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.
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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!
Filed under: Great Sites & Causes on May 11th, 2008 | No 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
Filed under: My Pink Journey on May 7th, 2008 | 13 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 “Plarn” (approx. 25-30 bags)
1-1/2 yards of ribbon yarn (1/2″ or 3/8″ wide)
Hook: “N” size U. S. metal hook
Description: Tote Handbag
Bag measures 9” wide and 9” long
Directions:
Ch 24 with white plarn
Read more »
Filed under: Crocheted Bags, Great Sites & Causes, Plastic Bag Crafts on May 3rd, 2008 | 9 Comments »
Need a little cozy for your Ipod Nano? Well crochet yourself this quick and easy cozy project!
Free Pattern:
Crochet this cozy using about an ounce of 100% wool yarn with a “G” hook. Chain 13, single crochet (sc) in 2nd stitch from hook and in each stitch down to end of chain (12 sc). Working around the back side of chain, sc in each stitch to create a seamless cozy. Do not join. Continue working in rounds until your cozy measures 3-1/2″ long before felting (approx. 15 rounds.) Slip stitch into last few stitches of final round so your finished edge is smooth. Fasten off and weave under ends on the inside of your cozy. Finished size before felting was 3-1/2″ long by 3-1/4″ wide.
Place your completed cozy inside an old pillowcase and tie it closed with a knot. I felted my cozy 20 minutes on the hottest water I had with an old pair of jeans. Check your cozy after 8-10 minutes of agitation to make sure it hasn’t felted too much. Mine need more so I put it back into the washer. After a total of 20 minutes, mine was perfect. I pulled it out and cold water rinsed it in my sink. Shape your cozy so it’s square and check to make sure the opening is wide enough to insert your Nano. If it’s a bit tight, just stretch the opening a little. Air dry and shape as it dries if needed.
My final felted cozy measures 2-3/4″ wide by 3-1/8″ long. This cozy is a great way to use up scraps of wool yarn you may have on hand. Just make sure you use 100% wool so your project felts properly.
Here is my cozy with the Ipod Nano inside. It’s soft and thick so it protects the Nano nicely. This frugal project is much better than a store bought cozy plus its handmade!
Filed under: Crocheted Bags on April 27th, 2008 | 6 Comments »
Happy Earth Day 2008!
In honor of Earth Day, I have crocheted this recycled green tote bag which I’m calling my Green Greenie Bag.
The project is made using recycled plastic bags which have been repurposed into plarn or plastic bag yarn. Here is a picture tutorial to show you the step-by-step process to making plarn. What better way to celebrate Earth Day than creating an eco-friendly greenie bag for yourself, a family member or friend.
Free Green Greenie Tote Bag Pattern
Materials needed:
One ball of green plastic bag yarn “Plarn”
One small ball of dark green plarn for stripe
Hooks:
”Q” US size plastic crochet hook
“N” US size Metal crochet hook
Description: Green Greenie Grocery Tote Bag
Bag measures 11” wide and 14” long
Directions:
Using N hook, Ch 28.
Read more »
Filed under: Crocheted Bags, Plastic Bag Crafts on April 21st, 2008 | 12 Comments »
Doctor called last night after finally receiving the pathology reports following my surgery on Tuesday. The wait was almost unbearable but the news is wonderful. The lymph nodes are negative for cancer and so were the margins taken around the tumor. Hallelujah!
I’m sore from the incisions of surgery but this news has lifted my spirits and I’m feeling so much better now. Thank you again to everyone for your powerful prayers and good thoughts for my recovery.
Filed under: My Pink Journey on April 19th, 2008 | 21 Comments »
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