anyway, without further ado:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/Kayncee/plastique.jpg

This is my first attempt at crocheting with plastic bags. I took the picture outside on our front lawn :lol Thanks for looking and hope everybody's projects are coming along well!

[crochetingfool]

WOW :cheer That turned out fantastic!!!!:cheer I love it. :clap

I love those grocery bags you used they look great!!!!


Linda Ü

[karin4christ]

Your bag looks great Kiki! :clap I better get a move on it. I started to crochet with my plastic bags today. I'm trying to make a throw rug for my laundry room. Its going well. But I didn't realize how many bags it would take. I can see this CAL taking awhile as I need to accumulate more bags. I'll have to ask the cashiers at the grocery store to put only in one item per bag :blush , oh, and to double bag the milk.

[purplepeaches]

The bag turned out great.
I this arvo but I didnt like the way it looked - I think I nee dto get a differnt sized hook - oh no another reason to go shopping for crochet stuff. ;)

[artemis]

Since then, I've thought :think about trying to crochet deer made from plastic bags. That way, the deer would live through the rain and snow, and be less costly to replace.


Well, golly, isn't that an interesting idea! I'd love to hear more about how you envison those deer!

[artemis]

I'm planning on making a rug for near the litter box.

I'd like to see this, Yammy, when it's done. How big do you plan to make it? Square, round, or oval?

[artemis]

Fabulous bag, Kiki! I love the speckled look.
Crocheters can save the world... one plastic recycled bag at a time!

[marnie413]

Great bag Kiki I hope mine comes out as nice.

Linda your bags are fantastic I am in love with the white with blue and the bright blue top. I think my next one I will try those colors I think somewhere i have some goodwill bags i saved.

[ChainOFools]

Thanks all for the lovely compliments! :blush I daresay I was a little bit skeptical before I started at how the bag would turn out, but once I got going I really liked how all the colours were looking.

I can see bag saving becoming an obsession for a lot of us! :lol

[Bethany]

First-time poster here:

How long does a CAL go for and how does it work? I have a bunch of bags that I want to crochet up both to make more plastic bags for myself (I've made one already) and to make a few as presents, but I'm trying to save them until it's pool weather. My apartment complex has a pool and my grand plan for some of the sunny weekend afternoons this summer is to float in the pool in a little floaty-chair and crochet with plastic bags. We'll see how that works.

My contributions to this thread:

1) Check out the link at: http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/beachbag.html I haven't tried the pattern, but I've tried joining bag loops using the method described (starting with looping all the loops over your arm) and I found it very fast and easy.

2) Besides getting friends to save bags, check to see if any of your local grocery stores have a collection bin for recycling plastic bags. You can swipe bunches of bags out of those. This is especially handy if you, like me, are trying to reduce your consumption of plastic bags. This way I can reuse bags when I shop without worrying about running out of bags to crochet with. :-) (Though between my old bags and the bags I got from my friends, I have enough bag stash to last me for some time.)

My mother has saving the colorful bags their newspapers come in for me... I need to bug her to send them to me. I also want to try making a bag out of clear plastic bags, and I figure that the huge bag I got back when I dry cleaned my oversized queen comforter should be a good start. I wonder if there's anyone at work I could beg some more dry cleaning bags from...?

[jessluvn31]

What a great idea!! Guess I'm going to have to post more messages so that I can join in next time around! I'll be watching from the sidelines to see all the beautiful things you guys make!!

[Yammy]

artemis: rugs to catch kitty litter out of plastic bags work really great, the litter kinda falls thru the rug and stays put instead of being 'everywhere'. I was planning on making one again but I have a more urgent need.... I need a small rug for the entrance to our tent when we go camping next weekend.

Also, I had a great idea for winding up the plastic bags, I used a TOILET PAPER roll as a spool and that worked great. hehehehe

[crochetingfool]

I use the loop to loop method of joining the plastic bags...plus my husband helps me. Then when I have enough made I start making my purses...

I was thinking of making throw rugs for in front of the washer and dryer. I was told the more you wash these rugs made from plastic bags the softer they get. Don't put them in your dryer...YIKES!!!

Linda

http://photos.yahoo.com/yetieddy

ps...found a bag used to cover dresses, it's huge and sort of a taupe color. Should turn out pretty.

[karin4christ]

Hey Linda I'm making a rug for in front of my washer and dryer. I'm using a pattern from a Leisure Arts leaflet (#2800) called Bag Rugs Book 2. I'm doing a "shag" rug. You have to make a long loop and then you cut the loop to make it shaggy looking. I was a little scared to cut the loops because I was afraid that they would just pull out then. I did notice one area that the "yarn" had come undone and was making a hole. I was able to tie the hole up but now I'm getting a little nervous. What if I make this rug, use it for awhile, put it in the washer to clean, open the washer door, and find fifty million little two-inch pieces of plastic bags?? :eek :eek :eek

[crochetingfool]

I don't think I'd use plastic bags to do that pattern. I would do a plain single crochet stitch or a double crochet stitch. They would hold up better.

On a shag rug you'd be better off using rug yarn or two strands of regular 4 ply held together.

Linda :hook

http://photos.yahoo.com/yetieddy

[cupcake]

well team here is my finished bag. As a first attempt I think it turned out ok. I used the spiral cut technique and then knotted the ends to get a continuous thread. I was impressed at how the colours turned out as I didnt realise how pretty the blue was. They are not from the same dye lot :lol so there are some slight variations. The bags are from out Woolworths Supermarket. I had fun doing this.

Thanks for putting me onto this!

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/5469/img78978sz.jpg

[artemis]

Also, I had a great idea for winding up the plastic bags, I used a TOILET PAPER roll as a spool and that worked great. hehehehe

When I made my plastic-bag shopping bag I cut the plastic bags by the fold and snip method where you then cut a diagonal between the slits. I found that I then did not have to roll the "yarn" into a ball. I just started at one end and opened out the bag as I went along. When I finished that bag, I just tied on the next one and kept going. It seemed to save a step in a rather tedious process.

[artemis]

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/5469/img78978sz.jpg

Gorgeous, Cupcake!

[ChainOFools]

Cupcake, your bag is gorgeous!! Way to go! I love the colours. :D

[karin4christ]

Cupcake, your bag looks great. I really like the light blue color of the bags.

[crochetingfool]

Thanks for putting me onto this!

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/5469/img78978sz.jpg

You did a fabulous job!!! I love it!!! :cheer

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

[KateCrochets]

Cupcake, great work! I've only worked with loop cut, and I really like the look/thickness of the spiral cut.

Your bag looks awesome! :D

[squish_52]

what is the best crochet hook for this?

[sprtsbear]

I'm using a M plastic hook. My project is on hold. I need more bags!:think :yes :yes

[CrazeeMoi]

Here are my latest!!! Bumble Bee Bag Holders

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/CrazeeMoi/Bag%20Holders/BumbleBeeBagHolders.jpg

[karin4christ]

CrazeeMoi, those bags are just too cute!

[purplepeaches]

you have been a busy lil bee ( sorry it needed to be said!) they look great! Im very impressed.

[squish_52]

those bees are the "bee's knees"!

[Ilene]

I've been lurking on this CAL for a while and I must say this is all the Buzzzzz! Reminds me of my granddaughter's first Halloween costume, you guessed it, she was a bumble bee.

[mimi_mia]

CrazeeMoi I love the bees, now that's what I wanted to see to inspire me to make something special with my bags......:bee

Cupcake I love the bag you made, those bags are the greatest color, I love, love, love it :manyheart

Crochetingfool I love the idea of making throw rugs with plastic too, and if they get softer when washed, that's the thing to do with them, let us know how they turn out!!

