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


T-Yarn Baby Bib

August 28, 2009 10 comments
T-Yarn Baby Bib


Here is my latest t-yarn or tarn project that is created from recycled tee-shirts. I cut an old white tee-shirt up into a very narrow strip about 1/4 inch wide. The shirt I used had no side seams so I just cut around and around the body of the shirt to create one long strip. I then gently pulled on the strip to curl the t-yarn into a nice thin strand which I used to crochet this baby bib. Here is a tutorial on how I cut and curl the t-shirts into curled t-yarn or tarn.

So if you haven’t already tried crafting with recycled t-shirts, check out the process and give it a go. It’s a great way to repurpose those old t-shirts into cool new items.


Free Pattern for Crocheted T-Yarn Baby Bib

Materials needed:

One white T-Shirt cut into 1/4 inch wide strip and stretched to curl into T-yarn (about 1/2 of shirt used)
1/2 oz of cotton yarn (Pink used)
One hook and eye closure

Hook:
H (5 mm) USA size crochet hook

Description: Baby Bib measures 7-1/2″wide at middle and 11″ long

Directions:
Ch 18

Baby Kimono and Booties

August 23, 2009 14 comments
Pink Kimono

I can show and tell my pink baby kimono and Mary Jane booties now that I’ve given this set to my daughter-in-law. I’ve been having so much fun crocheting all these girlie things for my future granddaughter who is due to be born in less than a month.

This crocheted kimono sweater works up in one piece and is a highly customizable kimono wrap. I used pink Red Heart baby econo yarn and added white trim to my sweater. Here is the crochet pattern link.

I crocheted these adorable little Mary Janes to complete my gift for the new baby. I used Abigail Goss’s free pattern found here for the Mary Janes. I added the little white flowers to tie in with the pink kimono’s white trim. I’m looking so forward to seeing the baby in this cute little crochet set later this fall.

As a sneak peak to my next project, I’m working on a new recycled t-shirt yarn (t-yarn) baby bib. The t-yarn strips were cut really thin from an old white t-shirt and then crocheted to make a baby bib. I’m almost done with the bib and writing up the crochet pattern now. I will post the t-yarn bib and free crochet pattern next week. Until my next post, enjoy and happy crafting to all!

Recycled Plastic Bag Shell Purse

August 14, 2009 17 comments
Recycled Shell Purse with Lining


As promised in my last post, here is my striped shell handbag purse that is crocheted from recycled plastic bags. I changed colors of plastic bags every round to create this unique looking shell stitch purse. I did 16 rounds and each round takes about 2 to 2-1/2 bags to complete each different colored row. Also this is my first experience using store purchased purse handles. I splurged and bought these as they were on clearance for $2.00. I think they really compliment the handbag and along with the lining, make this a really beautiful and fashionable upcycled handbag.

Here is a closeup on the inside of the bag. Click to supersize

Free Striped Shell Handbag Crochet Pattern

Materials needed:
14-16 different colors of plastic bags made into plastic bag yarn aka Plarn
Approx. 35-40 plastic grocery bags in different colors
1 Set of Bamboo handles
Small amount of fabric for lining
Magnetic clasp closure

Hook:
N 9 (mm) metal crochet hook

Description: Striped Shell Handbag
Bag measures 13 inches wide and 9 inch long with bamboo handles

Directions:

Crocheted Kitchen Ensemble Set

August 7, 2009 3 comments
Kitchen Ensemble Set

I have been busy crocheting a kitchen ensemble set for an upcoming house warming gift. I was lucky and scored a big bag of cotton yarn at a local thrift store for a wonderful price. I was able to use the cotton yarn to crochet all the kitchen items making this a very frugal gift. Here is my completed kitchen set which includes dishcloths, potholders, and a recycled plastic scrubbie.

Of course no kitchen set of mine could be complete without a touch of recycled materials so I included one of my kitchen scrubbies which are reinforced by adding recycled lettuce netting for extra scrubbing power. The free pattern link and tutorial on how to create the scrubbie is found here.

The granny motif dishcloth, star dishcloth and the potholder are my original patterns. Click on the green links above for the free patterns to those projects. I also have options on these two dishcloth patterns to add a plastic center so they can be used for extra scrubbing. The multi-colored nubby dishcloth pattern shown in the lower left hand corner is from Charlotte over at Crochetville and is available free here.

This has been a wrap up of my latest completed crochet projects. I continue to create new recycled craft ideas. As a sneak preview, I will share that I am finishing a striped purse crocheted in a shell stitch. Each row is a different color as I changed colors of the plastic bags I used every row. It is turning out very colorful and definitely has a unique look. I will be back soon to post that free recycled shell purse pattern. Until then, enjoy your summer!

Lining a Crocheted Plarn Purse

August 2, 2009 9 comments
Inside closeup of purse lining

I wanted to line this crocheted plarn purse and share the tutorial on how I line purses and bags that are made from recycled plastic bags. First I want to say that I am not a seamstress. This lining project is very basic and is a no-frills way to line a crocheted plarn purse.

First you need two pieces of fabric just wide enough for the bag to fit over with a little extra up top for your finished edge. Using recycled fabric, scrap material or whatever you have on hand will work.

I had a small piece of leftover fabric so I used it for a pocket for the inside of my lined purse.



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!