Turning plastic bags into yarn and making things was popular in the 1970's. I know because I turned bread bags and other plastic bags into door mats. Glad to see it's come back. Having been homeless myself, I'd suggest a thicker mat for a bed roll. The plarn does mat down and get thinner. A thicker mat, perhaps two mats connected together at the side seams would work and last better.
My Grandma made oval bread bag rugs in the 70's...I wish I would have appreciated her attempt to teach me. She supplied friends and family, and an occasional paying customer, with her creations. Times were tough and she made pocket change any way she could.
Since this is the best video I have found so far, I am going to add this info for people that find this video later. Need approximately: 500 to 700 bags Crochet hook: Size Q 16 MM (Luxite Bulky Plastic Crochet Hook, 8", Size Q/16mm) Note: Size Q comes in 2 sizes, One is 15.75mm an one is 16mm)
Also, thank you so much for saying "experiencing homelessness" instead of just saying homeless. As a person who was homeless for a little over a year I hated when people called me homeless and hated they way most people said it.
@@itslaila1826 bear in mind that it is totally subjective though. I know plenty of homeless people that despise the movement of trying to separate the people from their homelessness, myself included. Though I'll say "experiencing homelessness" isn't quite as bad as "houseless," imo. But some people prefer those terms too, and that's valid. Just wait and see how they refer to themselves, basically.
Not only has this video presented a great idea for helping others, but it has also finally helped me understand how to crochet. I’ve tried learning in the past and never got it. Thx
It is wonderful ,thank you for caring about others.i know the people that need these are grateful for you. You are a great people. Thank you. I now know how to do this. Thank you again.
I've been crocheting for 50 years and was so impressed with how you taught folks how to crochet! Very easy to follow, simple instructions which make it mutch less difficult for beginners to understand. Bravo!
I was very honored to participate in making the mats. It was a rich experience for me. I got involved with the Suwannee County Library’s Literacy Department under the guidance and assistance from my best friend (Literacy Department Director: Mrs. Debra Barney of whom is very creative. She told me about the program. At first, I thought I would not be able to maneuver the huge crochet needle, became better and better at it. My confidence grew stronger better We had a team effort. Some people were cutting the plastic bags up and making plarn, then delivering it to us. We were able to use the colors we liked. The Mats were measured to meet the specifications. When I went out I would bring my mat with me. I worked on it day and night. Thank you alll for allowing me to be a part of this special and well deserved program. It benefitted everyone.I would be so proud when I see people with their mats. They seemed so happy that people cared about them. I was homeless in the past and it was devastating. Ok pulled through with Grace of God. I was so ashamed, I did not reach out to my Family.I have always been a hard worker and was shocked when it happened.
Bless your heart for actually telling us how many bags we will need. Someone just said a gazillion, and others don't bother to give even an estimate. A gal has got to have a beginning point! Also, the trick about being able to see gaps through a chain stitch, is vital. Good shot! So many will give up on the whole project because the very first row is "ImPOSSible".
@@irmadehmer5368 About 400. I get 3 loops from each Bakers' or Walmart bag , so closer to 450 bags for 1 mat. HyVee bags are deeper so I get 4 loops, and a little less than 400 bags for 1 mat. I make mine 3 feet X 6 feet.
Such a creative way for two beneficial acts of kindness…one for the homeless and two, getting rid of plastic bags ending up inside gorgeous whales, dolphin, turtles & other sea-life critters. Great Work!
You can send me any spare plastic shopping bags like they use to give for FREE at the grocery store! Now we have to either PAY for an extra thick bag that takes TEN Times longer to biodegrade (?) or you have to BUY basket liners for every basket in your house (4 gal/13 gal.) when you go grocery shopping now= neither makes sense. it's all a plot by the plastics industry to get people to actually buy MORE. and btw.....it was CHINA that was dumping all the "recyclables" in the middle of the Pacific Ocean when they were buying it from us going out of Long Beach, CA for example. Use your common sense: we used to Repurpose these bags. And something washed out to the ocean (like those millions of straws they want you to believe all got "lost"? at the beach?) soon comes BACK in a day or two with the tide change. The Bag Boycott didn't take effect in CA until CHINA stopped buying our refuse! and that was BEFORE Trump was President.....just in case you want to blame THAT on him, too! In fact, he started DOING something about it in 2018, but you wouldn't know that if you get your "news" from the Lame Stream Media 4 AM Script Keepers like $30 Million a year Rachel Madcow or Don LIE-man. dailycaller.com/2018/10/11/trump-signs-bill-clean-ocean/
What are you people thinking? Three months outside, less under stress, and that bag is disintegrating plastic flaking trash blowing in the wind. Have you never bothered to look at these creations after they have been exposed to all the elements, Used, EVERYDAY, CARRIED, SLEPT, SAT & Stepped ON, OUTSIDE 24/7? After a week, a month? I SEE SOMEONE THAT CARES, TRYING TO HELP. The best camping equipment Mats that money can buy for hikers is uncomfortable, and will not last in Daily outside usage for extended periods of time. They do make a BIG difference. Even an exercise floor mat will. As for insects, ALL are looking for cover & food. That's us, and out pets. Lice can live for 14 days without food, bed bugs over a year. This is not a good idea. You are giving an amazing amount of your time. Think it through. You are obviously an intelligent, & energetic young woman. I'm sure you can find another way to help people, and yes this is a huge issue, "sleeping on the ground".