[Mom w/a Motif]

I just got all my stuff out of storage from Michigan. I found my plastic bag tote I had about half way done, plus two big bags of the blue WalMart bags (they discontinued the blue where we are, I couldn't find any anywhere; but I had some saved, that I was hoping I didn't throw away! Woo Hoo!!!) And, my mom had about thirty tan Kroger bags to add to my twenty five, so I might have enough to do something with there, too!! Yay!!! :yay

Tina

[Mom w/a Motif]

one thing I noticed, and it could be just me, but the side of my thumb hurts, either from the pressure while crocheting or the fact that the hook I'm using has no indentation on it...I can't decide which. I did notice that sometimes I have to put more pressure on the hook than I would with regular "yarn" type yarn...anyone else have this problem?

I have noticed that crocheting with plastic bags is really hard on my hands for some reason. I don't know why, but... Yes, it hurts my hands and no, it is not just you... :) And, your bag turned out great, Kiki! What store do you go to, to get those bags?

I love your bee bags, too, Crazee Moi!! :clap
Tina

[MonkeeGroupies]

Wow some people are already done and I'm just starting! I'm going to make the tote from Marlo's web site. This one will probably take me quite awhile, because I'm not going to take it to work with me; I just know I would get sick of explaining it every time someone walked in the break room :lol

[ChainOFools]

Tina, Glad you like my bag! :D Our local grocery store here, which I think only has locations Ontario, has grocery bags that are white with orange, navy and green accents in them, so it gave a neat speckled effect. And my thumb (and middle finger, too!) hurt for a couple of days after I finished my bag...but of course it didn't stop my crocheting! :laughroll
Crazeemoi, Your bee bags are adorable!! :clap

Monkeegroupies, I laughed when I read about your having to explain at work...about 100 years ago when I started crocheting, a much wiser and more experienced crocheting lady I worked with told me about crocheting with plastic bags, and I must admit back then I thought it was a little kooky, but now of course I've seen what can be done with them and think it's great :D

[BarbaraJean]

And plastic bags are free!

I have a pattern for a plastic bag dinosaur but I'm not interested in doing that. What projects are you doing and where are you finding your patterns, please?

[karin4christ]

Hi Barbara Jean, I'm actually crocheting a throw rug but alot of people are doing totebags. There are some free patterns on the internet. I haven't done any more work on my rug. I usually crochet very early in the morning before my girls are up. Crocheting with the plastic bags is a little noisy. But I'll need to find the time during the day because I'm anxious to get started again.

[BarbaraJean]

I noticed that somebody is crocheting a rug for in front of their camper door. That would be a great idea for me. Now, if I can decide to get to work cutting and joing the plastic strips.

Is this how you all cut and join your strips?
http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/bag%20cutting%20instructions.html

[Mom w/a Motif]

Hi Barbara Jean!! :hi That is where I learned how to crochet with plastic bags, from Marlos Crochet Corner. I am making the Round Plastic Bag Tote from her site right now. Welcome to this CAL! :hook

Tina

[BarbaraJean]

Hi Barbara Jean!! :hi That is where I learned how to crochet with plastic bags, from Marlos Crochet Corner. I am making the Round Plastic Bag Tote from her site right now. Welcome to this CAL! :hook

Tina

Thanks, I just checked and I still have some of Wal*Mart's blue bags. :clap

[Mom w/a Motif]

Thanks, I just checked and I still have some of Wal*Mart's blue bags. :clap

That is what I started my tote with, then Wal Mart switched to the white bags. :grumpy So, I made the bottom of the tote blue, and then am using the white bags up until the stripe. I am going to ask my mom if she still has any blue bags. Otherwise I'll just do a different colored stripe.

[BarbaraJean]

Ours are black and white now too.

I wonder how long it will take for us to start seeing plastic bags for sale on ebay? :lol

[squish_52]

it's all a question of supply and demand! there is a shortage of blue wally world bags and the demand here is pretty high! maybe we should all start knocking on doors? "hi ya neighbor! silly question, do you have any blue walmart bags?"

[Mom w/a Motif]

it's all a question of supply and demand! there is a shortage of blue wally world bags and the demand here is pretty high! maybe we should all start knocking on doors? "hi ya neighbor! silly question, do you have any blue walmart bags?"

:lol That is too funny, because yesterday I was in my sons' bathroom downstairs, and noticed a blue WalMart bag in his trash can... :eek 'Where did you find that bag?!' (My own family thinks I'm nuts!) :lol

Tina

[karin4christ]

Great, I can see it now. Besides trying to hide our yarn stashes, we now have to find more places to hide our plastic bag stashes!:eek

[marnie413]

Well my family already think i am nuts so adding the plastic bag stash to the yarn stash just confirms what they already think. :yes **** at the family.

[squish_52]

our friends and family will think we've gone off the deep end, the boyfriend already thinks i have...

[sprtsbear]

My husband has gotten on the plastic bag search. Yesterday he came home from work with a yellow plastic bag from telephone books that they delivered to his shop. I took it a put it away. We must all be going nuts!:lol

[Mom w/a Motif]

Here is my WIP plastic bag tote that I had in storage.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/TPryst/th_Picture863.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/TPryst/Picture863.jpg)
And the bottom:
[/URL][URL=http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/TPryst/Picture864.jpg]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/TPryst/th_Picture864.jpg (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/)
I'm going to see if I can find some more blue Wal-Mart bags; if not, I'll do something else, I guess (for the stripe).
Tina

[Bethany]

My friend who got me back into crocheting and taught me to knit is moving :sniffle:. Last night I liberated a bunch of the clear bags her newspaper comes in from her recycle bin. I figure that between that and my dry cleaning bags, I should be set to make a bag entirely of clear plastic bags.

I'm beginning to suspect my Christmas crocheting may consist largely of plastic bag bags. People seem to find them facinating.

Now I just need to get off my rump and start crocheting.

[Nicie]

I've been reading this thread and find it interesting but someone said they used the spiral cut method of cutting their sacks. Where can I find directions for this. This would make a great bag for my daughter to haul stuff to the shower at college this fall.

Nicie

[CrazeeMoi]

November 2004...... I came from Michigan to visit my sister in TX (to see if I wanted to move here) Anyway, I brought some cotton yarn and a few hooks. Brought a pattern I wanted to try ......with plastic bags. My sister gave me a bunch, her daughters gave me a bunch. I would sit out front to smoke a cig and crochet with the bags. I would see a neighbor ........go say hello, Im so and so's sister from Michigan. Would you have any extra bags?? LOL it worked too LOL Before I moved, I sold lots of fabric and was able to donate lots to a good cause. Yarn?? heck NO, brought all 10 rubbermaid totes. I was still buying it at garage sales right before I moved LOL plastic bags?? Brought 3 of the kitty litter buckets full of em . Now, and you think YOU are nuts? hahahaha I got ya beat!!
When I noticed Walmart was switching their bags to white (ugh ) I just asked for extras explaining I crocheted with em. OH ....... here is one I did recently. Stopped at a garage sale, saw their newspaper on the driveway, in a bright yellow bag, picked it up, took it them and then asked for the bag lol YUP I am Crazee indeed! All this yarn I have and I am back to crocheting with bags. It is so interesting to me. Kept seeing this tape wrapped arnd poles etc, wondering, what is it? Where can I find it? LOL was in Lowes looking arnd...... ah ha!! flagging tape and YUP I bought one roll of it, neon pink!! Thanks for reading my silliness. I love Crochetville!!

