CRAFTIVISM: Crocheting Recycled Plastic for Kids
by angelune
Rachel Poulin, left, and Dianne Scott crochet mats and teddy bears with strips of plastic milk bags. Their work is sent to Third World countries to help the poor. Photo by Cathie Coward, the Hamilton Spectator
**Please note, this project is not coordinated by the Toronto Craft Alert. Please contact the people featured in the article if you would like details on the project**
Today a co-worker brought in a clipping from the metro that got me really excited. This is my kind of craftivism! Dianne Scott in Dunnville, Ontario co-ordinates over 70 groups that are crocheting plastic mats, as well as toys and tote bags out of recycled milk bags. Not only are they reducing waste by re-using the plastic bags, they are creating useful objects and sending them to kids in need on the other side of the planet. The crocheted sleeping mats are washable, repel bugs and provide an alternative to sleeping on the ground.
Inspired to contribute to this project, a high school in the Montreal area started crocheting the mats and even boys got involved!
With a bit of research I found this:
It takes approximately 250 milk bags to create a sleeping mat. The mats are used as packing material around fragile items en route so that they can be delivered to their destination without cost.
The mats are presently being made in two sizes – one for adults that is 36 x 65 inches, and a child’s mat that is 30 x 45 inches. One of the challenges facing those involved is that the mats are made not from the individual 1 litre milk bags but from the outer bag in which they are delivered. To be usable in the project the milk bags must be thoroughly washed, dried carefully and then folded flat.
I have also learned that the mats are simple rectangles made of single-crochet stitches, using a size 10 hook. Other types of plastic bags can be used as well. There are several methods for transforming the plastic bags into a useable yarn, but the one I prefer is explained here by Helle Jorgensen.
Check this out for a few patterns
Tags: Community · Crochet · International · Volunteer
Filed under: Craftivism
1 Terri Hooker // Mar 18, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Could we find out the how to of this project somewhere?What are the measurements expected and where can we send finished mats? Thanks Terri
2 angelune // Mar 18, 2009 at 3:36 pm
With a bit of research I found this: It takes approximately 250 milk bags to create a sleeping mat. The mats are used as packing material around fragile items en route so that they can be delivered to their destination without cost.
The mats are presently being made in two sizes – one for adults that is 36 x 65 inches, and a child’s mat that is 30 x 45 inches. One of the challenges facing those involved at The mats are made not from the individual 1 litre milk bags but from the outer bag in which they are delivered. To be usable in the project the milk bags must be thoroughly washed, dried carefully and then folded flat. Dianne Scott (905-774-7941) would be delighted to hear from anyone willing to gather bags from neighbours and friends to expand their supply of materials or from anyone who desires to learn more about how to actually make the mats.
Info Source: http://www.presbykirk.com/news.html
3 Heather // Mar 18, 2009 at 4:05 pm
There’s a site with lots of info on recycling bags, including how to make “yarn” from plastic bags. http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2007/04/12/creating-plastic-bag-pattern-headquarters/
4 Jafabrit // Mar 26, 2009 at 11:49 am
that teddy bear is just adorable and I LOVE the concept :) the recyled bags links is fabulous.
5 Cathy Blake // Apr 2, 2009 at 4:57 pm
We are looking for the pattern for the teddy bear from milk bags. Do you have it and can you send it? Thanks
Cathy Blake
6 angelune // Apr 8, 2009 at 9:54 am
Cathy – I don’t have any of these patterns, please contact the people featured in the story.
I tried googling a few patterns, and came up with this: http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa110897.htm
7 sandy // Apr 19, 2009 at 3:33 pm
A group in my c hurch would like to make sleeping bags……we are in the US. Can we use plastic grocery bags ?(is that the same as milk bags?) Also what agencies do you recomend to give the bags to?
8 Winnie // Jun 3, 2009 at 9:02 am
I am in Nairobi Kenya and I am interested in learning how to make the sleeping bags using the recyled plastic bags. how can I learn
9 angelune // Jun 3, 2009 at 9:18 am
Winnie – I will do some research for you and see if I can get you in touch with the women who make these sleeping mats.
