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!