Update on Crafting with Recycled Materials
I wanted to bring everyone up to date on my latest discoveries and completed projects using different recycled materials. Recently I used VHS tape to crochet an evening bag and also a round Motif bag purse. It works fairly well to crochet using the VHS tape but you do need to pull a bit on your stitches to make them uniform and even. Be careful as it can be a bit hard on your fingers and joints. It is a wonderful way to use those old VHS tapes that so many of us have lying around. The black tape gives a pretty sparkly sheen to your project. It appears to do be an excellent eco-friendly way to recycle those tapes!
Next I experimented using cassette tape as yarn. It’s much narrower and you need to use a small hook. I used single strand tape to make a set of Barbie Fashion Doll purses. The free patterns are available under my pattern link on the right. I must say that crocheting with cassette tape is easier on my joints and smoother to crochet stitches with. Another nice discovery was that you do not need to open up the case to use the brown tape as yarn. You simply use a rewound tape and cut off the clear lead so you just have the brown tape to pull out of the case. You can then just work your project by pulling out the tape as you go. It reels out smoothly and you don’t have to worry about your yarn getting tangled. Be careful as the tape colors do vary so check your color shades when you do your projects.
My latest project consists of plastic bags and cassette tape used as yarn. The brown center was a plastic grocery bag I cut very narrow to match my cassette tape width. I cut the plastic bag strips at about ¼ inch. Now I know this is narrow but you need this to match the brown cassette tape. I believe this is a bit like working with thread. While I don’t work with thread much, this was an easy item to stitch as you don’t need to manhandle your work. The stitching seems to move along effortlessly unlike some of the other recycled materials I use. I will post a picture of the bag here when it is completed.
Knitting Links for Recycled Bags
I will continue to try out new and test other recycled materials here on this website. My motto continues to be that this website blog is dedicated to recycling and crafting. In an effort to expand beyond just crocheted recycled crafts, I wanted to share with you several knitted recycled bags. Thanks to Mike at Pieandcoffee.org who agreed to allow me to link this knitted recycled plastic bag in a post.
So for you knitters out there, click on this link for instructions on creating a knitted recycled tote bag using a different method than I do for the yarn preparations.
Here is one other link to a cute knitted recycled bag. This double knit bag is from Oma’s Kitchen.
It is knitted using recycled plastic bags and acrylic yarn. (ETA 5/06/2011: Unfortunately this site and the pattern are no longer on-line)
I hope you too will find recycled crafts as fun and challenging as I do.
So give it a try and create something recycled today!
Cindy
Tags: green-crafting, recycled-crafting
Oct 11, 2009
Wow, I am so glad I found this site. I downloaded the pattern for the bag made out of “plarn”. I have made two shopping bags in about two weeks time – it was easy and fast. Thank you X 3. Robbie : )
Dec 12, 2010
OMG, I just found you!!!! THis is too awesome….I am cutting up bags and getting started….
Dec 23, 2010
Dearest Cindy, first of all a huge thanks to you and the great gift you have and you share with the world. This how big your heart is. I wanted to kindly help me because the link to the full details and instructions on how to do the Oma’s Kitchen double knit bag does not work. I take the occasion to wish you a Merry Christmas, full of love and the people you love most.
Thank you. Nicole.
Dec 26, 2010
@Nicole: Thank you for your comment and heads-up about the link not working. I fixed the link to an archive link to the pattern as the site is no longer working. Best wishes and thanks for stopping by.
Apr 20, 2011
what a fantastic way of using up plastic bags and tapes- I cannot wait to get started and will let you know how I get on!!! many thanks- ursula
Apr 30, 2013
Dear Cindy,
This is amazing! I am going to buy the one purse to show it off to my friends. I recently purchased a tote at Barnes and Noble, made out of juice boxes. I cannot tell you how many people stop and ask where i got it. Wouldn’t it be great if I could generate that interest in yours. Looking forward to getting it so I can see, if it is possible for me to make something this unique. I love to craft and finding a new one is the best gift I give myself. Thank you for making my day.
Barbara
Sep 06, 2013
LOVE the yarn from plastic bags idea!!! Gonna go and start cutting to make tote bags for everyone I know!! :~)
Jan 23, 2015
I ADORE your website!!! I LOVE up/recycling! IT’s so much fun!!! THANKS SO MUCH for sharing your really cool ideas and really cool patterns! 🙂 🙂 🙂