10 Debbie // Jun 4, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Would you be able to forward the pattern for the mats as well as the teddy bear? Thanks Debbie
11 Kelly Chislett // Jun 16, 2009 at 7:40 am
Wow This is a great idea!! I live in Whitby, Ontario & would like to know how I could get involved in such a project (or start 1 at local high school). Could you please send me more information on the patterns.
Thank you
Kelly
12 Heather Riediger // Jun 16, 2009 at 3:06 pm
My mother inlaw makes quilts for third world countries with the ladies from her church. I think they maybe interested in making the mats and the teddy bears. Would it be possible to get the mat and the teddy bear patterns?
Thank you
Heather
13 Jean R. // Jun 16, 2009 at 9:59 pm
I have read all but have yet to get the pattern for the mat and teddy bear could you please send it to me I need the size of the hook also thank you jrf
14 Lu G // Jun 18, 2009 at 12:13 am
Could you send me a picture of a milk bag? is it like the plastic shopping bags used in the USA? Also can u send me the pattern instructions for matts & bear? Very good project for us ladies in NC!
15 Janet Ford // Jun 18, 2009 at 8:04 pm
At the end of the article there is a line that says “Check this out for a few patterns”. This link takes you to the teddy bear pattern at “About.com”.
The mats in the picture appear to me to be crocheted in “Single Crochet” (US terminology). The sizes are 30 x 45 inches for a child and 36 x 65 inches for an adult (also mentioned in the article).
I live in the USA and the only thing I can think of that would work here is plastic grocery bags.
Thanks,
Janet
16 Janet Ford // Jun 18, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Here is a photo link on how to make “yarn” (otherwise known as PLARN) from plastic bags.
http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/bag%20cutting%20instructions.html
Janet
17 Rosemary Webb // Jun 22, 2009 at 10:01 pm
I use large plastic trash bags to make my sleeping mats.
18 Karianne Gledhill // Jun 28, 2009 at 4:45 pm
My niece and I are interested in starting a collection of milk bags through our local public and catholic schools. Should I just contact Ms. Scott directly, or is it better to attempt to make the mats ourselves. I would love to possibly make the yarn ready for her if that would be helpful. Any information that anyone could provide us would be greatly appreciated. I believe that getting out entire commuity involved will be a great experience.
Thanks in advance.
Karianne Gledhill and Jazmin Campbell
19 Elena Knickman // Aug 31, 2009 at 4:22 pm
I’m visiting Canada from the States for the year. The only place I have seen milk sold in bags like in Canada is Wisconsin, so they should definitely be made aware of this. I do crochet, and I’d be happy to help with making some mats if someone knows of a group doing this in the London ON area.
20 Toronto Craft Alert // Aug 31, 2009 at 8:53 pm
here is a picture of a milk bag for reference: http://realrealsoft.tumblr.com/post/160055158/the-states-might-be-on-to-something-drinking
i had no idea it was a canadian thing!
they are thick, clear plastic bags. it depends on your grocery store, but i think they may be thicker than the average plastic bag.
please contact Dianne Scott directly for any interest in contributing to the project. she does not use email but can be reached at 1-905-774-7941.
21 Dano // Feb 1, 2010 at 12:41 pm
In response to the Toronto Craft Alert’s last post – I was under the impression that it was the outer printed plastic bags, not the clear ones? I would assume you could use the clear ones too – has anyone noticed a difference at all in the durability between the two?
I’m working with my Starbucks in Kingston Ontario to get these bags shipped down to Haiti in the next couple weeks. They work well for sleeping mats, and even hospital beds to conduct surgeries if need be. Unlike cots which can grow mould and are hard to clean, retain water, etc., these little plastic beauties rinse quick and are easy care.
Much love to everyone – this topic is great, we need more of this!
-Dano