I made a plarn shopping bag and a small purse over 10 years ago...my daughter still uses them on a daily basis...they’re barely showing wear...these items are tough and practical. So glad to see this and the other videos on how to use what so many feel is a terrible waste product...it’s really a terrific resource!
This is a great and thorough tutorial. Our local high school kids have been collecting bags from the community. They have learned how to crochet the mats and then donate them to area shelters. It's a great project all around! 👍
Decades trying to learn crochet ... being the reason for my teachers' frustration ... two minutes of video and I learned it! I´ll be forever grateful! Thanks!
Your explanation is so detailed, easy to follow and full of tips. Great project for anyone wanting to do a community service project and your video makes it understandable for everyone. Excellent job!
michelle stein-evers frankl Hello, do u have trash bags? I wouldn’t see why they wouldn’t work, u’d just have bigger loops, or u could knots a few knots n the big loop to make smaller loops. This is my 1st time seeing this, therefore I’ve not tried it, it might work, just my thoughts. Have a wonderful day
Wonderful that you are caring about the street dogs there, which I know are under constant threat from cruel people and an uncaring government who kills them, but be aware that some dogs will eat plastic / bedding - and these dogs won't have the benefit of an owner noticing and taking them to the vet.
I am especially impressed by your saying "people experiencing homelessness" instead of the dehumanizing "the homeless". Thank goodness, in Sweden we recycle our plastic bags (and stores charge for them, and encourage you NOT to buy them). But I want to keep looking for similar videos for things we cannot easily recycle!
In the United States we REDUCE, RECYCLE, AND REUSE. This project is the ultimate in recycling rather than using resources including water and electricity to just make more plastic bags.
Susan Larmour try living in a rural area. I am 45 minutes south of a larger city and we have terrible recycling - spotty at best. We now take our recycling 45 minutes north so our stuff doesn't end up (hopefully) in a landfill! I know someone who works at a large grocery store and they said that the "bag recycling bin" at the front of the store - they just put it all in the trash dumpster behind the store when the bin fills up!! So much for trying to recycle in America! It sounds like your area is way better.
joesashiify Sadly so many of us think “someone else will be doing this”... Instead of EVERYONE feeling responsible! They reckon by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean then fish! Let alone all the other animals that accidentally eat it. But they also say because we’re eating the fish we’re eating some of the contaminants that’s in the plastic.
I wish I could help the people of Liberia with this craft. They literally live on hills of rubbish. And their children play in puddles of sewer. So sad.
Our church in Irving, TX is having a series of workshops to teach people how to create these mats. We thank you so much for your excellent instructions. So many people (mostly women) have come and done part or all of the steps. In January we will distribute them during the annual census conducted by Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance. This project is social (we gather to do it together), educational (raises awareness of the causes of homelessness), charitable (gives us an opportunity to respect & care for others) and environmental (an opportunity to re-purpose grocery bags that would otherwise go into the trash or recycle bin). Thank you so much for teaching us how to do this!
My wife and I make these for the homless and we make them a little extra long when done and fold it over 3 or 4 time not roll but fold them over and wala you have an extra pillow.They are so greatful for them and when I go to feed them every 3 days of the week I take them these and if it's raining expleshy .Tks for enlightening folks my only beef with this I don't have alot of them because there are ago many Homless people here in Maryland in A.A county God bless 🙏
What an amazing idea to use up plastic bags. I told up my bags just like you showed, making sure first there are no holes to reuse for trash bags of that size. But from now on, I will keep my bags and would love to make a crochet blanket for someone. In my town we don't see hardly anyone that is homeless, but this would be perfect to for folks that camp or hike that needs something light and easy to carry and clean up. Thank you for the video
I wonder if you could tie together all the extra scrapping cutoff pieces, crochet a small pillow caseing , and use the tied scraps as "stuffing" for the pillow.. .
absolutely! Do it all the time. There is an amazing amount of stuffing just from the handles and bottoms! And whole bags can be put inside each other and ironed together for a smoother surface too.