[marnie413]

Hey CrazeeMoi have you tried crocheting with the tape yet. I seen that too and was thinking about trying it Might have to run back to Lowes and get some. :think

[CrazeeMoi]

Nicie.........here is a link for the spiral cutting....scroll down a bit....
http://frugalliving.about.com/cs/craftshobbies/a/blpcrochet.htm


Marnie...... yes, I have used the flagging tape. Its an inch wide but its thick! I am using an N hook too. I think if I use it again tho, I just might unroll a few feet and cut it in half down the strip or maybe just only crochet with the tape. While I was at Lowes, I went down the cinder block area and guess the lumber part too. Had struck up a nice conversation with the cashier and got to talking bout crocheting with plastic. When I was leaving I noticed a box of deep fushia (?) plastic so went back in asked her if I could get some. She said yes and looked arnd (so I took it as I needed to be discreet). So got me some!! hmmmmm I need to go back and get more if they still have some! sigh....... I am so plastic bag obsessed!

[cupcake]

I've been reading this thread and find it interesting but someone said they used the spiral cut method of cutting their sacks. Where can I find directions for this. This would make a great bag for my daughter to haul stuff to the shower at college this fall.


Nicie


I have been using this technique and it works for me. Someone has posted a link above re this. I join the ends with a knot and crochet over this.

The first bag I made which I posted back a few pages, I gave to my secretary. She is an avid recycler and today bought me in a bunch of blue and orange. the orange are from the local bottle shop. :D

When I got the groceries on the weekend I went from trying to reduce plastic bags, to trying to get as many as I could. :eek

Yep I have PBOCD as well :D that is plastic bag obsessive compulsive disorder :lol and I think it is contageous!

[Hooked]

I haven't tried this yet, but I've heard that using a little hand lotion on your hook helps the bags slide over them better.

I have a huge stash of plastic bags that I've been saving to crochet with but still haven't gotten around to. I'm thinking a rug or a big bag.

[Nicie]

I was talking to my mom about collecting some plastic bags to do this and she told me my Great grandmother did this many years ago and used dry cleaner bags.

Nicie

[marnie413]

Well here are my first 3 bags i am hooked on this i have another one almost done and more planned. My sister laid claims to the one with the white handles and the other 2 went to the doctors where my sister works. Sorry the pics are not real good.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/marnie413/th_000_1003.jpg (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/marnie413/000_1003.jpg)http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/marnie413/th_000_1002.jpg (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/marnie413/000_1002.jpg)http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/marnie413/th_000_0999.jpg (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/marnie413/000_0999.jpg)

[CrazeeMoi]

Marnie........ hahahahaha another plastic bag obsessed crocheter they look great!

[squish_52]

Are there any really good patterns on the web for this or does winging it seem to be the norm? Also i'm having some trouble getting the bags to slide through my fingers, maybe i should change how i normally hold yarn? I dont know, help please

[karin4christ]

Marnie, your bags look great! I'm still plugging away on my throw rug. I need to make more "yarn" for it.

[Mom w/a Motif]

Marnie your bags look great!! :clap :clap :clap What color bags are those, yellow and white? Great job!

Becca- Have you tried putting lotion on? I don't know of any other way. I just have to take a break and go wash my hands after a couple rows then it feels a little better.

I got some blue WalMart bags in the mail this morning from someone really nice here at Crochetville. :wink And both the ends and handles are already cut off for me , all I have to do is cut the strips. So I'll be able to finish my tote bag I posted a picture of soon! :clap Thanks again!! :manyheart


Tina

[Redhead Deb]

I've been "itchin'" to try this ever since I saw it on another thread. I have no pretty colors, only white, but I think I'll start cutting. Maybe by the time I'm ready for a stripe, I can find a pretty color. I love knowing that I'm not the only one that is looking for used bags to crochet!

[CrazeeMoi]

Redhead Deb...... are your bags solid white? or do they have color printing on them? If so, they turn out all pretty and speckled looking.

[KateCrochets]

I had the same problem with only white bags. Some had blue print on the front (Food Lion), some had black print (Walmart), but only on a portion of one side.

I'm a wee bit anal-retentive, so I seperated out my bits of bag when I cut:

All white
Bit of print
Lot of print


By using my sections like "different colors", even though the bag is mainly white, the speckles make it look almost like a tonal white plastic yarn :)

I will say again, though, this added a bit of time to the "yarn creation" process, for a very subtle effect. But when you only have white, it's a way to still have dimension to your project!

[crochetingfool]

Well here are my first 3 bags i am hooked on this i have another one almost done and more planned. My sister laid claims to the one with the white handles and the other 2 went to the doctors where my sister works. Sorry the pics are not real good.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/marnie413/th_000_1003.jpg (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/marnie413/000_1003.jpg)http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/marnie413/th_000_1002.jpg (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/marnie413/000_1002.jpg)http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/marnie413/th_000_0999.jpg (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/marnie413/000_0999.jpg)


Marnie...

I'm glad I'm not alone in my addiction! I have PBOCD (plastic bag obsessive compulsive disorder) and have had it for well over 2 years now....hahahaha

These bags look great!!!

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

[marnie413]

Ok Linda now i know i have PBOCD lol here is my new one the white are meijer bags and the red is a garbage bag the local schools sell that say drugs are trash it really turned out nice http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/marnie413/th_100_0469.jpg (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/marnie413/100_0469.jpg)


Tina the other bags are made with meijer white bags and tan kroger bags.

[Redhead Deb]

Hi Crazee and Kate. Thanks for getting me back to my project. I cut a whole bunch of Walmart bags and just put all the strips in a ziplock. As I was cutting, I was wondering "Should I loop three plain white loops and then a printed loop?" (so the black would be evenly dispersed). My thought was that it would look tweedy but I didn't want blotches of the black. It sounded like a math problem to figure out the ratio between white and printed loops!

Kate, I like your idea of just looping "like" colors. I would have lots of solid white and a smaller ball of black and white. I also cut up some bags from Sprouts, which are mostly white wiith kelly green and black lettering, and I put them in a separate ziplock. I could combine the white with Walmart, then start another ball of green and black. By golly, I think I have a plan! Thank you, ladies, for giving me something to think about!

PS I "hid" a bunch of Joann's bags .........they have pretty pink and green lettering.

[purplepeaches]

Ive started my first - though it will remian half way done till i can add to my stash ( I have absolutly no waiting ability so i had to start) It looks not to bad , Im happy with it so far.

[karin4christ]

Marnie, I love the look of the red stripe in your totebags. I talked to my mother in Pennsylvania today. She hasn't found any different colored bags for me yet. All I have here are white or tan. She keeps promising me that Foodland will have bright orange ones around the time of Halloween. I don't think I can wait that long!:eek

[photojenic]

Maybe I'm being too picky, but when I'm linking my loops together, it seems like half of them are coming out uneven. Meaning, that one side of the loop is straight, and the other kinda hangs down. I'm trying really, really hard to loop them in the dead center each time, but I'm still getting this problem. Is that going to be an issue when I start crocheting them?

Also, I still can't find the directions for the other way to cut bags...on the diagonal (spiral?). Is that easier than making these loops? TIA!

[KateCrochets]

Maybe I'm being too picky, but when I'm linking my loops together, it seems like half of them are coming out uneven. Meaning, that one side of the loop is straight, and the other kinda hangs down. I'm trying really, really hard to loop them in the dead center each time, but I'm still getting this problem. Is that going to be an issue when I start crocheting them?
Short answer? Yes.

I've experienced exactly what you're talking about, and if there is a large difference in lengths per side (big hang down) it can make your piece bumpy (er) or have little loops sticking out (little).

What I have done, to help with "link sag", is develop what I call the "pinch method". I pull out the last link of the "done" yarn so that each side is even. Then I pinch it, about 1 inch back, so that there is a small loop between my fingers and the end just large enough to insert the next link. I connect the next loop to the pinched loop, and then repeat!

You still end up with a tiny bit of a sag, but it's barely noticable :)

[Mom w/a Motif]

I've noticed this too. I *think* it happens when you connect the strips, somehow. I've had to take it apart and straighten it out again a couple of times. But it helps to know how to crochet with it when it happens, too. Thanks KateCrochets.

