Recycle Denim Jeans ... Lunch Bag or Beach bag

Recycle your old jeans into Lunch or beach bags
http://www.handmadeintheusa.ecrater.com/

Show off with style in the cafeteria or on the beach with this easy-to-make and easy-to-wash lunch bag / beach bag

Materials:
Old pair of Jeans
Fabric scissors
Sewing machine or thread and needle
Cord
Patches, paint or buttons

Instructions:
To begin, cut a 12- to 16-inch section from a pant leg. Fold over a 1/2-inch strip around the top and sew it down to create a casing.

Through an opening left in the casing, thread a 3-foot length of cord and knot the two ends together.

To form the bag's bottom, cut another piece of fabric from the pants, about 1/2-inch larger than the leg's circumference. Turn the leg inside out and sew the two pieces together.

Customize the bag with patches, fabric paints or buttons

Recycle Denim Jeans ... Pocket Magnets

I LOVE these! Denum Jean Pocket Magnets. SUUUUPER Easy! No sewing!

www.handmadeintheusa.ecrater.com

Great Project with Kids & a great gift.

Cut around the back pockets of any old jeans. Decorate or personalize with Fabric paint.

Glue 1 or 2 magnets onto the back of jean pockets for a handy place to stash coupons, notes, receipts or a few pens on your fridge or Metal file cabinet!

Recycle Denim Jeans ... Potholders

RECYCLE those old Jeans instead of Tossing them away! www.handmadeintheusa.ecrater.com

Turn an old pair of jeans into potholders. The jean pockets are ready to go as an easy sewing project. Easy sewing for older kids. Straight stitching is a great way to learn how to use a sewing maching & Potholders make a great gift.

1.Find a pair of old jeans. "Holey" jeans ready for the trash?

2.Cut two 10 inch squares around each pocket, with the pocket as close to the center of the square as possible.

3.Cut out two 10 inch squares in fabric to match the denim squares of from legs of the jeans.

4.For the insulation layer, use two layers of thick wool batting cut to equal squares, or use heat resistant insulated material specifically for potholder. Usually can find at any Fabric store.

5.For each potholder, assemble the three square layers of denim, insulation, fabric. Align the insulation squares with the fabric square, with the wrong side of the fabric touching the insulation. Pin in place. Align this pinned piece with the denim square, with the right side of the denim touching the fabric piece. Pin in place.

6.With a ½ inch seam allowance, stitch three sides of each pot holder.

7.Turn inside out and press. Topstitch the remaining side closed. Repeat for other potholder.

Braided Plarn Rugs

So you don't crochet? Well you can always use up those grocery bags by Braiding a rug!

Make your Plarn first.

Braiding

The braid described here is called three-strand braid. It is very simple, but here are some tips for getting best results.

Take three strips of plarn. Eight or nine feet of strips at one time is fine or braid will become tangled. Mentally number strips from one to three, from left to right, then begin braiding. Pass strip three over center strip two and under strip number one. Continue this same procedure until three of four yards are braided, then begin lacing rug together.

Lace together with fishing line or dental floss & a Darning needle.

You may want to get some non skid material with "sticky back" or for you to stitch on the bottom of the rug if you are using this on wood or tile floors.

Plarn Plastic Grocery Bag Keeper

Grocery Bag Keeper from Grocery Bag Plarn!


This is an adorable Crochet Pattern using "Plarn". (Plastic Grocery bag yarn)


See how to make Plarn
http://www.handmadeintheusa.com/

from http://www.myrecycledbags.com/

"This project was crocheted using plastic bags made into plarn along with one strand of some fingering weight yarn I had to add color. You just crochet holding the plarn and the yarn together. I then trimmed the top and bottom edges using just the fingering yarn. I also used the fingering yarn to make the ties for the bag as shown. This project was a request for a teal or turquoise bag holder and since I can’t really find that color of plastic bags to recycle, I added this yarn that I got at a garage sale for just 25 cents. Anyway using regular yarn along with recycled plastic bags is a great way to add color and spice up those boring white bags. "

Click here to see this pattern

Crocheted Round Plastic Grocery Bag Tote

Use up those plastic grocery bags by crocheting a "REAL GREEN" green tote bag!

