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

Tag: recycling

Crochet a Spiral Scrubbie

Cindy11 Comments

I recently saw this cute spiral scrubbie and just had to try the pattern. It has such a unique look and I could just picture adding some recycled plastic netting to the design for added scrubbing power. The green and red scrubbie is crocheted with recycled lettuce sleeves cut into strips. You then just crochet with your yarn and the netting held together. Here is my square scrubber tutorial that I made using the netting and it has pictures how to cut the lettuce netting so you can crochet with it. In this spiral pattern I worked two rounds with the netting and then two rounds without. I used cotton yarn but worst yarn works fine too. As shown, the other scrubbie is worked all in cotton according to the free pattern that Judith has here.

Here is another scrubbie I crocheted using one of those plastic nets that they put around a ham. The ham netting is much thicker and harder to crochet with. I had to cut the ham netting into wider strips of about 1-1/2 to 2 inches wide otherwise I couldn’t connect the cut links. The lettuce sleeves are much softer and easier to crochet with. But the ham netting does make for a very good and stiff scrubber. I crocheted only three times the 2-row sets using the gold colored ham netting to complete this scrubbie.

Anyway I just wanted to share this fun spiral scrubbie pattern and show how by adding a bit of recycled material, you could create a very handy scrubber. Enjoy this green craft idea!

Recycled Plastic Can Cozy

Cindy7 Comments

Here is a quick and easy little crochet project for all those green crafters who love recycling trash into treasures. It’s a handy can cozy that can be used for a soda or beer can. Keep your favorite beverage cold and save some plastic bags from the landfill all at the same time.

This project is completed by creating plastic bag yarn by cutting about 9 recycled plastic sacks into strips. If you are not familiar with the process, I have a picture tutorial found here that gives you all the details on creating plarn.

So grab those plastic bags and crochet yourself a recycled plastic can cozy today!

Free Crocheted Can Cozy Pattern

Materials needed:
Blue and white plastic bags cut into strips 1 inch wide and interlocked to create plarn to crochet with. (Approx. 7 blue bags and 2 white bags)

Hook:
J (6 mm) size metal crochet hook

Description:
Recycled Plastic Can Cozy – measures 3 inches wide and 4-1/2 inches tall

Directions:
Using blue plarn, Ch 4 and join with a Sl St to form a ring.

Fused Plastic Valentine’s Heart

Cindy16 Comments

Here is a quick fused plastic bag craft idea for Valentine’s Day. This project involves no sewing or crocheting. It’s makes a perfect kid’s craft project that focuses on using recycled materials. This project was inspired by a recent comment I received from someone who wanted a recycled bag for Valentine’s day but didn’t know how to crochet. So here’s what I came up with. By using some pieces of red and white recycled plastic bags, some scrap yarn, a bit of ribbon and a small remnant of red felt, you or your children can put together this cute Valentine’s heart bag.

Below you will find the picture tutorial that I made while I was creating this little Valentine’s heart bag. Here is the step-by-step picture tutorial on how to DIY.

Christmas Kitchen Towel Sets

Cindy9 Comments

Are you like many of us handcrafting Christmas gifts this year? I have been busy crocheting kitchen towel sets for Christmas gifts. Each set includes a greenie which is crocheted from recycled lettuce netting and cotton, along with dishcloth, potholder, and a towel topper.

Here is one full Christmas crochet kitchen towel set and below you will find individual items with the pattern links.

All photos are clickable to supersize.


Towel topper with the free pattern found here.


Christmas star dishcloth pattern found here


Christmas potholder with the free crochet pattern link here.


Greenies are crocheted with this free pattern but with a scalloped edge option. The option edging is accomplished by working *Ch 3 in corner st, Dc in same st, skip 2 sts and Sl St in next st* and repeating between * around to beginning Ch 3.

So whether you are into crafting with recycled materials or just crocheting, I hope I have inspired you with my kitchen towel sets. They do make wonderful gifts and are very useful items around the kitchen.

Crochet a Spike Stitch Plarn Tote Bag

Cindy17 Comments


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.