Facebook Twitter Google Plus Linkedin Instagram YouTube Pinterest Tumblr VK RSS
Close

Year: 2011

A Slice of Plarn

Cindy5 Comments


I call my latest recycled bag A Slice of Plarn. It is crocheted using salmon colored plastic newspaper bags. The finished purse looks like a slice of tangerine or orange to me and therefore this is how this plastic bag project got its name.

The pattern I used is for a crocheted hobo bag that is available free over at Crochetspot blog site. I adapted the pattern just a bit to allow for the difference between using plastic bag yarn and regular yarn. I worked the pattern in half double crochet stitch rather than double crochet. I also worked a row of single crochet along the inside wedge edges just to give it a smoother finished.

My finished bag is 9 inches tall and about 10 inches wide. I worked just single crochet stitches on the strap to provide a stronger strap so the plastic wouldn’t stretch too much when the purse is used.

My button loop includes another round of single crochet around the basic chain that the original pattern calls for. Again because I was working with plarn, I felt that my loop need the extra round of stitching to make a secure closure.

So whether you want to make your purse with recycled plastic bags or yarn, I hope you enjoy the project and thanks to Rachel for another great free pattern over at Crochetspot.

Log Cabin Potholder Pattern

Cindy3 Comments

For all those log cabin pattern lovers out there, here is my version of a log cabin potholder. This potholder or hotpad was crocheted using scraps of cotton yarn I had on hand. I have also been saving all my juice and milk jug rings for crafting projects. This plastic ring is a larger one that I recycled from an apple jug. Using these recycled rings saves you from having to purchase store bought rings for your potholder projects.

The potholder or hotpad completes my set that includes the log cabin scrap dishcloth pattern I posted last month. These items are an excellent way to use scraps of cotton that you may have been saving and not sure what could be done with the small bits. My pattern is written with specific colors listed but you can mix and match the colors depending on what you may have on hand.

As always, please enjoy the free crochet pattern below.

Log Cabin Potholder Pattern

Hook:
H (5 mm) USA crochet hook

Materials:
Cotton yarn scraps in 6 colors
2 ozs contrasting Cotton yarn for trim and back of potholder
1 plastic ring

Description:
8 inches x 8-1/2 inches Cotton Potholder/Hotpad

Directions:
Row 1
With light blue yarn, Ch 12, Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in ea st. (11)

Reclaimed Heart Hotpad

Cindy4 Comments

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I crocheted this heart hotpad from reclaimed yarn. I scored a free cotton/ramie red vest from my local thrift store. It had a hole in it and they had it in their free area so I gladly took it home and unraveled it. It yielded 3 nice balls of red yarn.

I used Rachel’s free sweetheart Valentine heart pattern over at Crochet Spot to create my hotpad. I followed the posted pattern but added an extra round of single crochet by repeating round 4 twice. I crocheted two red hearts and then put them back to back for a double layered heart hotpad. I finished off my hotpad by working a round of single crochet around and through the double layers with a contrasting white cotton yarn. I then worked the final round as outlined in the pattern to create the scalloped edging.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Valentine’s Day and as always happy crafting!

Dual Handled Plarn Tote Bag

Cindy4 Comments


This week I present a dual handled plarn tote bag. A reader recently asked if I had a free pattern for not only a shoulder strap but also a bag with handles to grip with your hands. So I got busy and crocheted this tote bag for her. It’s like the best of both worlds — You can throw this jumbo tote bag over your shoulder or grasp it by the smaller handles.

This is another over-sized tote bag project that is similar to my jumbo plarn beach bag which features one long shoulder strap that has a pull through front closure. I think this tote bag would make an excellent farmer’s market bag as you have so much room inside and the two different ways to carry it around.

So whether you want one long strap or dual handles on your plarn tote bag, you can mix and match these two free crochet patterns that I am posting at my blog. Best wishes and happy crafting to all!

Free Jumbo Dual Handled Tote Bag Pattern

Materials needed:
One very large ball of plastic bag yarn Plarn
Approx. 80 white plastic grocery bags for main bag and
16 orange plastic bags for stripes

Hook: N (9 mm) U.S. size metal hook

Description: Dual Handled Plarn Tote Bag
Bag measures 16 inches wide and 20 inches long with 30 inch shoulder strap and 9 inch handles

Directions:
Ch 34

Log Cabin Scrap Dishcloth

Cindy8 Comments

I have wanted to make a log cabin design dishcloth for some time now. I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to use up some scrap cotton yarn that I have. I have looked at several different log cabin designs and just decided that I would grab a crochet hook and see what I could come up with.


Here is my first completed log cabin dishcloth. It’s not square but who says a dishcloth really needs to be. Well I used 6 different colors of cotton yarn to complete my dishcloth. I’m thinking it would be a great hotpad too and am starting another one right now which I’ll add a solid color for a back which will give it a double layer.

I wrote up the crochet pattern for this and hope it makes sense about where to attach your yarn as you change colors. I always started the new color on the right side (RS) of the dishcloth and you can use the photo to help you with your starting points. Remember you can always deviate and do your own thing with the colors and the number of rows. It’s kinda like doing a freeform but still keeping the log cabin design as your goal.

Well, I hope you enjoy the free crochet pattern below. If you use my pattern, please let me know how your dishcloth came out and I love to see photos of my reader’s creations.

Log Cabin Scrap Dishcloth Pattern

Hook:
H (5 mm) USA crochet hook

Materials:
Cotton yarn scraps in 6 colors
1/4 oz contrasting Cotton yarn for trim

Description:
8-1/4 inchesx 10-1/4 inches Cotton Dishcloth

Directions:
Row 1
With Cream color, Ch 12, Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in ea st. (11)