@@CreatingwithWinglessAngel Try being Optimistic as opposed to being Pessimistic! She noted this at the Beginning if you payed attention. AND With all the "vents" via crochet it's highly unlikely.
There is no downside to this! This is pure positivity. This warms my heart! I will absolutely be doing this Thank you so much. Clean up the earth and recycle and help those in need. People and animals alike. So many homeless people care for pets and choose to be outside in order to keep their pet rather than be inside in a shelter. Ah I’m crying! Thank you so much for posting
Kathleen Vassallo i find the "draw back" is the finished product is too bulky and cumbersome and homeless people dont want to carry this around with them....shame.....its ALOT of work....
Lynn Tiffany, most true homeless people carry their belongings with them everywhere. The homeless people I've seen anyways. Not bulky when you consider it's their bed. Even if this is used as an undernat for their blanket I'm sure they would appreciate it.
Oh my GOSH what a great tip at 4:22 for joining two separate bags of plarn! Thanks! I'll pass that along to some friends who make the mats in my area. I'm going to share this video on my FB page too.
When using the rotary cutter and mat, add in a ruler designed to be used with these. It will hold the bags down so you can cut them, make your cut straight, and keep your fingers out of the way. BTW, I love your description of "the hooky part and the pointy part"! Good video
Yes, I have since started using those. As a low-budget gov employee, buying a cutting mat was priority one for this project and I didn't want to push my luck and ask for a cutting ruler too.
I'm going to show this to a few nursing home. So many older ladies love to crochet and could really help out the homeless/ pets/ environment. Great idea!!!
I’m so glad someone tagged me in this today. I’m going to make these and find out where to send these to for the people that need them. Brilliant idea this is❤
I looked for a good video on making these bed rolls and this is the best that I found. This is so detailed and gives the best instructions I have found. I can't wait to get started on doing this for our clothes closet at the church. All I have to do is notify our church members to save bags for me. Thank you Tori for such detailed instructions.
Every Saturday for one hour (here in Tucson), a senior residence holds a workshop where the ladies (mainly) do the exact same thing demonstrated here. I don't crochet but am learning and am having a ball learning all the other steps to make the bag mats. We also use bags that newspapers come in when it looks like it might rain. It is a great way to socialize, pass the time in the quiet of your home or room and also know that you are keeping these bags from the oceans and landfills and re-purposing them into a helpful item! This demonstration and video was one of the best I have seen to show the audience how to do something! BRAVO!!
Thank you for the EXCELLENT instructions! I work at a Catholic high school run by the Felician Sisters. Beginning this summer, students from Felician-run schools all over North America are going to begin making these bedrolls as service project. (The sisters have at least four ministries to the homeless.) I think we will be using your video to teach them! God bless you!
I was just thinking that this would be an excellent project for teachers to have students do, not only does it teach our kids to be responsible and recycle, but it can teach them about helping others. Awesome idea, thank you for the video.
Thank you for posting this. What a genius way to keep those pesky bags outta the landfill & streets as well as giving back to the community.. Please post more.. 👍👍
Most stores have boxes in the front where people can dump off their plastic bags in a giant recycling box. Most of the stores will allow you to take these bags home if you so desire.
You just have to make sure none have food debris or anything like that. Otherwise all my local Wal Marts have them and many grocery stores do as well. If you can’t find them ask at the courtesy counter where they are.
What a fantastic X-mas idea for helping those experiencing homelessness. I love how this recycles plastic bags while providing such a loving gift. You did an amazing job presenting this tutorial. It's not only clearly and carefully demonstrated, but you even addressed potential problems that will likely come up. Wonderful project and incredible tutorial. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this video. I have found something that my daughter and I can do together to help others. And, it is a great homeschool art project. Brilliant!
I already do this I just don't know where to drop them off I have I think three of them made already. It takes me some time because the plastic tends to drag and it irritates the hell out of my hands. Because those p size and q size hooks are in plastic I use an N size hook in metal and it reduces the drag on the plastic. This is great for those who have arthritic hands
@@YourWorcesterGirl thank you so much because plastic makes my hands burn! i was hoping to try this for evacuation camp mats so I was searching the comments for ideas how to deal with this!!