Tina

[meadowlake23]

Hi, I made one of these bags a couple months ago and everyone thought I was crazy:no until they saw it in person.... my mom came for a visit and ended up taking it home with her:lol. I have a bunch of fred meyer tan and black bags cut and balled already, so I guess that is the color I will use:hook I am hoping it will look kind of like tweed :think what do you think?

Also i'm having some trouble getting the bags to slide through my fingers, maybe i should change how i normally hold yarn? I dont know, help please
becca I did notice before that I couldn't get it to slide through my fingers either so I wrapped it around my whole hand loosely instead. This worked for me give it a try:yes :no

[BarbaraJean]

Also, I still can't find the directions for the other way to cut bags...on the diagonal (spiral?). Is that easier than making these loops? TIA!

Here is the link to the instructions for cutting the bags in strips.

http://frugalliving.about.com/cs/craftshobbies/a/blpcrochet.htm

[Redhead Deb]

Photojenic, if Kate's "pinch method" doesn't work for you, try this.......put the new loop through loosely, in your left hand hold onto the knot from the last loop, then tighten the new loop by slowing pulling with your right hand.
This seems to help "center" the new knot so each side is equal in length.

I've been looping and crochet on and off today so the technique is fresh in my head. Good luck!

[purplepeaches]

I had the dreaded sag as well - As I wasnt expecting this bag to beperfect I just layed the slack tight so it overhanged on my next bit of "wool" and kept going - you cant tell where the sag bits were - well at least I cant anyway.

Has anyones elses upper arm been sore - a bit like after you have been working out? The one thats holding the wool? Or am I just a freak of nature? Its only while doing this its happening.

and I finally worked out how to hold the wool so it went through easily - normally I loop it twice over my bottom finget then up and through the middle and the one next to the thumb - but Ive found by only looping it once a bit looser it has worked miracles.

[meadowlake23]

hey do you guys think that black trash bags would work for this? like I said earlier the fred meyer bags are tan with black words so I was thinking that the black trash bags would make a great accent strip. what do you think?

[marnie413]

hey do you guys think that black trash bags would work for this? like I said earlier the fred meyer bags are tan with black words so I was thinking that the black trash bags would make a great accent strip. what do you think?
Meadowlake23..... I used red trash bags for the red and white one i made i just cut the strips thinner because the trash bags are a heavier plastic then the meijer bags i used
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/marnie413/th_100_0469.jpg (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/marnie413/100_0469.jpg)

[crochetingfool]

[quote=marnie413]Ok Linda now i know i have PBOCD lol here is my new one the white are meijer bags and the red is a garbage bag the local schools sell that say drugs are trash it really turned out nice http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/marnie413/th_100_0469.jpg (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/marnie413/100_0469.jpg)


I love it! Turned out great! I was looking was in my yarn room searching for more bags I stashed a while back and found some yellow bags...I'm so excited!!!

Linda :hook

http://photos.yahoo.com/yetieddy

[squish_52]

becca I did notice before that I couldn't get it to slide through my fingers either so I wrapped it around my whole hand loosely instead. This worked for me give it a try:yes :no

i will give it a try and see if it helps, i haven't tried lotion yet cause i cant wear it sometimes but thanks :)

[meadowlake23]

marnie413 thanks I will give the black ones a try:clap this will be fun!!

[Mom w/a Motif]

Well I finally finished my tote bag (thanks again, to the person who sent me the blue WalMart bags :D ) I realized on the last two rounds that I messed up the pattern. But, I was almost done and don't really care. This bag is for my mom. (Maybe she won't notice how I messed up, since she doesn't crochet.) :P I have another one started (different pattern though.) Has anyone else noticed the different colors of the Wal Mart bags? Some are white, some are kind of grey, and some have a blueish tint (like they mixed the white and blue bags to recycle them). Why do they have to make life more difficult? :lol
Anyway here is my tote bag, done. :clap

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/TPryst/th_Picture875.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/TPryst/Picture875.jpg)

(Image clickable)
Tina

[Redhead Deb]

Tina, that looks G R E A T ! What are the measurements? I think mine is too big. I was thinking tote bag but yours looks more like a purse and I love it!

[Redhead Deb]

hey do you guys think that black trash bags would work for this? like I said earlier the fred meyer bags are tan with black words so I was thinking that the black trash bags would make a great accent strip. what do you think?

I am using Walmart bags, white with black print so I did use a black trash bag (heavy, yard & leaf type) to make a black stripe. I just did one DC round of black. It was harder to work with but it looks fine. I was glad to go back to working with the grocery bags when the stripe was finished.

[CrazeeMoi]

wooooohoooo Tina looks great!!!

Redhead.......if you use those type of bags again.. cut them narrower. I use the thinner type and have to cut them wider.

[Mom w/a Motif]

Thanks for the compliments. I don't know how big it's *supposed* to be, but mine ended up with a base of 10.5", and about 13" wide, 9" tall. I sc'd when I started the blue stripe. (It has been about a year and a half since I worked on this thing so I don't know what I was thinking.) I should have been hdc-ing. So it would have been taller, had I been doing it right. :P

Tina

Tina, that looks G R E A T ! What are the measurements? I think mine is too big. I was thinking tote bag but yours looks more like a purse and I love it!

[Redhead Deb]

Oh, drats! Mine is 16-17 inches wide. I started with 34 chains, but did an extra round on the bottom so it would open and not be too flat. Now I've decreased a few stitches on the top to pull it in. It's 9 1/2 tall so I'm adding the handle right now. Think I'll make it a little longer to go over my shoulder.

Thanks for the tip, Crazee. I cut the black about the same as the grocery bags but only used one thickness. Guess I'm learning a lot about crocheting plastic bags.

[meadowlake23]

well here is the little one I whipped up yesterday afternoon... it is about 8" wide and 9.5" tall (not including the handles) I hope you like it:D the trash bags worked great!!
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e176/meadowlake23/P1010116.jpg I will have to make another one :hook maybe I should have layed it out flater for the picture... i swear it isn't all bumpy on the bottom

[Mom w/a Motif]

Meadowlake, that is cool! What a stylish 'trash bag' :P . Are those yellow bags or tan? Really cool!!

Tina

[meadowlake23]

Tina, Thanks:lol the bags are tan I was having picture problems because the trash bags are shiny and the tan ones aren't so the camera wouldn't get a great shot.. gald you like it

[Ladycrochat]

Hi Everyone! Can I play too? I have been working on this one for awhile, and as I get a lot of black bags here I am making it mostly black.....why stress myself out searching for hard to get colors? I am sure that I will search for some elusive bag eventually, as I am already paying a lot of attention to what stores give what bags! LOL But since this is my first I thought to keep it simple. I have family and friends helping me out saving bags for me, and it is incredible how interested they all are in my new project! So, I am thinking of adding a few interesting stripes.....but so far this is all I have...
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h157/DKousmat58/Crochet/DSC05640.jpg

[Mom w/a Motif]

Debbie- What you have so far looks cool to me! I have been using what I have, too. Which is white WalMart bags. :P

Tina

[Ladycrochat]

You know....I have NEVER felt so good about crocheting as I do when I use this plastic! This bag will use about 150 smallish plastic bags...that is 150 plastic bags that would be lying in a land fill somewhere or spoiling the beauty of our environment. Now they will be a useful bag for going to the beach or the market or whatever....and because they are waterproof....I want to make a smaller bag to hang outside for my clothespins.....or a tiny soapdish! It is so cool working in plastic!

[KateCrochets]

You know....I have NEVER felt so good about crocheting as I do when I use this plastic! This bag will use about 150 smallish plastic bags...that is 150 plastic bags that would be lying in a land fill somewhere or spoiling the beauty of our environment. I totally agree! Although, I kind of had to go through a crisis of conscience over recycling. I said basically what you said to my husband and he said "how is it reducing when you ask them to double bag your groceries so you'll have enough?"

