Can I borrow a pencil?

It is has been over a week since my last post.  I've been busy with the kids and their after school activities.  In-between I try to sneak in some crotchet time. It is defiantly how I relax and unwind. 

This past week I started experimenting with recycled cans and glass jars.  I'm not sure what I think of these.  They turned out kind of cute... I think... :o)

Yet Another Purse!

I started and finished another purse this week.  I used black garbage bags a long with Safeway bags.  I kept more of the orginal purse this time too (instead of just the lining and handles).  It seems like a waste to throw out so much of the old purses, so I figured I'd try to repurpose more of each one.

I am happy with how this one turned out.

A Linked Treble

Today, I started working on a new project that requires a linked treble stitch.  My mind went blank.  The term "linked" should of been familiar, but it wasn't.  First I couldn't find my book on crotchet stitches.  It has been a while since I last used it, and it has obviously grown legs and walked away.  So  I went online with the idea that a quick google search would solve everything.  Again, this allusive stitch taunted me!  I couldn't get the two YouTube tutorials I found to play.  One site gave instructions, but the photos that were suppose to illustrate the steps were missing.  I'm a visual girl.  It will make much more sense to me if I can see a stitch being done.

After much wasted time searching on the internet I was able to figure it out.  Anyway,  I thought I would write it down if for no one else but myself.  It is a really easy stitch.  It just took my mind a while to realize that!  I have tried to write it down as basic and clearly as possible so I will have it handy the next time I need a refresher.


Linked Treble Stitch


Insert your hook in the upper horizontal loop of the last stitch made. Yo and draw loop through,

Insert your hook in lower horizontal loop on same stitch,  Yo and draw the loop through.

Insert your hook in next st on row you are working on, 

Yo, and again draw loop through,  There should be 4 loops on your hook now.

Yo and draw through 2 loops (repeat 2 more times).

Continue down your row

My First Plarn Rug!

This is my first attempt at making a plarn rug!  I still have a ways to go, but I thought I'd share what I've done so far.  I'm liking it...  Although crocheting with 3 strands at the same time, means cutting and making a lot of plarn a long the way!

I'm also really concerned that I'm going to run out of the beige Fred Meyer shopping bags.  I am realizing that one rug will probably take 300+ bags to create.  Fortunately a friend dropped off a bunch to me over the weekend, so I should have enough (but I'm crossing my fingers that I am right!)

I am also learning that it takes a LONG time to create one rug.  I've already have put in several hours, and I have at least triple that time to go.  Again, it is all about the amount of cutting and looping it takes to make enough plarn.  By the time I am done I will probably be dreaming of grocery bags!

My Latest Purse

This is my latest plarn purse creation.  It is smaller then most of the others I've made, but it probably took me the longest to make.  I created several pieces separately and sewed them together.  It is cute... but I guess I am a perfectionist...because I am not completely happy with it.  I've decided to step away from it for now and go back to it later.

I have also started my latest project.  A plarn rug.  I think it is going to take me more time to cut and loop together the plarn, then to crotchet.  That is if I end up with enough bags to finish the thing!  I'm quite certain it will take several hundred bags to complete!  it will be a heavy little floor rug that's for sure!  I'm in the early stages, but it is looking pretty cute.  I will post some pictures soon!

One of my favorites

This past week I have been working on a new plarn purse.  It is a small one, but I've tried to be more creative with it.... and in turn, it has been taking me a long time.  I was really excited about it at first, but now I'm not sure I like it.  I just have to sew in the lining and then I'm done.  I will post it when it is finished.  I've sort of run out steam though. 

Feeling frustrated about all the time I took (or is that wasted?) I looked over some of the bags I've done.  Some of my earlier ones I can't see anyone buying.  But there are a few that I am happy with.  Like this one below.  It is one of my favorites.  I haven't posted it on Etsy as I need to save most of my bags for the Fall Bizarres I plan to go in with my neighbor. 

I am feeling a little uncertain about my creative abilities.  My insecurities have me visioning people smirking at my attempts to sell what I've made.  Yet, I remind myself that I love to crotchet and I love working with different materials.  It is a fun hobby and if worse comes to worse I will just be stuck with a life time supply of bags and purses!  :o)

I'm thinking of trying to make some small rugs next.  I've seen them done and they can turn out really nice.  I think I just need a break from my purse making!  ;o)

Christmas Plarn Pattern

I don't know how many people are like me...I tend to start my Christmas shopping in the summer. I always plan to get it done by the end of October, which never happens of course!

In years past I have sewn sacks to use as "wrapping paper" for my gifts. I pick up Christmas themed material at fabric stores after the holidays (when it goes on sale). I've used buttons, zippers and ties to close the sacks. It is always fun to receive a sack "back" with a gift the following year. I love that my family and friends recycle them year after year.

This year (as I continue to work with plarn) I plan to make a few "plastic" sacks. I came across a cute pattern on-line and thought I would share it.

Look for it at myrecycledbags.com

I am online!

I have been working on opening my very own Etsy store for the past few days. I finally felt ready enough to post a few of my creations on-line for sale. I feel very volunerable in doing so, which probably sounds cheesy. I guess I wonder if people will look at what I've made and not be impressed. Or even worse... find my work poor and not up to Etsy standards. I guess time will tell...

Right now I only have 5 items posted. 4 coffee sleeves and one plarn purse. It will be interesting to see what (if anything) happens.

Experimenting with Upcycling

This is my first blog post, but I have been experimenting with grocery bags and old t-shirts for the past 6 months or so.  I thought I'd start off my blog by sharing some of my first creations.

I went online and found some patterns to test out with bags.  I've since started making up patterns as I go, but I'll save that explanation for another day! 

The one thing that does surprise me is how many bags it takes to crotchet one bag!  Thankfully, I have some wonderful friends and family members who have been saving and collecting for me!