See here how to Make your "Plastic yarn" (Plarn)

http://www.handmadeintheusa.ecrater.com/

Materials Needed: 45-50 Blue (or any other colors) bags, 15 white bags, M hook

Directions:
With M hook and Blue yarn ch 3
join with a sl st to form a ring
Round 1 - ch 2, work 9 hdc in ring just formed, join with a sl st to top of ch 2 (10)
Round 2 - ch 2, hdc in same st, work 2 dcs in each st around, join with a sl st to top of ch 2 (20)
Round 3 - ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next st, (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st) repeat around join with a sl st to top of ch 2 (30)
Round 4 - ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next 2 sts, (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts) repeat around join with a sl st to top of ch 2 (40)
Round 5 - ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next 3 sts, (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 3 sts) repeat around join with a sl st to top of ch 2 (50)
Round 6 - ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next 4 sts, (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 4 sts) repeat around join with a sl st to top of ch 2 (60)
Round 7-13 - ch 2, hdc in of each st around, join with a sl st to top of ch 2, at the end of round 13 drop blue and pick up white (60)
Round 14-16 - ch 2, hdc in of each st around, join with a sl st to top of ch 2, at the end of round 16 drop white and pick up blue (60)
Round 17-20 - ch 2, hdc in of each st around, join with a sl st to top of ch 2, (60)
Round 21- ch 2, hdc in next 19 sts, ch 12 (this will be the handle), skip next 10 sts, hdc in next 20 sts, sk next 10 sts, ch 12, join with a sl st to top of ch 2
Round 22- ch 1, sc in same st as joining, sc in next 19 sts, work 20 scs around the ch 12 (handle) on previous round, sc in next 20 sts, work 20 scs around ch 12 on previous round. join with a sl st to 1st sc.
Fasten off.

Instructions for making the plastic bag "yarn"

"Green Crafts" is a great way to reuse & recycle.

http://www.handmadeintheusa.ecrater.com/

Make your own "yarn" for crochet projects from Plastic Grocery Bags. We will be posting some great patterns to use your "yarn" during the next few days, so come back & check out these patterns.

Lay the bag flat








Cut the handles and bottom seam off the bag





Fold the bag into a strip






Cut the bag into 1 1/2 - 2 inch pieces




connecting the rings place - one ring over the other








Take one end of the white bag and insert it into the other end

Pull tightly but not to tight or it will tear, this forms a knot which will not be seen when you crochet. Keep repeating the above and roll up your strips into your new ball of "yarn"

Homemade Bath Scrubs, Salts & Bubbles Holiday Gifts

Great as a Christmas gift OR in a "Spa Basket" for bridal shower or Birthday. Add a bath "Poof", & hair towel.

These scrubs are not only nice during and after a hot bath, but it makes for a nice Christmas gift as well. Most ingredients are available at a Natural store like WholeFoods, Vitamin Cottages or any health food store. Purchase pretty jars from dollar stores, walmart or even thrift stores.

Homemade Honey Scrub

Materials:
Vitamin E capsule opened and mixed in (can be purchased from all good health food stores)
1 tsp organic Sweet Almond Oil (or more if you like. You could also substitute for organic Olive Oil if you don't have Sweet Almond Oil on hand)
½ cup organic Honey
¼ cup Grits or medium Ground Cornmeal (can replace with oatmeal for less exfoliation)

Steps:
. Mix all ingredients together.
Apply in circular motions to damp skin to gentle exfoliate. Can be used on both face and body.
Keep any left over in fridge to ensure freshness as there are no preservatives added.

Scented Bath Bombs

Number Of Applications : 6

1 1/2 cups baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
8 drops essential oil -- your choice of scent
1/2 teaspoon sweet almond oil
2 drops food coloring -- your choice of color

-Combine all ingredients.
-Press into muffin tin or mold of your choice.
-Release from mold.
-Wrap in colored plastic wrap and tie with a ribbon.

NOTES : Fizzes when dropped in water. When selecting an oil for scent, read warnings about use. Some oils are not intended to have direct contact with skin.

Tropical Dream Bubble Bath
Ingredients:
3 drops rose fragrant or essential oil
2 drop jasmine fragrant or essential oil
1 ounce glycerin
1 ounce coconut oil
1 bar castille soap (grated)
1 quart water

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together. Store in a container. Pour in running water.

Body Buffer
Jojoba Oil--1/4 cup
Liquid Soap--1/4 cup
Sea Salt, Very Fine--1/2 cup
Essential Oil--1/2 tsp
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly. Pour into a flip top bottle. Scrub is liquidy.

Knitted Mary Jane Slippers Easy

These Mary-Jane style slippers will keep you warm and stylish around the house.

www.handmadeintheusa.ecrater.com

Skill: Easy

SIZES
To fit adult’s shoe size 5/6 (7/8-9/10). Finished foot length 9 (9½-10½) ins [23 (24-26.5) cm].

MATERIALS

Bernat® Sox (100 g / 3.5 oz)1 ball of # 42117 (Wooded Denim)
Size 2.75 mm (U.S. 2) knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge.

2 buttons.

ABBREVIATIONS
www.bernat.com/glossary

GAUGE: 32 sts and 40 rows = 4 ins [10 cm] in stocking st.