I love this because it's something anyone can have access to. I have been about a breath away from being homeless for years but I have found kindness and support many times from unexpected places and people. It's important to my self worth to be able to give back, not just take, take, take.
Me too.Also, while reading someone's reply to another comment saw them use the word "orphanism." As in some homeless ppl have experienced "orphanism." 😂😂😁 That is surely not a real word?
To the lovely young lady that taught us to make PLARN and a mat. Great job. It’s been a couple of years since you made this video. If You are keeping up with the comments, know this- there are many angry and bitter people that are not content with their lives. Sorry to say, that will never change. Please don’t let negative words like these bring You down. Keep a positive outlook. Stay focused on what is true, honest, and dependable. It appears that You were raised with solid ethics. I wish You the best. If You have more videos, I’d like to know where to find them. You are a great teacher!
Agreed. She's doing something positive but didn't claim she could end anyone's misery. I wonder how much time the cranky people devote to ending homelessness??? If they spent one hour helping others, they would appreciate every second spent, every cent donated, by others. They would become humble.
Seriously this is wonderful this is a great way to upcycle plastic and also try to help people to even if you don't uses for the homeless just trying to be more sustainable is great for the environment and all of us
Oh Thank you! I know this nice homeless person that I can make this for him for the winter. I bring him water and sometimes I bring him food and this will keep him warm in the winter. Thank you very much.
thank you. those are the best instructions i have seen. you are an amazing teacher. i can do this confidently. ive already made a shopping bag and have several balls of plarn ready for my next projects ☺
Fantastic tutorial! I learned lots with your crochet tips, and I’ve been crocheting for years. I have been collecting plastic bags for quite a while now, just for doing this type of project. Thank you!!
When I was little I used to help my mum cut plastic bags into strips throughout the winter; then my mum hired the community loom or finger crochet the plastic into mats that were used at the front porch and on the bathroom floor - any place that would get wet and/or dirty. Plastic mats like that are also good at trapping sand: I had a plastic mat in the hallway where we would take our shoes off. In fact, homemade plastic rugs were so common that craft and yarn places would sell ready-cut plastic yarn in different colours, so you could create "designer" rugs. But my favourite rugs were made of milk bags: black inside, white with red or blue outside depending on fat content. Mum could finger crochet rugs into circular shapes, too... I wish I had thought of using plastic mats when camping: even in summer (well, it often snowed) the ground radiates cold and can give you a restless night. Tents do commonly have a base sewn to the walls, but its purpose is only to stop the water and creepy-crawlies getting in. It was only years later when foam camping mats appeared into the scene and at first, they were expensive!
I made one from grocy bags 4'×5' and it is bulky and not light.😊 Being a homeless person a few years ago i know this would not be something most homeless people would carry. I even tried to gift the one i made to a homeless shelter and they agreed about it being too bulky/heavy. This mat however would be good for picnics or to use as a beach mat.😊
I love this idea! i always collect plastic bags because I have two cats, and I use the bags for disposing of used litter. But I always end up with a huge surplus of bags, and I am always recycling them, until now! I wouldn’t have the patience to make something that big, but I could make totes and gift them to people.
this is 2018 and I just want to say that you are an excellent teacher. I think anyone could do this project based on your explanations. I am not going to do this project, but I will show it to my 12 year old granddaughter, as she and her dad and siblings go camping, (primitive) and I think she would love to do this.
Andi H I would say your imagination would be the limit!!! Just thought of this....you'd have to allow for cover to come OVER body and back down to keep warm...but good idea.
This is the video I used to learn how to make bedrolls. It takes you from step 1 all the way through to tying straps and carrying strap. I have not found a better one. For anyone that can't come to our group to make these bedrolls, I highly recommend this.