Oooooohhhh. Burn. :blush

But I did what others have already suggested: I asked friends and family, and checked the bag recycling bins at the grocery store. You have to be careful to get only über-clean ones; I don't want someone's beef bag or something. A lot of times there are big bags in the recycling bin where they are still attached to the bag holder tabs (the last few bags on the rack, I guess... ), so I figure these are safe as they have never been used. A lot easier to fold and cut evenly that way, too!!:U

[Bethany]

I guess I'm not as picky about the recycled bags. You can always wash them before you start cutting. :-)

I try to aquire as few grocery bags in the standard fahsion as possible: I use canvas bags or my crochet plastic bag, and I keep old Target bags in the back seat of my car for when I forget to bring my nice reusables. (Though, the people at Walmart hassle you about putting stuff in Target bags...)

Nevertheless, my plastic bag stash has grown immensely since I learned you can crochet with them. I was at Whole Foods the other night and saw they have switched to using a very attractive off-white bag, which would be perfect for a bag I'm planning on making. I resisted the urge to let them bag my groceries in them (as I had by canvas bags with me) but liberated 5 from the recycle bin, along with some nice Harris Teeter bags and a BUNCH of the little baggies newspapers come in, some in yellow and some in blue.

Last night I sat down and organized my collection. I have sworn that I will crochet several bags (both for myself and as presents for friends) and then start recycling some of the excess, as this is getting rediculous.

I crocheted while floating on my floating-pool-chair last weekend and it worked great. Nicer than reading, since you don't have to worry about kids splashing you. I need to get moving: some of you guys are producing so many of these things, and I haven't finished one!

[Redhead Deb]

Meadowlake23, you must be the most creative among us, as you ventured into working in the other direction. Your bag looks great!

....and Ladycrochat......did you use trash bags or black grocery bags? Your bag has a pretty silvery look to it.

Well, my bag is basically finished. I think I will cut a few more bags tonight, loop and then add a slipstitch around the handle. Then I'll take on a new challenge........photographing and posting it for you all to see. That will be a first for me so I'll have to do a little research first.

This has been fun!

[Ladycrochat]

I only used simple shiny black plastic bags, I think the flash gave it more of a sparkle then it really has:blush !

[meadowlake23]

Meadowlake23, you must be the most creative among us, as you ventured into working in the other direction. Your bag looks great!:day thanks for the compliment, but really I just used a pattern that I found at a yard sale this weekend. it was designed for rag crochet.

[Redhead Deb]

Ok, Ladies and Gentlemen, here is my contribution to the CAL. The most exciting part is that this is the first time that I've posted a photo. Hope it works.....

here goes...



http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i31/redheaddeb/th_RecycledBag.jpg (http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i31/redheaddeb/RecycledBag.jpg)




Yippeeeee!! I think I did it!

[meadowlake23]

Redhead Deb :clap Great bag!! I like the stitch change in the middle it adds alot. great great job!!:yay congrats on the picture too:)

[mimi_mia]

My compliments to everyone on this CAL, recycling can be so much fun...I have rolled 2 large balls from plastic bags and hope to get something started soon!! :yarn :yarn

I've made a huge plastic bag tote in the past....I won't use it as part of this CAL but here is a picture of it...the flower is plastic too :hook
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b376/mimi_mia/IMG_0254.jpg

[artemis]

Ok, Ladies and Gentlemen, here is my contribution to the CAL. The most exciting part is that this is the first time that I've posted a photo. Hope it works.....

here goes...
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i31/redheaddeb/th_RecycledBag.jpg (http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i31/redheaddeb/RecycledBag.jpg)
Yippeeeee!! I think I did it!


:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap
Beautiful bag and a super picture.
You've done it all! Good job, Redhead Deb!

[Ladycrochat]

Oh Mimi I love that bag!you did really well, I am still stymied for awhile I need to get two bags of another color to finish my bag, I am always on the lookout for them!

[karin4christ]

You ladies are leaving me in your dust!! I'm STILL plodding away on my throw rug. Its turning out alot wider than I thought it would be. I went grocery shopping yesterday and so I have some more yarn to prepare for crocheting. I usually crochet early in the morning before my daughters get up. I don't dare crochet with the plastic bags as it makes a slight rustling sound when you crochet. I don't want to wake my daughters any earlier than I have to. Redhead Deb and Maria, I really like your bags. I actually found a crocheted totebag at our thrift store this past week. I got it and we used it for my daughter as a library tote bag. Its crocheted with yellow bags. Very nice. I wish I knew where that crocheter got her yellow bags though.

[Ladycrochat]

Oh No! Please don't feel that way Karin:hug ....you just chose a larger project! Honestly.....I am VERY interested in seeing how it is coming along, because I want to try to make one for my home too.....And Maria....how long did it take you to crochet that bag????? It would make a fantastic bag to use to cart around your work in progress....(WIP?)....I am thinking of making one of those too...can you guess how many bags it took?

[Redhead Deb]

Everyone.....thank you, thank you, thank you for your kind words and motivation! :manyheart

I'm really glad I got involved in this CAL. It was my first, and I really wasn't sure how a CAL worked when I got started. Now I know. I also know how to cut, loop and crochet plastic bags, how to create a photobucket account and upload pictures AND how wonderful my new crochet buddies are!! Thanks for inspiring me and for sharing your tips.

At this point, my leftover cut plastic strips, small roll of looped plastic "yarn" wound on a tp roll, and my post-it note with scribbled instructions are safely tucked away for another time. I still have, only not near as many, WHITE grocery bags. In the future, I will be paying close attention to pretty color bags and stash them away.

I will check-in on you all daily and will enjoy seeing more WIPs and completed bags. I'll probably even throw in my two cents. Thanks, again. This was fun!

[Ladycrochat]

Yes RedHead Deb that bag is very cute! and I think that working vertically was a great idea Meadowlake!

[Ladycrochat]

I have asked people with lots of kids to save Toys R Us and Babies R Us bags for me they are very colorful!
:manyheart

[sprtsbear]

This is my plastic totehttp://www.crochetville.org/forum/http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/sprtsbear/th_PlasticTote.jpg (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/sprtsbear/PlasticTote.jpg)I used a size M hook. It was fun to make and am collecting more plastic bags. A hint - when looping your strips to gether - after making a loop- when pulling next loop tight-hold knot of last loop and pull gently until tight. You won't get those sill loopies.

[purplepeaches]

Ims till waiting for five free moments to cut up my next lot of bags - but have been planning my next one anyway - this is very addicting - the talk of garbage bags has got me thinking - anout a black bag with a white skull - that way I can try out charted crochet as well. every ones bags look so great - I cant wait to finish mine!

[KateCrochets]

OK, guys, I have a new source for plastic bags for us... Japan (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060611/ap_on_sc/japan_bagging_plastic;_ylt=At2YpwfhJFXWPRvICzOGUCK s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3ODdxdHBhBHNlYwM5NjQ-):wink

The link is to a story on Yahoo! News about the high volume of plastic bags used in Japan. I'll bet some of them are different colors, too!

Anyone have a Tokyo pen pal? :U

[CrazeeMoi]

You all have done a wonderful job crocheting with the plastic bags. Warms my heart cuz I love to crochet with them lol
Finally...... been sick and had an order to do. She asked for a red one because her kitchen is themed in apples. Well...... I had to do better than that!! So tried to make it look like an apple. Then just had to find some a worm for it!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/CrazeeMoi/Bag%20Holders/AppleBagHolder.jpg

ack forgot I had another pic to post too......
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/CrazeeMoi/Bag%20Holders/MultiMesh.jpg

[Mom w/a Motif]

CrazeeMoi that is awesome!! You did a really good job. :cheer :cheer

I'm still on the look out for more colored bags, but I have another small tote started in white.