INSTRUCTIONS

The instructions are written for smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger sizes the instructions will be written thus ( ).
Cast on 5 sts.Beg at heel, work in garter st (knit every row), inc 1 st each end of needle on 4th and every following 6th row 3 times. 13 sts. Cont even for 2 ins [5 cm] in total,ending with a WS row.
Cast on 17 sts beg next 2 rows. 47 sts.Next row: (RS). K1. *yf. Sl1P. yb. K1. Rep from * to end of row.

Next row: Purl.

Next row: K2. *yf. Sl1P. yb. K1. Rep from * to last st. K1.

Next row: Purl.

Rep last 4 rows for pat until work from last cast on row measures 1½ (2-3) ins [4 (5-7.5) cm], ending with a purl row. Inc 1 st each end of needle on next and every following alt row twice more. 53 sts. Cast on 6 sts beg next 2 rows. 65 sts. Cont even in pat until work from last cast on row measures 2½ (4- 5) ins [6 (10-12.5) cm], ending with a purl row.

Shape top: 1st row: (RS). K1. *K2tog. Pat 6 sts. Rep from * to end of row. 57 sts.

2nd row: Purl.

3rd row: K1. *K2tog. Pat 5 sts. Rep from * to end of row. 49 sts.

4th row: Purl.

Cont in same manner, dec 8 sts on next and every following alt row to 17 sts. Break yarn, leaving a long end. Thread yarn through rem sts. Pull tightly. Sew top and back seams.

Strap (make 2).Cast on 28 sts. Knit 5 rows, noting 1st row is WS.Next row: (RS). K4. Cast off 2 sts. K22.Next row: Knit, casting on 2 sts over cast off sts.Knit 3 rows. Cast off.
Sew on Strap.

Sew button to correspond to buttonhole.

Crochet Flower Lace Shawl

hand made in the usa

Flower Lace Shawl
By: Lily Sugar'n Cream

Wrap up in an elegant flower shawl on summer evenings with this shawl crochet pattern. This lacy shawl is dressy enough for any occasion.

Materials:
Yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream (Solids 2.5 oz/70.9 g/Ombres 2 oz/56.7 g) Solids: 9 ball or Ombres: 11 balls
Crochet Hook: Size 5.50 mm (U.S. I or 9) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.
Gauge: Motif = 3 ins [7.5 cm] square

Size: Approx 63 ins [135 cm] wide x 31 ins [78.5 cm] deep

Instructions:

Motif I
**Ch 5. Join in rnd.
1st rnd: Ch 1. (1 sc. Ch 3. 2 dc. Ch 3) 3 times in ring. (1 sc. Ch 3. 2 dc) in ring. Join with 1 dc in first sc.**
2nd rnd: *Ch 5. 1 sc in top of next ch-3. Ch 3. Miss next 2 dc. 1 sc in top of next ch-3. Rep from * twice more. Ch 5. 1 sc in top of next ch-3. Ch 3. Join with sl st to first ch of ch-5. Fasten off.

Joining 2 motifs: Work from ** to **, as given for Motif I.
2nd rnd: *Ch 5 .1 sc in top of next ch-3. Ch 3. Miss next 2 dc. 1 sc in next ch-3. Rep from * once more. Ch 2. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch-5 of joining motif. Ch 2. 1 sc in top of next ch-3. Ch 1. Join with sl st in 2nd ch of ch-3 of joining motif. Ch 1. Miss next 2 dc. 1 sc in top of next ch-3. Ch 2. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch-5 of joining motif. Ch 2. 1 sc in top of next ch-3. Ch 3. Miss next 2 dc. Join with sl st to dc. Fasten off.

Joining 3 motifs: Work from ** to **, as given for Motif I.
2nd rnd: *Ch 5. 1 sc in top of next ch 3. Ch 3. Miss next 2 dc. 1 sc in next ch 3. *Ch 2. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch-5 of joining motif. Ch 2. 1 sc in top of next ch-3. Ch 1. Join with sl st in 2nd ch of ch-3 of joining motif. Ch 1. Miss next 2 dc. 1 sc in top of next ch-3. Rep from * once more. Ch 2. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch-5 of joining motif. Ch 2. 1 sc in top of next ch-3. Ch 3. Join with sl st to dc. Fasten off.

½ Motif
**Ch 4. Join in rnd.
1st row: (Ch 1. 1 sc. Ch 3. 2 dc. Ch 3. 1 sc. Ch 3. 2 dc. 1 tr) in ring. Turn.***
2nd row: Ch 2. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch-5 of joining motif. Ch 2. 1 sc in top of tr. Ch 1. Join with sl st in 2nd ch of ch-3 of joining motif. Ch 1. ****Miss next 2 dc. 1 sc to top of next ch-3. Ch 2. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch-5 of joining motif. Ch 2. 1 sc in top of next ch-3. ** Ch 1. Join with sl st in 2nd ch of ch- 3 of joining motif. Ch 1. Miss next 2 dc. 1 sc in next ch-3. Ch 2. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch-5 of joining motif. Ch 2. Join with sl st in same ch 3. Fasten off.****

Top Left ½ Motif
Work from ** to ** as given for ½ Motif. Ch 3. Miss next 2 dc. (1 sc. Ch 2. 1 dc) all in top of next ch-3. Fasten off.

