Keeping Your Bags in Shape

I discovered a new way to keep a round bag I crochet in shape.  I made use of the inner packaging from this cookies container.

This is how it looks like.

After washing it, I cut a slit at its vertical edge to make it fit perfectly into the bag.

So, be on a look out for these PVC inserts in all shapes and sizes.  There may be one that can be used to keep your bags in shape.  Throw in some silica gel packets to reduce the chances of moisture getting into your bags. You do not want your bags to smell musty from growth of mold.  

You do not have to buy silica gel as they are usually supplied with food product or health supplements that you have purchased.  You should avoid using silica gel packets that are stained.

If you cannot find PVC inserts in the right size, you can use cushions that have gone flat on you.  You can fold it up and tuck it into your bag or cut it up to size to sew.  

It does not matter if the cushion protrudes out of the bag.  Hopefully, the dustbag that you have received on purchase of your bag is large enough to hold and protect it.  You can also re-use your neck or baby pillows that you may have kept in storage somewhere for the same purpose. If the baby pillow is too small, wrap a towel around it to fit the bag.  You can also slip towels in laundry bags

Don't forget to add the silica gel packets.  There are many ways you can make use of them if you start collecting them.  

Just a Bag in Many Ways

This is...

I can use it that way or this way.

You think it is too small?  This is even smaller.

Let's attached them together.  A nice way to keep my mask separate from the rest of the items I want to bring along.

No, the strap for the handle is not too short.  I can lengthen it.

When you can create a bag that can be used in multiple ways, you will enjoy using it for a longer period of time.  What other add ons can be attached to a bag to make it look different?

What about a flap that you can hide inside the bag when you want to use the one with buckle already made?

And yes, I can slip the smaller bag inside the bigger one to compartmentalise it.

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

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.

Heard of seatbelt bag?

Have you heard of seatbelt bags?  No, they are not bags for keeping seatbelts.  They are bags that are made up of seatbelts woven into shape and sewn up to be used like your regular bags.

These bags are not only eco-freindly but should be stronger and more durable, don't you agree?

Bags? Make your own!

Do you need to buy more bags to match what you wear?

How about getting yourself a multicolored one that would match most of what you have?  You think that is too gaudy?  Watch this and you may decide to make your own.



Now you know what to do with scarves and stuff made out of fabric in your home that you have intended to scrap.

Bad bags days? No more!

I don't buy reusable bags. Sometimes I get them free from exhibitions attended or with stuff purchased. My children get them from the school they attended.

Take a look at these reusable bags we have on hand.

Do you like the colour enough to go shopping with it?

Some can't even take the weight it is supposed to!

Even if it is reusable, would you continue using it if you can't wash the stain off it?

I am sure you are facing the same problems. Do you have a solution to these problems? Me? You bet!

If the kids don't fancy the colour of their reusable bags to use them, slip them into another that they would consider taking.

Here is a lacy bag that I crochet.

This is how it looks with reusable bag tucked in.

The kids are more likely to handle their reusable bags with care if they like the colour and the design. So, while the reusable bag is still new...

...reinforce the handles by running stitches where they join at the bag.

Here is another crochet bag design I created for reusable bag.

With this design, I can slip the handles of the reusable bag through the handles of the crochet bag.


That should keep our reusable bags from landing in the trash bin any sooner. How do you like that?

I hope that producers of reusable bags should rethink how they design their bags so that they not only will last longer but will be fashionably, the bag of choice.

Woven a loop. Now what?

Do you still remember the lamp I taught you to weave on a tool made out of cardboard?

See what else you can make with it.



Instead of cut strips of plastic, my friend weaved this with wool on a commercial tool and sealed one of its ends up to form a bag. All I did was crochet two strips and weaved it through the centre, equidistant apart so that when I pull both strings and tie each into a knot, I have a crunch bag variation.



I hope you like it, Alicia.