Close

Crochet a Spike Stitch Plarn Tote Bag


Here is my latest recycled plarn tote bag. It is a roomy tote bag that features a nearly 4 inch wide flat bottom. This allows your tote to stand up on its own. I used a new stitch in this crocheted plastic bag project which is called the spike stitch. You crochet down into the prior row to create a long stitch that looks like a spike. I worked a spike stitch every 4th stitch to make a decorative blue stripe on my tote bag.

This bag also features longer handles. I’ve had requests for longer handles on my tote bags so I crocheted this bag with 18 inch handle straps. Of course if you use this tote for groceries, it will stretch even longer. With these longer handles, you can put it over your shoulder while carrying the tote bag.


Here is a closeup photo of the flat bottom of my recycled plastic tote.

So grab your crochet hook and crochet yourself a spike stitch tote bag today. As always, happy green crafting to all!

Free Spike Stitch Plarn Tote Pattern

Materials needed:
One large ball of plastic bag yarn aka Plarn
Approx. 50-60 plastic grocery bags – Brown/tan in color

One smaller amount of blue plarn – Approx. 10-15 bags

Hook: N (9 mm) metal crochet hook

Description: Recycled Plarn Tote Bag
Bag measures 13 inches wide and 13 inches tall with 18 inch handles and nearly 4 inch wide flat bottom

Directions:
Ch 28 with brown plarn.

My Basic Potholder Pattern

Need a potholder pattern? Do you like your potholders heavy duty? If so this may be the potholder for you. Here is my basic potholder pattern that is crocheted with cotton yarn. It’s double layered and works well as a potholder or a pot pad. I designed it so it fits nicely under a casserole dish. It’s a quick, easy project and does make a wonderful gift idea. I know I have made several to include in some kitchen sets that I crocheted for the upcoming holidays.


Free Basic Potholder Crochet Pattern

Description: 9 inch x 8 inch double layered potholder

Materials needed:
2- ozs. Sugar and Cream Cotton Yarn – Main color
2/3- oz. Sugar and Cream Cotton Yarn – Edging
1- 1 inch Plastic Ring (or other recycled plastic juice or milk ring)

Hook:
H (5 mm) USA size hook

Directions:

Yellow Barbie Plarn Dress

Barbie has a pretty new yellow plarn dress. This crochet project is a follow-up to my red Barbie dress I made with regular yarn. I used a similar pattern style but did have to make several changes for the dress to work up correctly using recycled plastic bags as yarn. Using the bags as yarn is much more difficult than regular yarn, but I was pleased with my final version shown here.

Photo is clickable to view supersized

If you are new to crocheting with recycled plastic bags, here is the link on how to create plarn from those old plastic grocery sacks. And if you’re not into crocheting with plastic bags, here is the link to my free red Barbie dress pattern that is made with regular worst acrylic yarn.

But for everyone else, here is my free yellow Barbie dress pattern. Enjoy!

**************************************************************
Barbie Yellow Plarn Dress Pattern

Materials:
Approx. 10 Yellow plastic bags until into Plarn
1 small button

Hook:
G (4 mm) size crochet hook

Ch 13.

My Journey Update

It’s been a while since I’ve posted about my pink journey here so I figured I’d do an update. I am one month out now from the completion of radiation treatments. My skin is healing nicely and I don’t have any real issues with my skin now other than being dark on my shoulder in the radiation field. I also have been dealing with my muscles tightening up in my arm and hand on the radiation side. I continue to do stretching exercises to try and relieve that situation.

I started taking Tamoxifen today which I’m a bit concerned about this drug therapy but I know it is necessary as my cancer tumor was estrogen positive and I have to make sure I don’t feed my cancer. I am concerned about all the side effects with Tamoxifen but I am reminded that this whole thing is out of my hands. I need to leave it all in the healing hands of our Lord.

So overall I’m doing pretty good and just wanted to let everyone know how I am doing. My hair is growing back but at a very sloooow rate. My hair has always been fine so all this chemo hasn’t been good for my hair. But it is growing and I hope by Christmas to have a little “do” that I can display so I don’t have to continue the knit hat and ball cap routine.

More later, until then thank you everyone for all your wonderful warm thoughts and prayers.
Cindy