Top Right ½ Motif
Work from ** to *** as given for ½ Motif.
2nd row: (Ch 5. 1 sc) in top of tr. Ch 3. Work from **** to **** as given for ½ Motif.

¼ Motif
Ch 3. Join in rnd.
1st row: Ch 1. (1 sc. Ch 3. 2 dc. 1 tr) in ring. Turn.
2nd row: (Ch 2. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch-5 of joining motif. Ch 2. 1 sc) in tr. Ch 1. Join with sl st in 2nd ch of ch-3 of joining motif. Ch 1. Miss next 2 dc. (1 sc. Ch 2. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch-5 of joining motif. Ch 2. Sl st) to top of next ch 3. Fasten off.

Join Motifs as shown on diagram (see below).

Finishing: Join yarn with sl st to any corner of Shawl. Ch 2. Work 1 rnd of hdc evenly around Shawl having 5 hdc in corners.

Handmade HOLIDAY Gifts! ZigZag Knitted Scarf

Garter Stitch Zig Zag Scarf Knitting Pattern... easy

http://www.handmadeintheusa.ecrater.com/

Knit in garter stitch, this pattern is reversible.

What a terrific Gift for the holiday

Gauge:Not vital

Materials:

Moda Vera Flurry - two balls 100% polyester 50 grams/47 meters

Panda Magnum 8 ply - one ball 100% acrylic 100 grams/310 meters

Size 7 US (4 mm) needles

Instructions

With one strand of each yarn held together, CO 16 sts.
Row 1: K2tog, knit to the last st, inc by knitting into front and back of last st

Row 2 and all alternate rows: Knit

Row 3: K2tog, knit to the last st, inc by knitting into front and back of last st

Continue in this manner for 20 rows.
Next Row: Inc by knitting into front and back of first st, knit to the last 2 sts, K2tog

Next row and all alternate rows: Knit

Next Row: Inc by knitting into front and back of first st, knit to the last 2 sts, K2togContinue in this manner for 20 rows.

This makes up the pattern of the scarf. Continue in pattern until desired length is achieved.

Handmade HOLIDAY Gifts! Beaded Tins or Box

Rhinestone Makeup or Jewelry Box
by www.handmadeintheusa.ecrater.com

Turn an empty mint tin into a high-glamor purse compact for makeup essentials or as a small jewelry box. This fun craft uses rhinestones to cover the top of the tin. Add a mirror on the inside of the tin for beauty on the go.

Sand paint off tin with a fine sandpaper; sand in one direction. Clean tin with soap and water; wipe dry.

Use a toothpick to bab on permanent glue (e-6000 is great) & tweezers to add on the rhinestones. Avoid covering hinges.

Avoid gluing and glittering sides, as this will prevent lid from closing. Use paintbrush to apply thin coat of glue to entire inside bottom of tin. Hold tin over plate; sprinkle glitter to coat all sides. To remove excess glitter, turn tin over and tap. Repeat with inside of tin top. Use paintbrush to apply laminating liquid to glittered surfaces.

Handmade HOLIDAY Gifts! Etched Glasses

Inexpensive Wine Glasses, Mirrors or Vases are made into pieces of expensive looking art with simple etching designs using Armor Etch cream.

A great gift for anyone!

www.handmadeintheusa.ecrater.com

Find your glassware or mirros at the Dollar Store, walmart or a thrift store...
Many stencil designs can be found at any craft store or you can make your own.

Steps:
1. Place your stencil over a bit of vinyl shelf liner using Scotch tape to hold it in place.
2. Cut the stencil carefully with the Exacto knife, holding the blade 90 degrees perpendicular to the stencil material.

3. Clean your glass with Windex or rubbing alcohol ensuring it is thoroughly dry.

4. Peel the backing of the vinyl and secure it to the glass ensuring there are no bubbles underneath. Work any bubbles out toward the nearest open area of the stencil, or the edge of the stencil material, which ever is closer.

5. Cover only the area of the glass with the pattern with Armor etch.

6. Leave on for about 5-10 minutes and rinse with water.

7. Remove the vinyl and clean the glass again.

Tips
Use scrap booking embellishments for your stencils; they have more detail and make nicer designs.

Rarely move your Exacto blade when cutting. If you cut your vinyl to a manageable size you can turn the stencil and let the stencil do the work.

If the vinyl does not tear you can re-use it!

Use a self-healing cutting board, which you can buy at any quilting store to cut your stencils.