September 20, 2013
Opalyn:
Moving on to my next project - a "Garlic Basket" made out of plastic grocery bags. Why plastic grocery bags? Lindsay asked for a basket that could be used in the garden to collect produce and this bag can also withstand "getting watered."
Cutting strips out of grocery bags
First, I had to get my hands on lots of grocery bags! Most of the grocery stores in my area have a recycling bin for plastic bags and I got permission to collect bags for this project. Next was the smoothing out and orienting the bags so I could cut several at a time.
cutting more strips
Then, I found a flat surface and got out the rotary cutting mat and blades. It was much easier and quicker to cut strips with these tools than it would have been for me to use scissors to cut up all these bags.
Seven two-inch bands out of each grocery bag.
I was able to cut seven strips that are 2" wide from each bag. Each strip measures about 20" in length (still folded). Realizing that I need 33 cords of varying lengths, I have a lot of bags to cut.
tieing the bands together using square knots
I used a square knot to connect the bands. It was quick and easy to make strands long enough for the cords.
Adding more bands to make longer strands
With all those strands prepared, I got out my cord maker and started twisting. I'm learning that a lot of time goes into preparing things. Preparing the bags for cutting, preparing the strands for cordage, preparing the garden for planting, preparing the wool for spinning... This list could go on and on but I'll stop there. :)
With the cords finished I got started on the Garlic basket and made quick work of the base - the center square in the next photo. Then on to the sides which are also referred to as open work.
the Garlic Basket - the sides are nearly finished
If you look closely at the cords, you can see the locations of the square knots. All the knots were in the same place on the strands and so there are several big globs in each cord. Next time, I'll explore different ways to make longer strips from the bags.
The finished Garlic Basket
The basket turned out great and it was a lot of fun to work with plastic yarn or 'plarn.'