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I like this shape because it holds a lot, and it goes across the body like a messenger bag, so it's hands-free. I've used it a lot for trips to the zoo, boardwalk, etc, and especially on trips to the city. When it rains, I wear it under my coat.
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I got the idea talking to my friend G. She described how to make the yarn from a tutorial she saw online. I have no idea which of the many instructions she saw, so I can't credit anyone, but I know people made rugs out of bread bags years ago, so the basic idea has been around for a while. I started making the yarn that night from her description, even though I was really busy--I couldn't help myself--it was just too fun to not try right away.
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OK, I will recycle you...
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Cut into strips about .5 inches wide. They are cut across so they are loops.
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I place the loops over one another, pull one end over and through...
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...and pull gently until the knot is small.
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My ball of plastic yarn, ready to go.
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I just crochet with it like usual, I chain how wide I want the bottom to be. Here I chained 27.
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I crocheted (single crochet) around both sides of the chain, increasing on the ends each time to make an oval base for the bag.
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When the oval was the size I wanted, I stopped increasing on the ends so the sides of the bag started coming up. I always crochet bags inside out because they seem to end up tighter that way.
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Close up. Ironically, I haven't had a problem with anything slipping out between the holes--except for crochet hooks!
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Hooray for new bags! Let me know if you would like to see more pictures or for me to explain a step differently.
OH my goodness! this looks way better than I could have imagined. I get like that with craft ideas - 487 other things to do, must cut up plastic bags NOW to see if it works.
ReplyDeleteThe one in the picture is my bag I've used for two years! They really hold up. And white matches everything.
ReplyDeleteLeigh, How inventive. I am so glad that I know you and that I am able to read you creative blog and be a part of the knitting group with you and Robin. Do you think these are items the knitters could make for someone? Thanks Bev
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bev! I need to talk to Robin, but we will probably focus on messenger/tote bags for the teens at CHOP this fall. This would be one idea--we already have a few knit/crocheted out of yarn, and we will probably sew some as well. Robin has some great patterns. The idea is to give the older kids and teens bags so they can tote around books, snacks, etc. Stay tuned:)
DeleteI've sen these before but never got around to making one. I think you've inspired me to give it a go. At the very least, it'll probaly last longer then the ones you pay $0.99 for.
ReplyDeleteHow many grocery store bags did you end up using?
Tracy L. :)
Hey Tracy,
DeleteThis pattern is better for a purse. Used to carry heavier things, it wouldn't hold up two years, but it would still work for a while before it gets too stretched out. I should make a grocery tote, because I do walk to Giant sometimes if I just need a few things. I'll post pictures if I do. To make it a grocery tote, I would make the strap shorter so it could handle heavier items, and after crocheting a few inches up, I might switch to double crochet because it would go faster, and grocery items wouldn't slip out bigger holes. I've seen grocery totes made out of plastic bags, and they are much more "holey" than this. I also think a pool bag would be great, because clothes aren't that heavy, and it would be great for wet stuff.