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Tag: recycling

Recycled Round Plarn Rug

Cindy33 Comments

Click to supersize photo

For all you rug lovers out there, I have a new recycled plarn rug pattern to share. It’s crocheted in the round and I used several different shades of creme, tan, and brown bags to create an earth tone look. These plastic rugs crocheted from recycled plastic bags make great boot or doormat rugs as you can just hose them off and hang to dry. Remember do not put these in the dryer as it will melt the plastic.

So grab those plastic bags, a big N crochet hook and lets do some recycled green plarn crafting!
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Free Crocheted Round Plarn Rug Pattern

Materials needed:
Several balls of plastic bag yarn or plarn in creme, tan, and browns
Hook: N (9 mm) U.S. size metal hook

Description: Earth tone round rug measures 19 inches wide

Directions:
Using Creme colored plastic bags (plarn) Ch 4, join to form ring.

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!

Recycled Plastic Hanger Cover

Cindy6 Comments

Want to cover up those old metal hangers? Do you have some old chipped up hangers that need a new look? Here is a quick and easy method using recycled plastic bags. First you need to create some plarn or plastic bag yarn. Here is the link on how to make the yarn using recycled plastic bags. You only need about 5 bags or so to complete this project.

Using a “H” US crochet hook, join your yarn at the throat of the hanger with a slip stitch. Single crochet (sc) around the entire hanger ending back at the beginning of the hanger throat. Fasten off and use the ends to weave in around the hanger throat to make a nice smooth finish to the hanger cover.

Here is a close-up of the beginning to show in detail.
Click to view full-sized

Be creative and mix or match your plastic bags for unique hanger covers. Once your old hangers are covered, these are very handy for line drying items.

This is a great way to recycle old metal hangers and give them a new colorful life while saving them from the landfill!

Recycled Grocery Tote Bag

Cindy16 Comments

Need another idea for a handmade Christmas gift? Well how about crocheting a grocery tote bag from recycled plastic bags. Gifts that are handmade are very popular this holiday season. What better idea is a handmade, reusable, and eco-friendly gift all in one! You can add a holiday trim to your bag as shown.

Or just plain as shown here. Either way it’s a wonderful gift that can be used over and over.
Click for larger view

Free Pattern for Crocheted Grocery Tote Bag

Materials needed:
One very large ball of plastic bag yarn aka Plarn
Approx. 60-70 plastic grocery bags

Hook: N (9 mm) size metal crochet hook

Description: Grocery Tote Bag
Bag measures 13 inches wide and 13 inches long with 9 inch handles

Directions:
Ch 28

Recycled Bread Bag Handbag

Cindy20 Comments

If you’re into recycling and crafts, try out this crocheted handbag using bread bags. I saved about 30 or more bags to make this multi-colored handbag. It’s really durable and will definitely be a conversation piece when you use it. Crocheting with bread bags is a bit tougher on the hands and joints but makes are very unique bag. Because the plastic is heavier you need to cut the strips a bit narrower and remember to not over-pull on your work.

The finished product which I posted pictures of both sides is so colorful. My camera pictures don’t really capture the pretty multi-colors but I hope you’ll be inspired to give this crocheted project a try so you too can experience the beauty of recycled bags!

Click to view larger size

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Free Pattern for Crocheted Bread Bag Handbag

Materials needed: One very large ball of plastic bread bags cut into 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch strips
Hook: N (9 mm) size metal hook

Description: Tote Bag
Bag measures 9 inches wide and 11 inches long
Directions:
Ch 20