My Versatile Fanny Pack

My handbag was snatched once before and eversince then, the kind of bag I usually carry is a fanny pack.  I finally designed and created one that I can use it as a crossbody bag too.  This is how it looks like.  

I can convert it into a regular bag.  It is large enough to store the worn out Elle fanny pack I have been using for years. 

What about the straps?

I can hide them in a pouch that I have created to tuck them in when I use it as a regular handbag.

This is another way I can use it. The flap can be used to hide this pouch.  

If I use the bag inside out, the pouch is large enough to store my handphone.  I can leave the flap inside the bag.

This is how it will look like if I take out the flap.

I like the idea that I can change the handle of the bag to match the shoes or clothes I will be wearing for the day or an event I will be attending.  With a broader strap attached it works as a unisex bag.

Instead of creating compartments in the bag which will require more yarn, I can insert a cosmetic pouch I have or fanny packs that I no longer use.

I shared the instruction on how to crochet this fanny pack cum shoulder bag at Creative Recyclers.

I am a GreenBeing Designer

The Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) is encouraging the United Nations to adopt the following internationally peer-reviewed definition of Zero Waste and to work with ZWIA and other Zero Waste organizations around the globe, to create a just world of vibrant, resilient, Zero Waste communities, in harmony with nature:

"Zero Waste: The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health."

You can sign this petition to the UN if you agree to it.

So, how can I adopt the principles of zero waste in my life?

I believe that handmade product can help save the environment. You are less likely to discard something that you have made or received as a gift. This is a crochet top that I made for myself more than 20 years ago.  My daughter could wear it now. 

Now that I have revived my interest to crochet, what kind of product will I be able to create that will help the environment?  

I will start with a reusable bag.  I will design a bag that will allow the user to:

• change its size
• change its colour 
• change its handle

I hope that my design will:

1. reduce the "discard mentality" as you cannot be bored with a bag that you can play with in shape, colour and size.
2. enable you to extend its life as damaged portion of the bag can be replaced.
3. use less material to produce by using net (see through) crochet patterns so that the resusables bags we keep getting free from retailers can be used as inserts.
4. allow the creator to make use of leftover material to work with and reuse what they have.
5. promote a reuse culture by encouraging crafters to consider using discards in their work creatively.
6. extend the life of low quality reusable bags.
7. allow users to personalise their bags as they can decide how they can decorate them.
8. inspire others to make stuff that they need if they are able to.

Is that possible?  Yes it is.  I hope that my project will make the younger generation realise that  handmade items can be cool to create and own.  Let's start a reuse mindset revolution.

Since I run a bikeshop I will start with this discard which is one of the packaging items for bicycles.

If I cut the protuding parts off, I can use it as a base for my crochet container.

It fits in nicely in this container I crochet.

 It keeps its base flat.

If I want to, I can use another circular piece to crochet a cover for it.

When I use it as a container in my reusable bag, it will protect the glassware for storing food that I bring to my shop to eat for lunch.

But it is not just a container once I added the second layer I crochet. I can add this layer to the container with a piece of string so that it can be removed.

This is how my creation looks like once the plastic circular base is removed.

If this is how I would like to use it, I can use cords removed from paper bags and use them as handles.  The net edge on the second layer allows me to push the cords through and secure them to it. Once done, it has become a container cum bag.  

Remember that you are only a hoarder if you do not make use of what you keep. 

Based on how I would like to use it, which depends on how creative or fashionable (daring) I am, I can:

• add another layer to increase the height of the bag.
• remove the orignal layer to add a layer in a different colour or crochet pattern.
• add additional layers in many different colour.
• add another layer in different crochet patterns.
• crochet a layer of see through or net pattern so that I can use a reusable bag as insert.
• change the handles on the bag.

You can adopt the above idea by making two square containers.  If you join them together and add the layers, it can become a rectangular bag. I like the idea of using granny squares in this project because I can use leftover material in different colours to crochet them.  For example, I managed to crochet the granny squares on this crossbody crochet bag with cut strips of plastic bags in different colours.  You should not have any problem using raffia strings too.

Note: I shared the instruction on how to create the versatile bag at Creative Recyclers

It cannot be repaired?

How do you dispose of mechanical or electrical items that cannot be repaired?  It is likely that you will send the damaged unit out to be recycled.  That was what my sister-in-law did with her microwave oven.  I had the same model and when mine was damaged, I kept the large ceremic plate in it and it became the best cutting board I ever have.

