I finished knitting this at the weekend. I have already taken several orders but the problem is, I haven't used carrier bags for ages so now I have all the neighbourhood gathering theirs up for me. This was my first attempt. I have some interesting ideas to try for the next one.
(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/Mrsava/knittedbag_small.jpg)
WOW!!! :o How fab!!! You clever thing!
Ebuygumbay? And one for the DIY section?
Must have taken ages just to cut up the bags into knittable strips?
That looks sooooo neat too.
I've been crocheting one and just thinking about the handles - what are yours made from please EJ?
Linda
Wow, what a fab idea......Clever you. I bet it's as tough as old boots. Should last years :D
Thanks everyone.
The straps Linda are made from an old pair of brown jeans that had long seen better days. I just cut up the legs, joined them together to make a very long ribbon, sewed along the edges to make a long tube, turned it rightside in, pressed it, then ran it through the machine with the red cotton as a contrast and to keep the edges nice and neat and pressed. I sewed it on using buttons and wool, thinking cotton would cut through the bags. One button outside and one in, sewed through the strap and the bag. For a first attempt, I am really pleased and lots of people have commented on how great it looks. I am now halfway through a different style of bag, and am knitting a fish design onto the front. The fishy one will be for my daughter.
I would love to see a picture of your crochet one Linda.
:o Looks like my swim trunks 8) :-[ ;D
This is also a winning one for the 'Sumfink from Noffink' thread.
Not as neat as yours EJ, I just added another colour in the middle of a row ;D, but it's got a gusset each end.
Linda
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/DSCF1582.jpg)
How many carriers did you use to make the bag? Did you just cut the bags into strips and then tie them together?
these look great guys ;D.
but a word of warning i have noticed that tesco bags disintergrate after long storage periods about 3- 6 months, not sure which bags you both have used just thought i would let you know.
this may sound stupid :-[but how do knit a carrier bag out of carrier bags ??? im very intrigued.
Sparkly, I used about 50 or so bags cut into inch wide strips, some bags were larger than others and some were of a thicker quality which I cut a little thinner, all tied together (hence no piccy of the inside of my bag ;D ;D ;D). I'm sure EJ will let you know how many for the knitted bag.
Unfortunately, or fortunately thifasmom, most of the bags are bio-degradeable that I've used so it'll be interesting to see how long it lasts with my weekly trip to town.
Linda
Now they are impressive, what clever ladies you are!
Took me a similar amount of bags, and cut in the same way. I do have a selection of thicker bags, but they are a bugger to knit with as they are quite sticky on the needles, but I think I will get used to it. Honestly, I now have loads of orders!!
Anyhow, knocked this one up this evening for a bit of fun for my daughter. Only about 10 inches wide, just knitted a continuous rectangle then sewed the sides together with wool. Picked up 6 stitches at the side and knitted the strap, casted off and sew the other end in place with wool again.
(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/Mrsava/fishbagjess.jpg)
Quote from: EJ - Emma Jane on February 19, 2009, 23:26:17
Took me a similar amount of bags, and cut in the same way. I do have a selection of thicker bags, but they are a bugger to knit with as they are quite sticky on the needles, but I think I will get used to it. Honestly, I now have loads of orders!!
Anyhow, knocked this one up this evening for a bit of fun for my daughter. Only about 10 inches wide, just knitted a continuous rectangle then sewed the sides together with wool. Picked up 6 stitches at the side and knitted the strap, casted off and sew the other end in place with wool again.
(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/Mrsava/fishbagjess.jpg)
my 9 yr old daughter just saw this and in her words
Quotethat's amazing
and when i told her what it was made of she said
Quotewhat a clever recycler
:)
very very clever... what size needles???
For the first bag I used size 5.5 circular needles, for the second one I used size 7, so a looser knit.
I am just so, so impressed, in fact I am speechless. If I were that clever I would have a go, I can knit, but ...... still no words are coming. I think you should go on Dragons Den and make a fortune (to spend on seeds) and people would queue up to buy your lovely bags.
Fantastic! I remember knitting bags years ago using a sort of thick nylon cord but they stretched so much the bag ended up on the floor when it was full! Yours looks much better.