Tina

[Ladycrochat]

Those bags are awesome Crazeemoi; I especially like the very colorful ones:manyheart ! Wow! Where:think did you ever find all those colors? They are super....the apple themed one is fantastic too:cheer :cheer :cheer

[Nicie]

My son studied abroad in Japan last fall. I don't think that he brought one bag home. But I'll have to ask him about colored bags. He loved it and wants to go back.

[mimi_mia]

Crazee Moi, your bag holders are great!!! Wow I love them, the colors are fab, where on earth did you get such great looking bags???????

[CrazeeMoi]

Thanks for the wonderful comments all. Well, bags hmmmm last year one daughter bought me colored trash bags lol I also use bags from pads, bags from t paper, plastic tablecloths (which at times I find at yard sales or my fave thrift store really cheap) The apple bag is from a red table cloth from the dollar tree. About 5 years ago both daughters had newspaper routes from diff papers tho. So, I was able to get lots of bags from them. And when they quit, I got all teh bags they still had. I have no shame, if I am at a yard sale and see a color bag, I ask for it! Also explain to people why. lol sometimes my fave thrift has teh little party bags, 20 to a bag and I get them really cheap. Altho when looped, I probably only get one hdc out of it but hey, its a diff color! Sigh yesssssssssss I am plastic bag obsessed. Yeah I know...... its kinda supposed to be all about recycling right? but I will buy them! Last year after Halloween, Walgreens had the big pumpkin bags (the ones you fill with leaves) on sale....... 90% off.....now how the heck can I pass that up? lol
Think "plastic" , not just bags!!!
Plus,,,,,,,,, I have been crocheting with bags for about 6 years, so they do tend to accumulate!

[mimi_mia]

OK, now I get it....I will never look at plastic the same way anymore ;)

[Ladycrochat]

Me either!:lol

[sprtsbear]

Wow:yay what a great idea! Cheap plastic tablecloths. How would you put the loops together. I'm sure you can't sew them Crazzee, tells us how.

[KateCrochets]

Plastic tablecloths! CrazeeMoi, you beautiful, brilliant creative crocheter, you've just added to my madness with your revelation giving me my moment of epiphany for the day!

[CrazeeMoi]

Plastic tablecloths......... I cut them in strips, depending on how wide they are cut....... one way is to just tie them to each other. If its thin, tie each end together then loop them.

Oh another suggestion ladies for those of you who are having someone mail you bags. Story first haha, couple years ago someone from a diff forum offered to mail me some lavender bags. When she did, she had just stuffed them into a bubble envelope. I felt bad tho. Never thought to suggest to her to lay the bags out, smooth them out, cut off the handles and bottom seam. This will save on postage.

[CrazeeMoi]

Just a suggestion for the ladies wanting to crochet rugs with plastic...... I havent made this but want to some day lol
http://hometown.aol.com/tresarobinson/ButterflyPatternindex.html

[mimi_mia]

Thanks so much for that link I love it, also at the bottom of that page if you click the free pattern button it takes you to another rug pattern...very nice !! :manyheart :hook

[xampx]

I know its quite late on in this CAL but i was in my local cheapo shop today (InStores for all you Brits) and they had rolls of scented swingbin liners in different colours and smells. Ok im not so bothered about the way they smell but they were pretty cheap at £1.70 for 2, 30 bag rolls (about$3.15) and they are a consistant colour. I got Blue (Ocean smell) and Pink (Rose smell) so i thought id join this CAL. My last attempt at a plastic bag bag went a bit funny shaped but i will try harder and post with my progress.
Have a nice day
AM

[mimi_mia]

AM, that sounds like a great find...the blue and pink would look great as almost any design...I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with!!

[CrazeeMoi]

keep trying xampx!! those bags are great, have several diff colors myself. I usually cut them about 2 inches wide, they are a bit thin to me. What hook are you using?

[MLLORF]

I'm not participating in this CAL but you ladies/gentlemen have me looking at bags differently also. :yes If anyone has a 'Rainbow' store near them their bags have a large lavender front with the name written across. I immediately thought of this CAL. FYI- Rainbow is a clothing store I've been to in Dearborn, MI. I'm not sure if they are national or not.

[xampx]

keep trying xampx!! those bags are great, have several diff colors myself. I usually cut them about 2 inches wide, they are a bit thin to me. What hook are you using?

I was hoping to cut these slightly thinner as my last attempt was shocking. The pieces were just over an inch thick and i think it was a 9mm hook, sorry im not sure what US size that translates to. I will probably use the same hook but work a bit looser this time. I will also pay more attention when it starts turning into an odd shape :s

[xampx]

I have to admit that the prospect of cutting up 60 bags sacks is a little daunting boring :(

[mecread]

Ok I have been lurking this Cal... intersting stuff.
but on Cutting the bags, could/do you cut them like you would for strips in a quilt? rolling cutter and mat? do more then one bag at a time?
OH i have not read every post

[mimi_mia]

Mary for the plastic bags you cut off the top and bottom then fold the bag over and over until you only have an inch or 2 width, one snip and you've cut the across the width and you have a strip, it doesn't have to be as precise as with fabric for quilting, I only eyeball it when I do it.:blush
There's a link to show exactly how to cut the bag and here it is:
http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/bag%20cutting%20instructions.html

[MLLORF]

Mary for the plastic bags you cut off the top and bottom
There's a link to show exactly how to cut the bag and here it is:
http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/bag%20cutting%20instructions.html

Do you crochet with double strands of the bag?

[CrazeeMoi]

When you do the "loop" method..... yes it is double strands.

[crochetingfool]

Here's another plastic bag with larger handles...just completed. Under plastic bags....

http://photos.yahoo.com/yetieddy

Linda :hook

[xampx]

I love that one, the colours are great. Im tempted to do handles like that on mine because im not very good with handbags, I prefer shoulder bags.

Mine is coming along nicely (smelling great too:lol ) theres a progress pic on my blog (http://xxampxx.blogspot.com/) although that was about 5 hours ago and its a good couple of inches taller now.

[mimi_mia]

I love that bag, the longer handles are really my style too!! :manyheart Here's another plastic bag with larger handles...just completed. Under plastic bags....

http://photos.yahoo.com/yetieddy

Linda :hook

[Mom w/a Motif]

Xampx- your bag is looking great! I was just curious, though; how do you make flip flops? Are you going to use plastic bags for them? That would be so cool to see!

Linda- your bag is great too! Where do you get all these awesome colored bags? I need to get out more often, bag shopping. :P

I have another bag going it is just a white WalMart one, though.

Tina

[Redhead Deb]

My, my, Linda. You REALLY are a crocheting fool and you have been very busy with these plastic bags!

I've been trying to prepare some grocery/shopping bags so I can start another project. I came across a very bright yellow from Best Buy.

Ladies, all of your projects look great! I love how they all are a little different in shape and style and the colors are surprising. Keep up the good work.

[crochetingfool]

I went to the dollar store today and found some cheap black garbage bags....what caught my eye is someone had opened one of the boxes and so I had to feel the bag...it felt just like a grocery bags...I was shocked. I bought a bunch...heheehe only a $1 for 10 bags. Most garbage bags are too hard to crochet with beause they stick to the hook but not these...they're cheap and really crochet fast...

Linda Ü

[xampx]

Xampx- your bag is looking great! I was just curious, though; how do you make flip flops? Are you going to use plastic bags for them? That would be so cool to see!

Thanks. I was just going to have a go at the flip flop pattern i found online here (http://www.interweavecrochet.com/projects/2006/sandals.pdf). I may have to use stronger bags as mine are quite soft. It says use strong natural unpolished jute, but i thought id try them with bags and if they are too soft i can use them as slippers or on the beach.