It will be easier for you to decide what to do with your mechanical or electrical items that cannot be repaired if you know what they are made of. I am sure that there are parts on them that you could re-use for other purposes.  Most of the time I get my inspirations from Pinterest if I want to upcycle something I have in my craftwork. 

Recently, someone asked on Zero Waste Facebook page how she can dispose of her damaged clock and watches.  I did a search on Pinterest for "upcycle damaged watch" and I like what I saw there.  I think it is a great way to keep momentos of watches you or someone in your family have been wearing throughout their life.

I will definitely hang on to the plate from my new microwave oven if it breaks down on me one day because it should work out nicely as the face for a clock one day.

I also like how watches can be remodeled to become a locket bracelet. 

You can learn how to do that at the following link:

How to Turn a Broken Watch Into a Locket Bracelet

And as usual, there are people out there who make a living selling parts salvaged from watches and clocks.  They could be purchased by watchmakers who need parts that are no longer manufactured to repair antique watches. They could also be purchased by crafters. This looks like an interesting bracelet to own.

National Recycling Coalition’s Scholarship Program

 The National Recycling Coalition’s Scholarship Program is now open. Click on the link to find out if you are eligible to apply. The applications due date is on 31 July 2023.

Making use of Product Packaging

Do you keep the packaging containers from product you purchased? 

I do keep some of them if they are suitable for storing my stuff. I like the clear containers from Ferrero Rocher. I usually use them to store my beads and finishings for making handmade jewellery.  I recently discovered a way to make use of their 24 piece container which is rather shallow.  

It is perfect as a base for my crochet granny square bag which I can use without its cover.  I like it that it is the perfect size for carrying a box of cake.

If I leave it as is, this crochet piece and the container will work well as a decorative receptacle for serving food during a festive event, like the forthcoming Raya celebration.  

This is the video instruction for the bag.  

You will have to modify the base if the yarn you use is different in thickness.  I enlarged my base with another granny square design so that it fits the size of the Ferrero Rocher container I used.  I also used leftover wool from another project to make part of the base.

This is how my modified bag looks like.

Making Full Use of Reusable Bags

I have been receiving lots of reusable bags. The handles of some of them are not strong enough to handle load and some have issues at the seams.  I think the best way to make them last is to use them as inserts for crochet bags.  I decided to use this 22x17cm bag for the project.

And this is the crochet bag pattern that I chose to make.

I have to increase the stitches so that the insert fits in perfectly.

I turned the reusable bag inside out, so that the print will not show, before inserting it into the crochet bag.

When you use a thick yarn and choose a crochet pattern with large holes, you use less wool and complete the bag faster. If you do not have a reusable bag to use as an insert, you can weave your old scaves or leftover ribbons and whatever suitable material that you can weave through the holes.  

Use your imagination to personalise your crochet bag.  I would not mind using cut strips of plastic bags as weaving material as I have always try to make use of discarded material in my handwork.

Will you be ashamed if you decorate your bag with plastic bags?

I can also change the design of my crochet bag by sewing a granny square on it so that I can use it as a pocket for holding stuff like cards or a set of keys.

I like keeping empty bottles with grooves on them. They make it easier for me to cut the bottles neatly to the height I want. I use this 1L size oval shaped container to store all the brushes I used in my kitchen.  Sometimes I will also leave my knives with the brushes to drain them after washing. 

Check out how I decorate the empty containers I used for storing my stuff. The one decorated with granny squares was actually a lantern I made for my children. These 5L cooking oil bottles are great for storing my packets of coffee, onions and tubers.

Other than using them as storage containers, I also use them like a pail for soaking in water:

-my laddles to soften food stuck on them to make it easier to clean.
-my vegetables like celery, beans, tomatoes, bell peppers. I place a prestle or a cup on top to make sure that the vegetables stay in the water.

Recently, I discovered that it is a great way to keep the shape of my crochet bag.  I made it because my sister told me that, while at work, she don't like to carry her handbag out for lunch and that she is looking for a small bag big enough to hold just her keys, handphone and a packet of tissue.  The first one I made did not hold its shape well once she puts her stuff in.

I like this version better.

She can decide how much of the bottle she would like to cut off to hold her stuff. The cord I used as a handle was taken off a shopping bag.  

So, she can easily change the colour with cords she can find from her own collection of paperbags. She can even use her shoes laces.

I chose a pattern with large holes so that she can slip receipts through them as it will be easier for her to remove them to show the staff when her dishes are ready for collection.  She can also personalise it by inserting one of those drawstring bags we often received with gifts.

I hope she will consider inserting cut strips of plastic bag through the holes to match her outfit like I did for this bag I made with leftover wools.