I'm posting on my Facebook for all my friends to gather the hundreds of bags they have stuffed in cupboards. I love to crochet but can't afford all the wool I go through. Can't wait to give my first sleeping mat to a person living rough. God bless and Happy Christmas.
topher33 IF ONE IS A TRUE HOUSEWIFE SHE WOULD NOT, AS COULD NOT AT ALL OF BEING BORED. IF A HOUSEWIFE IS BORED SHE IS DOING IT WRONG OF 'BEING A HOUSEWIFE'. FIRST OF ALL BEFORE GETTING MARRIED WOMEN SHOULD KNOW HOW TO COOK. My Beloved Mama taught ALL HER CHILDREN HOW TO COOK--OUR BROTHER WAS A VERY NATURAL COOK. HE IS MORE OF A GOURMET COOK THAT HE ALSO MAKES UP MOST OF HIS DISHES AND DOES NOT WRITE ANY OF THEM DOWN---HE REMEMBERS ALLLL OF THRM. EVERY ONE OF US EACH ALONE CAN PREPARE A WHOLE THANKSGIVING DINNER AND CAN BAKE ALL OF THE PIES.
topherh33 … There is NO SUCH THING AS A "HOUSEWIFE". If you did not catch the parts of this video of how this project (that one can do easily while watching TV in the evenings....whether or not they are otherwise employed as a "money maker") can help both the environment and those experiencing homelessness.....then YOU were not paying attention. What have YOU done to "make the world a better place" TODAY??? (or even in the last five months since you wrote your post?)
I'm a "housewife" that is so busy with so many things on my plate (and my seven kids are grown and on their own living as successful adults)...that I am trying to figure out how I am going to fit this into my schedule! Have a meeting set up with a friend from church to show this to her. Going to see about starting a program where we can make these and give them to those experiencing homelessness in our city.
I am so impressed with this wonderful project❣️❣️❣️ If we could organize a multi team effort and send bedrolls to the children at the border, it would be a marvelous accomplishment. I would love to participate in that. Where do you acquire all the bags necessary for a boatload of bedrolls?
Thank you so much!! I have never crocheted before and made a mat! The only thing I wish was explained better was how to weave in the end of the plarn when finished with the mat or the strap
What a great tutorial! I have been saving my bags so I can make a few to go along with some warm double strand weight 4 yarn blankets I have made. What a wonderful project you have taken on. I hope you have much success! I live on the southern coast of NC.
Fantastic! How have these been received by the recipients? We went through a spell of giving out sleeping mats and whilst they were very well received when they were given, the people didn't manage to hang onto them for long due to their size, and yours are bigger than what we were distributing. That said in my town the council will 'dispose of' ie destroy any homeless person's belongings that are stashed during the day. I'm wondering if I can take your technique and make them trendy looking bags that fold out for sleeping but in bag format look like a green fashion item.
even with recycling plastic, it's still plastic and still goes into our environment at the end of its use. it's still toxic and will still cause the same problems just delayed. it should be law that all bags, toys, clothes, furniture, etc that are plastic must be safely biodegradable or 100% reclaimed by manufacturer for reuse, and still non-toxic.
I have a spinning wheel, how does spun plarn impact the mat? What dimensions would you need, width, height, thickness. Would it be better to weave the plarn, or would that make the final cloth too thin? I am initially thinking a 3 ply plarn for strength. My other concern in stretching. As a warp the plarn may stretch under tension, so maybe use a smooth twine, or maybe even fishing line, then use the plarn as the weft. I love the idea of recycling items like plastic bags, and even the fishing line, so it doesn't harm the environment or wildlife, while helping those in need.
Michelle Stahl 3-ply sounds good, or Navajo technique. Will make it cushier. Don't spin too tight or it will get hard. The air in the twist is what makes it cushier. Weaving it? Fishing line could work as the warp. Weave it fairly tight.
I'm afraid weaving would take the cushion out, although it would likely be more watertight and keep a ground-sleeper drier on a day when it had rained. If you manage to spin plarn, or weave a mat, please do make a video on it!
Better to recycle them while they're clean and dry. After a few years of use this whole roll will be dirty and moldy and unrecyclable, a waste of time and effort when there are better ways to keep plastic out of the ocean/landfills!
Please do not give these mats to any animal as they will inevitably chew and tare at it and most likely ingest some of the plastic...then your pet suffers...😊
I have one day where I do all my cutting then I have another day where I just do All My Looping and I roll them up into little yarn balls makes it so much easier when I'm crocheting.
I have to laugh a bit, ...back in the 70’s I was making bread bag rugs by cutting strips out of bread bags and crocheting them in a circular shape for a rug. Who knew?
Ohhh, I wonder if I could turn this into a big school project (I'm a future elementary school teacher). All grades could be involved, the younger kids could cut the stripes, then some can do the assembling part and the older kids could do the crocheting part! It would be a meaningful project for them because they can directly help their community while learning about the importance of upcycling! Plus, crocheting is a very practical skill if you're into creating and DIY-ing stuff.
I have seen this project on RUclips before. I think this is ingenious and such a great help for those who do not want to come into shelters. You are a great instructor. Thank you for teaching us to use these bags that otherwise just go into the garbage.❤.