I went to the dollar store today and found some cheap black garbage bags....what caught my eye is someone had opened one of the boxes and so I had to feel the bag...it felt just like a grocery bags...I was shocked. I bought a bunch...heheehe only a $1 for 10 bags. Most garbage bags are too hard to crochet with beause they stick to the hook but not these...they're cheap and really crochet fast...

Linda Ü


I got garbage bags too, they are much bigger which means you need less of them and i found them in every colour you could think of. Im tempted to go get some more. And the best thing about mine is that they are scented. Although the rose scented pink is really a bit stinky.
The texture of them is lovely though, they do work up really quickly, they are quite silky and not too bulky.

[marnie413]

I got garbage bags too, they are much bigger which means you need less of them and i found them in every colour you could think of. Im tempted to go get some more. And the best thing about mine is that they are scented. Although the rose scented pink is really a bit stinky.
The texture of them is lovely though, they do work up really quickly, they are quite silky and not too bulky.
XampxDid you use the loop method with your scented garbage bags and how wide did you cut them I found some at Aco and was thinking about them.

[Ladycrochat]

Xampx...I would think that making the soles of the shoes from plastic bags will not work, they will rip and unravel, unless you glue a real sole on the bottom of them.....but maybe you can make the sandals with the jute and use the plastic on top? I would hate to see all your hard work for nothing.Anywho.....thanks so much for that pattern link! My daughter saw them and nearly flipped! so I suppose I will be crocheting flip flops soon:devil !

[Mom w/a Motif]

Xampx~ Those sandals are so cool! I want to make some now, too. I love them. (I might not make them with plastic bags, but I want to make some.) Thanks for sharing that link!!:yay

Tina

[Bethany]

I haven't tried it yet, but there's someone who made grocery bag sandals on Craftster:

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=87737.0

[xampx]

XampxDid you use the loop method with your scented garbage bags and how wide did you cut them I found some at Aco and was thinking about them.

Yeah i used the same method that everyone else seems to have used. The one at Marlos. (http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/bag%20cutting%20instructions.html) I wasnt too exact with my measuring, they are around 3/4 an inch although some are thicker and some are thinner.

I was going to make the plastic bag sandals just to wear around the house. I will make some jute ones when i have enough money to buy jute :s

[xampx]

I haven't tried it yet, but there's someone who made grocery bag sandals on Craftster:

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=87737.0

WOW! IM making some of those as soon as i finish everything else :)

[mimi_mia]

I saw these posted at another group... they are really cute too :hook http://virtuallydesigned.com/psp/blogimages/thongsandals.pdf

[BarbaraJean]

My husband brought home a great bag for crocheting. It's from KFC! I suppose we'd have to eat a lot of chicken to get enough to actually make something. It's a clear bag with navy and red print.

I cut it up and crocheted a granny square just to see what it would look like. :lol

[Ladycrochat]

Hello again everyone! I finally finished my bag! The work went fast, but it took a lot of time to collect all the bags! There are over 150 plastic bags here, so I feel that I have done my part to help out the environment for a bit! I liked participating in this cal, and look forward to trying some others.....but I do like crocheting with plastic (this is the first plastic piece I have made) I am thinking of making a throw rug next! Good luck to all the rest of you plastics crocheters and I will be returning to see all your creations!
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h157/DKousmat58/Crochet/DCAM0014.jpg

[mimi_mia]

Debbie the bag turned out great!! You were lucky to get such beautiful colored bags to make that, I love the navy :manyheart

[Ladycrochat]

Thank you I am glad you like it, actually it is Black, White and lavender, guess the cam color balance is a bit off(lol), but I still appreciate your opinion!:hug

[Mom w/a Motif]

I saw this under miscellaneous crochet, and commented, too. What a nice bag! It does look blue and light blue funny how the cameras can mess up the colors like that. You did a really good job!! :clap

Tina

[CrazeeMoi]

beautiful bag LadyCrochat!!! and you are very patient too!! sc more power to ya girl!

[Redhead Deb]

Great job LadyCrochat. You saved 150 bags from the land fill!

[mimi_mia]

My mistake about the color but a gorgeous bag all the same, being black I love it too....it looks great!!:hook

[Krystal16]

OK, stumbled on this.... I'm NOT supposed to be starting new projects...promised myself I wouldn't, but this is just SO COOOOOL. I have already started a bag :hook and I am going to have more of a sling strap and use it this summer to put the wet swimsuits in after swimming lessons. Thought this would be good? I'm doing the hdc, and my bag looks sorta lumpy - not nearly as good as those in the photo albums I just looked at...is it the stitch, how I'm cutting the bags (Marlo's method?) or what? I'm just using what I have on hand - I've got to have AT LEAST enough to do the bag - all of my plastic bag holders (3 of them) are stuffed to the gills...

Thanks for letting me join!:D

[Ladycrochat]

Thanks again everyone, speaking about the bag on post 186, I used the fold the bag in 1/4s method and cut loops, got on average about 11 loops per bag.......14 from larger bags....then I used a size J hook and I did single crochets.....I think it makes them stronger. Next I want to make a rug.....but I will be collecting lots of bags for awhile before I can attempt that! I was looking on line about it and it looks like you need to crochet with a strand of yarn too to make the rugs, guess it gives them shape and strength....good luck you environmentally friendly crocheters!:tup

[Ladycrochat]

What about it Karen? (Karen4******), are you useing yarn throughout your rug?........Are you weaving it or crocheting it?....Saw both methods on line.........

[Bethany]

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.

[CrazeeMoi]

Bethany..............oooooooooooh brown bags!! Looks goood!!!

[Krystal16]

I am going to make a clothespin holder out of my bag - have a circle in the front, attach it to a plastic hanger on the top. I figure it is mostly waterproof and any water that does get in it (I don't bring my pins in every day like some do) will drain out the little holes...that and I won't care what it looks like - I'm learning by trial and error...

[Mom w/a Motif]

Bethany I *LOVE* the Harris Teeter and Kroger Bag Tote!! You even tried to do the tapestry crochet- that is so cool!!! I have to see if we have a Harris Teeter here. (Where are you from btw?) We have a King Soopers here. (I like the Kroger bags better than the King Soopers bags. The K.S. ones look like they've been recycled and have a funny grey tint to them, like some of the Wal Mart bags do now, too. :( )

Thanks for sharing those with us, and the video link. :D That looks like the way I join my bags, too.

Welcome to the CAL, Bethany and Krystal! I can't wait to see your clothespin holder. Everyone is so ingenious with their ideas. :hook

Edited to add: I just Googled and they said Harris Teeter is wholly based in North Carolina? So they wouldn't have any out here, then. ;)

Tina

[Bethany]

Nope. I'm originally from Denver (which is why my parents have King Soopers and Albertsons) but I live in North Carolina. (I wish I were back in Colorado, so I'm jealous.)

At least at Christmas the King Soopers bags were the same color as the Harris Teeter ones, though. Maybe they've changed them in the meantime. On my first bag you literally can't tell where one stopped and the other started unless you look closely at the printing (the King Soopers were printed only in red, the Harris Teeter in red and black.)

I didn't know they had Krogers in Colorado, though. :-)

[mimi_mia]

Bethany I love both of your bags WOW the brown is gorgeous :manyheart


This the the latest bag I made....I know it's boring but I wanted to use up some of the ugly white bags I had and since I did use up quite a few I'm happy with it... I used a J hook and it's all done in hdc :hook

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b376/mimi_mia/IMG_0282.jpg

[Mom w/a Motif]

Nope. I'm originally from Denver (which is why my parents have King Soopers and Albertsons) but I live in North Carolina. (I wish I were back in Colorado, so I'm jealous.)

