Saturday, August 17, 2013

Busy, but still crafting...

Summertime is usually a slow time for crafting... it's hot outside and the kids are off school and want to be entertained and of course there's vacations as well.  But rest assured, I've been busy in the crafting department as well.

Since my last post I had a spring trade show... not much to say about that, but I'm really looking forward to the December 7 Christmas trade show that I've signed up for.  So far it looks like those will be my only 2 shows for the year so I'm hoping to start working up more product for that show and for my Etsy shop.

I joined an 'Around the World' swap and made a mini-Chrisie that I sent on.  The swap involves hosting a revolving group of mini's and showing them around and making them presents and whatnot.  Unfortunately my mini has been 'lost' as it's currently stuck at a swap person's house that's having personal problems and not moving the mini's along.  One of the members of the group has made me an Angel traveller and is sending her on to the next person so we can continue the fun.  Hopefully my mini comes back to me eventually.
I've started unravelling sweaters for yarn... and I made a shawl from the first one.

And I've been knitting!  I'm just making dishcloths right now, but I've signed up for a few Craftsy courses that should help me make the things I want - hats, toys, socks, garments etc.  I'm really enjoying making the dishcloths though, it's a perfect travel project.



I also entered a couple of things into the local Stampede Fair this year.  I won a first for my shawl and a third for my sea turtle.

I also had a custom order for a cactus rattle... isn't it cute?

And my most ambitious project to date was a cardigan for my mom's birthday.  I was only a day late!
PlanetJune has released a few really cute patterns in the last few months that I'm looking forward to getting into the shop and show.  So keep an eye out for that too!

Other things I'm working on include a Mystery Crochet Along for a shawl... a Test Along for a felted bag... a tutorial for Filet Crochet... and a toy for my new niece or nephew's room.

Now it's time for Christmas crafting!

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Thinking about Spring!

Even though there's still snow on the ground (and more on the way I'm sure), I'm starting to think ahead to spring.  I have a trade show booked for May 4, so I'm trying to get lots of fun spring and Mother's Day appropriate items.  Here's a few things I've made so far...



I hope to have a warren of bunnies ready to go and lots of little things that kids can give to their deserving mothers.  :)
The bunny, chick and egg combo is currently in my Etsy shop... custom orders with any breed/colour bunny, different pocketami, other egg colours.  www.etsy.com/shop/chrisiemerriman

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Plastic Bags to Yarn = Plarn

I haven't blogged in a while, but I thought this might be worth passing along.  My lovely mother-in-law was very interested in what I was working on yesterday... plarn.

Plarn is when you cut up plastic bags and basically make them into yarn.

There are lots of places online to get tutorials on how to make your own plarn, but here is the process I used.

Start with flattened plastic bag
Cut off handles and bottom

Fold and cut 1.5" strips
That worked out, didn't it?

Knot together
Make smallest knot possible so you can work over it



Roll into ball... 3 bags made this much plarn
Current size of project... about 20 bags so far

I'm still working on the bag, but it should be an interesting experiment.  Google 'plarn' and you will find tons of different things made with it.  Including sandals, which I thought was interesting, but I don't think I'll be trying.  So far, I think I'm going to try to make different bags.  I think plarn would make nice beach bags, market bags and laundry bags.  I'll post an update when I'm finished my current bag.

If this works out, I might send out a call to my friends to bring me their unwanted bags... some of the big projects can take over 150 bags.  :)