Alternative Yarn (#3): Denim yarn

The last post for Alternative yarns I wrote about t-shirt yarn and that inspired me to look else where in my old clothes for yarn.  I decided to try making yarn out of an old pair of jeans.  Another great recycling project and a way to give new life to something old! :)

1. Cut off the legs of the jeans at the thigh so they're even at the top.

2. 3. & 4. Cut all around the leg creating one continuous piece however thick or thin you want, I did about half an inch wide. 

When you get to the bottom hem of the leg (the folded part) cut that off, but save it for later along with the back pockets.  I have another project I use them for and will post a tutorial for it later this week. :)

Wind up your "yarn" into balls...

... and create!  I'm knitting a rug with mine.  I bet denim yarn would make a cool tote bag too! :)

Happy Crafting!

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Alternative Yarn (#2): T-shirt yarn

T-shirt yarn is an awesome alternative yarn!  You get to use up those old t-shirts and create something new.  It's also a great way to recycle!

I knit this pouch with t-shirt yarn also using fabric from the t-shirt for the lining.  I added a zipper and a removable wrist strap.  The strap is a simple crochet chain. :)

There is a great tutorial on CraftPassion.com for making t-shirt yarn.

I definitely recommend giving this "yarn" a try, it's fun, it's something different, and it will make a great project for the upcoming Earth Day!

See ya later!

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Knit Shamrock Pin

For St. Patrick's day I made this cute shamrock pin and tutorial. :)

I used Red Heart green yarn, U.S. size 8 knitting needles, a pin, glue, and a tapestry needle.

1.  Knit two 3 stitch i-cords.  One 6 inches long, the other 8 inches long.

2 & 3. Coil the 8 inch i-cord at both ends and sew in place using a tapestry needle.

4. Coil the 6 inch i-cord at one end leaving a "stem" at the other end.

5.  Sew the pieces together.

6. Thread your needle through the center of each coil to the outer edge and back to the center, pull the yarn tight to create the indentation in each leaf then tie off the yarn.

7. Glue a pin to the back (The side all your little knots are on from tying off)

8. Wear and enjoy!

Happy Knitting!

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Alternative Yarn: Plarn

I love to find new and different ways to spice up my knitting, one of those ways is to use alternative yarns.  Today's alternative yarn is Plarn: plastic yarn.  Using plarn is a great way to use up all those plastic shopping bags you get.

How to make Plarn:

1. Start with one bag, make sure there aren't any tears.

2. Fold the bag in half, then fold it in half again.

3. Cute off the top part with the handles and cut off the bottom part.

4. Cut the bag into strips.  I cut one inch strips when I'm knitting on U.S. size 8 needles and I cut three inch strips when I'm knitting on U.S. size 13 needles.

To link the strips together follow the pictorial above.

Tips: 

*Be sure not to cut your strips too thin so they don't break when you tighten the knot (pic #8).

*Don't knit with aluminum knitting needles if you want to preserve their color.  I tried knitting with aluminum knitting needles and the plarn rubbed off some of the color.

*I found that knitting plarn on wooden needles is much easier.  Be sure to wax your needles it makes the whole project much smoother.  I just use a piece of Reynolds wrap wax paper.

Different plarns:

1. Rose scented plastic bags.  I found these bags at a dollar store and I love them, they smell like roses!  I knit them into a coin pouch.

2. Garbage bags.  The garbage bags create a slight vinyl look, I made some into wristlets.

3. And of course, shopping bags.  I knit some into a wristlet.

4. In this pic you can see the difference between the one inch strips and the three inch strips.  The purse was done with three inch strips on U.S. size 13 needles.  The coin purse was done with one inch strips on U.S. size 8 needles. 

Happy knitting!

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Yarn Vase

I save my yarn scraps, pieces of yarn too small to knit with but so long I don't like to throw them away.  I've been saving them for a while not knowing what I would make with them, now I have the perfect thing.  Yarn Vase! 

What I used: yarn, glue, buttons, and one tall can.

I painted on a thin layer of glue as I wrapped the yarn around the can stringing on buttons here and there.  I read double stick tape or a spray adhesive both work well too.

Need a full tutorial?  There's a nice one on DesignSpongeOnline.com or try using a drinking glass for your vase like at AllYou.com 

Happy Crafting!

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