At least at Christmas the King Soopers bags were the same color as the Harris Teeter ones, though. Maybe they've changed them in the meantime. On my first bag you literally can't tell where one stopped and the other started unless you look closely at the printing (the King Soopers were printed only in red, the Harris Teeter in red and black.)

I didn't know they had Krogers in Colorado, though. :-)

They don't have Krogers in Colorado. They were bags I saved from when we lived in Michigan. ;p Are the Albertsons bags the ones that are brown then? I could go shop there, and get me some brown bags to use with my tan Kroger bags!!


And Maria your bag is not 'ugly' at all! I love it!! :clap

Tina

[Bethany]

Ah, that makes sense. No, the Albertsons bags are the white ones and the King Soopers are the brown.

I may need to snaffle some Albertsons bags from my Mom the next time I'm home, I think they'd look good with my blue newspaper bags.

Maria -- I like the blue and white bags at the top of your bag. What sort of bags are they?

[mimi_mia]

The bags are milk bags, the outer bag that holds the 3 milk bags...as most peoples pictures the color isn't true, it's really purple on the bags. I used up all I had that's why I only used it as an accent other than for the whole project...

[Krystal16]

Alright, I'm a little nutty about this project....
My local economy grocery store doesn't even bag your groceries. Instead they put all the boxes on a shelf after the checkouts and you BOX your own. Well, people often bring in their grocery bags and leave them for others to use. I nearly ran an old lady over getting to the BIG Wal-Mart bag that had all the old BLUE bags in it. Brought them ALL home... Went through my stash of bags and found a bunch more Wal-Mart bags from when they were blue, too. Now trying to decide if I should save them for my NEXT project (the swimming bag) and use the plain clear grocery bags for my clothespin holder. Hmmm.... I think so.

[CrazeeMoi]

LOLOL I soooooooo love this CAL!! You all are getting addicted hahahahahha........ matching colors etc just like regular yarn. Chasing people down for bags lol

[Bethany]

I hear you guys there. The other night I think I spent 15 mintues digging around the recycling bin at a local health-food store, getting all the way down to the bottom looking for matching bags. I think the people who worked there probably thought I was nuts. I'm not sure they're wrong.

I got a great haul, though: three bags' full. I now have a plastic bag stash. This scares me.

[Ladycrochat]

All the bags are coming out great:manyheart ....and I agree Crazeemoi, it is very addictive.....and especially good for woman who are always saying their husbands are complaining about the cost of yarn/thread:blush

[Krystal16]

OK, in a moment of lucidity, I decided to drop the clothespin bag from my list...just too many other things to do - maybe I'll come back to this and start over sometime.

BUT, I do have a whole batch of blue Wal-Mart bags here (some already cut) if anyone wants them. Are you desperate enough to explain why someone mailed you plastic bags? :laughroll

[Mom w/a Motif]

BUT, I do have a whole batch of blue Wal-Mart bags here (some already cut) if anyone wants them. Are you desperate enough to explain why someone mailed you plastic bags? :laughroll

You mean to our husbands? :think My husband already knows I'm nuts. :lol I would LOVE the blue WalMart bags, if no one else has already asked you for them, Krystal! :bounce That is one of the things on my Crochetville wishlist! I can't find blue ones any more around here. Thank you in advance! :hug

Tina

[Krystal16]

Going, going....GONE!

Want a few light tan and yellow ones as well?

[sprtsbear]

This is my latest creation.http://www.crochetville.org/forum/http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/sprtsbear/th_plastictote2.jpg (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/sprtsbear/plastictote2.jpg) This tote was made with plastic bags from the local supermarket. The yellows and greens were bags my dil had. They were from Disneyworld. This was a fun project, but my hand is hurting.

[Mom w/a Motif]

Great bag, Sprtsbear!! :clap I know, crocheting with plastic bags hurts my hands, too. I have to take breaks. :P

Great job, though!!
Tina

[pplcrochets]

Nice job, Sprtsbear! I love the colors.... now I'll have to figure out a reason to go to Disneyworld (dialogue w/ dh: Why? well, it's not the rollercoasters or the exhibits, honey, I just need some of the bags they use there....) :rofl

[Ladycrochat]

I know, crocheting with plastic bags hurts my hands, too. I have to take breaks. :P


I have found that if I cut the plastic loops thinner like 1/2-2/3 of an inch wide and if I use a thinner plastic.....and do single crochets...there are no problems...the work just flies by:hook

[CrazeeMoi]

During my many travels on Google, I came across this......
http://www.etsy.com/view_item_sold_anon.php?listing_id=244111&transaction_id=82752

Pretty huh?

[Ladycrochat]

That is really nice Crazee Moi, thanks for sharing the link with us!....Imagine....30 bucks from something you probably would have thrown in the garbage!!!!:hook :hook :hook crochet is so cool!

[mimi_mia]

Thanks for sharing that with us, that's a great shape for a purse!
I got a free pattern leaflet from Michaels once with a bag similar to that one...
Good for the seller if she gets her price ;)

[Mom w/a Motif]

That would be a cool plastic bag, bag to make!! :P It looks like it's just a plain circle in the back loops only, then folded in half... :think :hook

Tina

[xampx]

I hate my plastic bag bag, i made increases in strange places - not sure what i was thinking - and the thought of unpicking scares me.
But i will persevere, im just even more behind now :(

[sprtsbear]

Don't worry about frogging your plastic bag. It really isn't a problem. I have done it. In fact it makes the plastic easier to crochet the second time around.

[Mom w/a Motif]

well team here is my finished bag. As a first attempt I think it turned out ok. I used the spiral cut technique and then knotted the ends to get a continuous thread. I was impressed at how the colours turned out as I didnt realise how pretty the blue was. They are not from the same dye lot :lol so there are some slight variations. The bags are from out Woolworths Supermarket. I had fun doing this.

Thanks for putting me onto this!

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/5469/img78978sz.jpg

Cupcake- I never saw your bag! It turned out great!! I love the blue, and the stripes are cool. How did I miss it? :clap

Xampx- I have frogged a couple rows, too. It isn't hard to do. In fact, the bag I finished (a couple/few pages back), I totally made a huge mistake and didn't notice it until I was almost done. (When I started the blue stripe, I used a sc.) The rest of the bag is done in hdcs.... :blush I was so mad. But, not mad enough to rip it out and redo it.

Tina

[cupcake]

Thanks . I gave it to my secretary who is a mad recycler. She uses is to carry her library books in. I have done another one which is a bit more random which I will post when I get arround to it.

[Redhead Deb]

It's good to know that these bags are strong enough to handle the weight of books!

[mimi_mia]

cupcake, I can't wait to see what your newest bag looks like because I absolutely love the blue one!!! :manyheart
Your secretary sure got lucky!

[Mom w/a Motif]

Today someone sent me some more blue WalMart bags, already cut into strips, plus some bags. :clap (Well I got them today.) :P

And I asked my mom for all her bags, too. Woo Hoo!!

I think I'll have enough blue bags to actually make something with now, yay!!

Tina

[Ladycrochat]

Love your bag Cupcake! But then again I am partial to blues:manyheart , can't wait to see your next one!..My daughter just came back home from college with 100s of plastic bags! All different colors...she had half the dorm saving them for me!! (Tee Hee),I really like making these bags!

[cupcake]

Thanks for all the nice comments. Here is my last one. This one is a bit random as I was experimenting with bread bags and Lincraft bags. The bread bag is the splash of hot pink in the bottom L. Such hard work on the hands that I could only tolerate to do one. The lavender grey are from Lincraft. It doesn't do much for me, only that I have decided that the grocery bags from woolworths are easier on the hands. For the Aussies the white/blue speckle are Spotlight bags and Crazy Clark bags.

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/4087/img86833jp.jpg

And here is my next bag! (lol)