Do you have some old vhs video tapes wasting away around the house? Well crochet yourself a recycled tote bag using those old tapes. This bag was crocheted from vhs tape and Lion Brand ribbon yarn. I made this tote bag for a co-worker for Christmas after she saw a prior bag I crafted and really wanted one. So I got busy and crocheted this tote for her for the upcoming Christmas gift exchange.
If you are new to crocheting with vcr tape here is the link for using vcr tape as yarn. It is a great way to recycle those old vcr vhs tapes into a wonderful reusable product.
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Free Pattern for a Crocheted Vcr Tape Ribbon Tote Bag
Materials needed:
2 Vhs Vcr video long play tapes (T-120)
2 rolls of Lion Brand ribbon yarn City Lights #21008, 110 yards each
Hook: N (9 mm) size metal crochet hook
Description: Tote Bag
Bag measures 13 inches wide and 14 inches long
Gauge:
7 Hdc = 3 inches
2 Rnds = 1 inch
Directions:
Using 2 strands of vhs video tape with one strand of ribbon yarn, Ch 28.
Today I blog not about crafts or recycled projects which is the normal topic here at My Recycled Bags but rather to stop abuse. I want to feature a local organization called Family Crisis Network who shortly will be known as Pend Oreille Crime Victim Services. This organization proudly works in the area the Newport, Washington area to prevent and advocate in matters of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and homelessness. They provide services for victims of all crimes in Pend Oreille County. Their web site is presented as an educational resource by the Family Crisis Center. If you are seeking help for yourself or someone you care about, call their 24 Hour Crisis line at (509) 447-5483 or 1-800-548-3133. If you live outside Pend Oreille County, Washington and are in crisis, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Mission
Mission is to provide services to all persons who have been abused and to promote a safe environment from domestic violence, sexual assault, and for the homeless.
Company Profile
Trained volunteers and staff are on call 24 hours a day, every day, to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Medical and Legal Advocacy is available if the victim of a sexual assault so desires.
FCN MEMBERSHIPS Includes:
Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs
Washington Low Income Housing Network
Washington State Coalition for the Homeless
Washington Coalition of Crime Victim Advocates
Spokane County Domestic Violence Consortium
National Organization for Women
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence MOTTO—-(“Every Home A Safe Home”)
Today I blog against abuse in hope of helping others and providing useful information. To break the cycle of violence, we must break the cycle of silence.
So please join me and 1,000s of other bloggers around the world in BlogCatalog’s Blogging for a Great Cause Challenge; Blogging to stop the abuse — one blog at a time.
Blog Against Abuse logo graphics are thanks to Kamal911 & Nine of BlogCatalog
This week I’m posting a cassette tape clutch. This is a great way to recycle and reuse old cassette tapes into something new and useful. The clutch purse was crocheted using two strands of black cassette tape with one strand of Lion Brand ribbon yarn. Next I wanted to create a lining with a zipper which I could simply insert inside my crocheted shell. I found a fantastic tutorial from Erika for a zippered pouch with a lining on Craftsters.
The tutorial found here has detailed pictures and walks you step-by-step through the process to sew a handy zippered pouch. Now you could just use the pouch alone for a cosmetic bag but I used it to slip inside my crocheted clutch shell. I then hand-stitched it in place and wallah you have a nice finished clutch.
Here are a few clickable pictures below to show you how the clutch looks up close.
Clickable
Zipper closing shown.
Inside of the clutch.
The free crochet pattern is below. Please enjoy this recycled craft project. Each week I try and add something new and different for a fun recycled craft experience. I hope my readers have found this project beneficial.
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Free Cassette Tape Clutch Pattern
Purse measures 9 inches wide and 5 inches long.
Materials:
2 cassette tapes (90 min. black tapes)
1 ball Lion Brand Trellis Nightlife ribbon yarn (115 yards)
4 – 9 inches x 5 inches fabric panels for pouch and lining
1 – 9 inch zipper
Hook: Metal J (6 mm) crochet hook
Chain 28 using 2 strands of cassette tape and one strand of Lion Brand yarn.
Pattern is crocheted using 3 strands of material held together throughout project.
This market bag was crocheted using a large plastic Q crochet hook. It’s my first project crocheting with plastic bag yarn aka plarn and using the extra large plastic hook. I must say that it makes my bag much lighter and the stitches more airy. I also didn’t use as many plastic bags as I normally do to finish the project. The bag is still very strong. As I have shown below with a load of groceries, it stretches nicely to accommodate my purchases.
Clickable
Here is my market bag filled from a grocery store trip!
So check out the free pattern below and as always — enjoy!
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Free Large Plastic Market Bag Pattern
Materials needed: One large ball of plastic bag yarn aka plarn
Hooks:
Q size plastic crochet hook
N size metal crochet hook for handles
Description: Large Plastic Market Tote Bag
Bag measures 13 inches wide and 15 inches long
Directions:
Using Q hook, Ch 20.
Crochet a cute ribbon sling bag!
This week’s recycled craft project is a crocheted sling bag. The bag is crocheted using recycled plastic bags. Red ribbon was added and tied into a bow at the front. Here is the link to my picture tutorial on how to make your own recycled plastic bag yarn or plarn.
I know many crafters out there are starting their Christmas gifts. This would make a great little gift for any young girl and even as a gift bag. You could fill it up with a few stocking stuffer items and you’d have a wonderful little Christmas package. Anyway just a few ideas that I came up with to use this little bag.
As always here is the free pattern for your use.
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Free Crocheted Sling Bag Pattern
Purse measures 9 inches wide and 10-1/2 inches long
Strap length is 35 inches
Materials:
One ball of recycled plastic bag yarn aka Plarn
2 yards of 1/8″ ribbon or other ribbon leftovers
Hook: Metal N (9 mm) crochet hook
Chain 22
Here is an eco rug I crocheted from recycled plastic bags. I made this Motif rug as part of an eco craftalong on Craftster. It’s been a fun and very informative craftalong for me. I learned about Borax and found it to be a wonderful eco friendly cleaning supply. I’ve learned about making reusable swiffer covers and mops. I have had the privilege of seeing lots of other people’s creations using plastic bags and other recycled materials. So if you love doing eco-friendly everythings come check out the link above for a fantastic craftalong!
Here is my pattern below for this rug. I want to forewarn everyone that I had issues getting my rug to lie flat. I applied heat from a blow dryer which helped a bit but it still isn’t completely flat. You may want to add more stitches or adjust the pattern to make it work better for you. After tackling and frogging this round rug for weeks, I think I’ll stick with bag projects for awhile now.
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Free Round Recycled Plastic Bag Rug Pattern
Size: 18″ round rug
Hook: N (9 mm) metal crochet hook
Materials:
Large ball of white plastic bags cut and tied into yarn (plarn)
Small ball of blue plarn used for center motif
With center color (white shown) Ch 4, Sl St to form ring.
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