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Recycled Plastic Hobo Handbag

Cindy25 Comments

This hobo handbag was crocheted using recycled plastic bags. It is a pattern that I adapted from Dao over at ShortyLamCrochet Blogspot. I emailed Dao several times to work out some details because to create her bag using plastic bag yarn or plarn, the pattern required some modifications. We agreed that I would post her pattern link which is done with regular yarn. Below you will find my variation of her pattern done in plarn.

Inside of Lined Hobo Bag Click to View Full-Sized

Strap Made Using Spool Knitter

Free Plastic Bag Hobo Handbag Pattern

Materials needed:
One large ball of brown plastic bag yarn aka Plarn
1 set of 1 inch D rings or circle rings
2 yards of ribbon (1/2″-3/4″ will work)
Magnetic clasp closure
Material for lining if desired

Hooks:
N (9 mm) Metal crochet hook
J (6 mm) Metal crochet hook

Description: Recycled Plastic Hobo Bag
Bag measures 14 inches wide and 10 inches long

Directions:
Rnd 1
Ch 29

I Have Survived Round One

Cindy21 Comments


What a difference 5 days makes. Today is day 5 after my first chemo treatment on May 8. I actually feel pretty normal today. The first few days were pretty shaky and I felt very weak. I did take all my pre-meds for nausea and post-meds too. I thank God that I didn’t get sick to the point of throwing up. Not to say I didn’t have waves of nausea. They say that they have come so far now that you don’t have to be sick all the time during chemo treatments and I believe it now. Sure you’re pretty much down for 3-4 days but for me I have survived round one of chemo fairly well.

I haven’t lost my hair yet but I know that day will come soon. Probably next week but at least I’m feeling good now and passed the worse of round one. My husband and youngest son who is still at home have been wonderful. They have been getting dinner ready, cleaning, vacuuming, and otherwise waiting on me as needed. Tonight I have dinner made so that will be a nice treat for them. I plan to return to work tomorrow also. I know everyone is happy to see me feeling better too. It has been very stressful on my family to see me struggling with this BC. It is just such a relief to have one round behind me and now I can get back to doing the thing I truly love — making recycled bags!

Real Deal Brazil Recycled Bag

Cindy6 Comments

I recently received this cool tote bag from Robert over at Real Deal Brazil . The Real Deal Brazil have been making hats in Brazil that are crafted from recycled tarps of Brazilian cargo trucks in an attempt to cut down on the wasting of resources.

They shipped this sample recycled tote bag for my review. They wanted my opinion on the product as they are apparently going to start making them from the old tarps along with the hats. Because they graciously sent me their product without charge, I agreed to provide a complimentary review of their new recycled product.

Upon inspection, I found the bag measures 12-1/2″ wide by 12″ long and a side depth of 4″ with 24″ straps. The bag has been nicely constructed with the outer portion from old recycled tarps. Pieces of tarp have been cleverly added to the front to embellish it along with a 9″ by 7″ outer pocket. The inside is especially attractive with a pretty bronze fabric lining that nicely compliments the bag. A roomy 6″ by 6″ zippered pocket along with a handy cell phone pouch are included inside the bag. A magnetic closure secures the tote bag closed.

My only concern when I first received the bag was that the tarp material had a bit of an old tarp odor to it. Real Deal Brazil said they would check into eliminating the smell. I must say though after several weeks that this bag has been sitting in my house, there is no odor or smell remaining at all.

Inside picture showing zipper pocket, cell phone holder, and magnetic closure.
Clickable

You can read more about this endeavor at the Real Deal Brazil blog site

Thank you again for the wonderful recycled tote bag and I wish the folks at Real Deal Brazil the best as they continue on the great cause of green, recycled crafting!

Next Leg of My Journey

Cindy16 Comments


I start the next leg of my pink journey tomorrow. For anyone not familiar with my pink journey, you can read all the posts here. Early in the morning, I am having a port put into my upper right arm. From there I go to my first chemo treatment. My treatment plan is chemo 4 cycles — 3 weeks apart with Taxotere, Cytoxan, and Herceptin for 1 year. The Herceptin is because I am HER2 positive. I have some pre-meds for anxiety and nausea so I guess the Lord willing, I’m ready to go to battle against this foe. I would appreciate prayers for courage and strength as I begin this next leg in my journey. Thanks everyone in advance for your support and prayers,

Cindy

Recycled Plastic Plarn Handbag

Cindy17 Comments

Check out my latest recycled plastic bag “plarn” handbag.

This was crocheted from some recycled Walmart plastic bags. The white with black lettering isn’t the most attractive material but I added just a bit of ribbon and it really made the bag look cute. This bag measures 9″ by 9″ and was created for a promotional giveaway that will be going on at the Birmingham City University in the UK. The event is to raise awareness for Aids and HIV and to incorporate fashion. I hope their event is a big success and that recycled crafting can be recognized as a green fashion alternative.

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Free Recycled Plastic Plarn Handbag Crochet Pattern

Materials needed:
One ball of plastic bag yarn AKA plarn (approx. 25-30 bags)
1-1/2 yards of ribbon yarn (1/2″ or 3/8″ wide)

Hook: N (9 mm) metal crochet hook

Description: Tote Handbag
Bag measures 9 inches wide and 9 inches long

Directions:
Ch 24 with white plarn