How to make Plarn (plastic yarn)

Collect recycled plastic bags of different sizes, colours and patterns. 

Ensure that the bags are clean.

Flatten them out, following the individual bag's original creases.

Gather your supplies. You need something to cut with and a ruler.

Fold a side edge of the bag approximately 3cm and continue to fold till you reach the other edge. Flatten as you go. 

                  

Cut off the lower end off the bag and dispose of the scrap.

Cut 2cm pieces of the bag, all the way till the handles. Dispose of the handle scraps.

 

 

Unfold the 2cm pieces. You will notice that each piece is a loop.

Join two pieces together by making a slip knot.

Continue until all of your pieces are in a long string of plarn.

 

Roll up your plarn into a ball.

 Ready to use!

Time to crochet or knit away!

 

Marjorie Bligh: pioneer recycler and maker

Image via eprints UTAS 

Marjorie Bligh lived her life publically and with passion. She was well known in Tasmania, Australia as a domestic goddess - some would say that she was a housewife superstar. If you don't know about her and you are interested in all things crafty, you really should read one of her books or look up Housewife Superstar: The Very Best of Marjorie Bligh by Danielle Wood.


Marjorie Bligh died age 96 in 2013 but her handmade relics live on in museums and private collections. One of her amazing talents was to recycle or upcycle almost everything. She made useable items including clothes, hats, and bags out of plastic bags. How fantastic! I can't wait to sink my teeth into learning and making out of plastic bags myself. Watch this space!  




Reminiscing - Handmade to Help

I have been thinking about all of the wonderful craft projects for charity that I have participated in over the years. So rewarding and lots of fun!

This includes the fantastic creation and donation of Softies for Mirabel that is coordinated by Pip. In 2010 a group of us made some squishy stuff  to donate and I made this felt pillow. I thought it was perfect to sit on someone's bed. I hope they liked it!

In 2011 we made Hope Softies for kiddies that lost everything in the Queensland floods . I sewed a little felt cat. Meow!

The floods effected so many people and we saw true compassion and generosity with lots of rad people organising donations and craft projects.

I love to crochet so it was an easy decision to make squares for Crochet A Rainbow. These were crocheted and sewn into blankets after they were donated. Warm blankets to warm hearts!

And the crochet squares didn't stop there.... Our craft group also made squares for Papillon Gold. Our squares were joined with others to make blankets for people in need through the Knit4Charities charity.



via Papillon Gold



Then in 2013 I coordinated the Brown Owls Launceston in crocheting squares for Woolies for Tassie. The blankets made from donated squares were given to people who lost belongings in the bush fires that year.

It is really important to help those in need and if I can make something with warm wishes then it is even better!

New beginnings!

I used to love blogging but life got away from me. Now I am back!

I would love to share what I have been doing since I stopped writing for

 Le Tigre Papillon and show you some of the fun stuff I am doing now. Yay!