Come Learn and Share Information about Recycling, Crocheting & Recycled Crafting


Cross Bookmark

August 28, 2010 1 comment
Cross Bookmarks

Here are two thread crosses I crocheted with #10 thread. I used a “C” crochet hook (2.75 mm) for both. The first one I used a single strand of #10 thread and the larger one was crocheted using double strands of thread. The small one is 6″ long and the larger one is 7″. The pattern calls for a #7 steel crochet but it was too small for me as I tried to work the pattern. But now that I know how to work the pattern, I want to try it again with the steel hook.

The pattern indicates that you can use it to make a cross bookmark or ornament so I may just not add the tassel and use these for ornaments. Here is the free crochet pattern link for the cross bookmark.

This was my first real experience using thread to crochet. I got two small balls at the thrift store for 49 cents so I wanted to give it a try. I love the pretty and delicate look of thread but it’s a far cry from crocheting with recycled plastic bags like I usually do. I do love my thread crosses and hope to make more for Christmas gifts now that I’ve learned to crochet with the very thin yarn.

Recycled Water Bottle Carrier

August 21, 2010 7 comments
Recycled Water Bottle Carriers2


I am sharing a reader’s designs and crochet pattern for a plastic water bottle carrier. These water bottle carriers are made from recycled plastic bags and have been fashioned into some amazing designs by Cecile Chi.

Cecile has allowed me to reprint her pattern and photos in this post. Her designs are beautiful and shows how plastic trash can truly be transformed into treasures. While she doesn’t give all the details for creating the special designs shown in the photos, her beautiful creations do provide us with numerous ideas for crocheting our own unique designs with recycled plastic bags.
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Recycled Plastic Water Bottle Carrier Pattern By Cecile Chi

Directions for a carrier for a half-liter water bottle:
Cut strips across the bag, 5/8 to 3/4 inches wide to create your plarn (plastic bag yarn)

Beginning the carrier
Begin by making the base, a flat circle with one end of the yarn, make a slip knot loop
Use size F and G crochet hooks as directed
Ch 3

T-Yarn Flower Trivet Hotpad

August 14, 2010 10 comments
T-Yarn Flower Trivet Hotpad

Need a new trivet hotpad? Well grab that old t-shirt and start cutting. This cute flower hotpad was crocheted from the front piece of an old cotton tank top of mine. This particular tank top had side seams so I cut it across from side to side so I could stretch it to created what I call curled t-yarn. Here is my picture tutorial on how to make curled t-yarn.

The nice thing about these trivets is that they are a quick project and only require about 40 yards of t-yarn. Because this was a shirt with side seams, when I reached the side, I just cut at a diagonal to turn so I could work across the front again. Little “tags” are created when you make the turns but can be trimmed once you curl the t-yarn and can be easily hidden within your stitches or at the back of your work. As you can see, all my little tags don’t show. Anyway enjoy this recycled t-shirt project and happy green crafting to all!


Free Crochet Pattern for a T-Yarn Flower Trivet Hotpad

Materials needed:
One-half of a T-shirt – approx. 40 yards of t-yarn
Cut into 1/4 inch – 1/2 inch wide strips and gently pull to curl your t-yarn

Hook: J (6 mm) size metal crochet hook
Finished Trivet Hotpad is 6-1/4 inches wide

Rnd 1
Make a magic circle with t-yarn, work 14 Dc in circle. Join with Sl St to top of 1st Dc to complete first round. Do not turn your work in this project.

Felted Baby Slippers

August 6, 2010 9 comments
Felted Red Baby Booties

I crocheted these felted baby slippers using just a small amount of chunky wool yarn that I had left over from a thrift store purchase. I was inspired by the cute felted woman’s slippers that Guro created. Guro has a new blog site where you can find all kinds of beautiful new craft projects that she has created. I just love all her beautiful crochet projects. Click on over and check out her gorgeous designs.

I wanted to make baby slippers to fit my Granddaughter who is 10 months old. So through trial and error, I finally came up with a pattern that after felting fit her feet.

My finished slippers before felting were 3″ wide by 5″ inches long with a toe depth of 2″. After felting the slippers are 2.5″ wide by 4.25″ long. Guro has graciously allowed me to post my baby version of her slipper pattern below. Enjoy and happy crafting to all!

Felted Baby Wool Slippers

Crochet hook: J (6 mm) crochet hook
Yarn: 2 ozs Bulky/Chunky weight wool yarn
2) small star buttons

Rnd 1
Ch 2, work 6 Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Don’t join as this pattern is worked in rounds without joining.

Denim Eyelet Tote Bag

August 1, 2010 11 comments
Denim Eyelet Tote Straps Tied

This is my new denim eyelet tote bag. I am so excited about how it turned out. I bought this big piece of denim from a yard sale and set out to make a nice new purse for myself.

It is my first time using eyelets on a tote bag for the handles. In the past I’ve always found it tough sewing the heavy denim handles or straps to the bag. Most of the time your sewing machine doesn’t like sewing through the thick layers of denim so I wanted to try putting in eyelets. They worked out great and I just threaded my denim handle straps through the eyelets and tied a knot at the end to secure each side.

I did take lots of pictures as I created this tote bag and will detail them below for anyone who would like to make their own denim tote bag.

Picture Tutorial for a Denim Eyelet Tote Bag

Materials needed:
One piece of denim 28″ long by 16″ wide
Two denim strips 3″ wide by 38″ long for strap handles
One scrap piece of denim for flap
One piece of lining fabric 28″ long by 16″ wide and extra scrap pieces if pockets are added to lining
One magnetic closure
Thread for denim and lining
Four 7/16″ eyelets
One hammer



About Me

Hello, I’m Cindy or aka RecycleCindy. Welcome to my blog site that is dedicated to recycling and crafting. I love to crochet and create crafts and other useful things from recycled materials. I share many free tutorials and patterns for creating recycled projects as well as other handmade items.


Here is a direct link to all my free patterns available here on My Recycled Bags.


Thank you for stopping by to visit and for your interest in My Recycled Bags!