YES! Not everyone realizes that some folks are just not going to go to a shelter for various reasons. My then boyfriend, now husband helped inspire this project because he frequently worked with folks that were too mentally unstable to handle being in a room with other people.
Fast forward to 2019...Most states have banned these types of bags & replaced them with a thicker plastic bag that comes with a cost of 10-15 cents each. What types of bags are you using today?
While this project is near and dear to my heart, my secrete desire was to help folks realize how much they were consuming and ultimately start the conversation for banning single-use plastics. Reduce is "the first R" of reduce, reuse, recycle for a reason! In a better world, there would be no plastic bags and enough spaces in shelters for anyone that needs a place to lie their head for the night. So hopefully the raw materials for this project will go away and another brilliant idea will surface for helping people experiencing homelessness.
You are an excellent teacher! Most people are not as thorough and understandable. Great job! These would be great to make for the homeless to sleep on, & it would be recycling at the same time
Thank you for your ideas. Your explanation is very clear and it is a very good project. After the resent earthquakes in Mexico this are going to come in handy.
Please, please, please use a plastic quilting ruler to guide your rotary cutter. (Chime in, you quilters out there.) Not so much for even cutting, but to PROTECT YOUR FINGERS. I watched someone cutting bags like this for plarn, and nearly got nauseous at the lack of safety. Just as with saws, that blade can easily slip without a guide... especially cutting slippy plastic. I thank you, your fingers will thank you, the venue where you gather will thank you, as will your family and/or employer.
I used to work in a fabric shop where rotary cutters were used every day. And YES, we did use rulers. Sometimes those rotary cutters have a mind of their own. All of us were adults and we could certainly see our fingers and we saw exactly where that blade was. That did not prevent trips to the emergency room. I have seen adult women slice right into their fingers with a rotary cutter and I have seen fingertips cut off. I'm a quilter and use a rotary cutter. For safety, I use a wide plastic ruler with a Gypsy Gripper attached. A Gypsy Gripper is a handle for the ruler. If I'm using a small ruler, I always wear a Kevlar glove on the hand not holding the rotary cutter. And while your eyes are watching that blade, you can also see it when it suddenly jumps and slices right into your finger for no reason at all. So I agree 100% with the idea of using a plastic ruler! Better safe than sorry.
Thanks for the great advice and video ,i will try make a few mats , there’s quite a few homeless in my town even ladies with children so I think this would benefit them. Have a good day and bless you for thinking of the idea.😇🥰😇🥰
Hello, I stumbled across this video while searching for a tutorial for crocheting a plastic bag dispenser and I'm so thankful I did! Now I won't need the dispenser after all bc I can use all the bags to help other's and help sea creatures by keeping these plastic bags in use. I think you explained everything so well and offered so many helpful tips, I especially liked the tip about how to join your bags of plarn! Just amazing! Thank you so much for this extremely useful tutorial! There are so many people experiencing homelessness these days and a lot of these individuals are just kids who have lost their way. So many I know personally and was bringing them into my home but sadly that didn't work our very well for me. So I love that I can still help them by giving them a warmer, drier place to lay their heads. And right now its getting very cold outside and wet so I'm going to get right on this and I'm recruiting my many grandchildren to help! And it will teach them to be kind and giving as well! I'm going to watch the video again bc I'm not sure if you mentioned where I could get more bags? If you didn't then do you any idea's where I can get more? I would love to make many many sleep rolls to give this season. I'm not sure where to take them to donate bc we do not actually have a homeless shelter that I know of. And I would like to get some to the kids I know who are homeless right now. How can I best get them into the hands that truly need them? Again I thank you for taking your time to teach us how to make these bed rolls and upcycle plastic bags too! This is awesome!
Thank you! I made a human breast (16" by 20") with plarn for a college art project in 2013 (an "A"), but I didn't remember how to start it off anymore! We had to photograph each portion! I earned the grade. NOW I want to make something less profound! 😄Thanks again! 💗
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Turning plastic bags into yarn and making things was popular in the 1970's. I know because I turned bread bags and other plastic bags into door mats. Glad to see it's come back. Having been homeless myself, I'd suggest a thicker mat for a bed roll. The plarn does mat down and get thinner. A thicker mat, perhaps two mats connected together at the side seams would work and last better.
My Grandma made oval bread bag rugs in the 70's...I wish I would have appreciated her attempt to teach me. She supplied friends and family, and an occasional paying customer, with her creations. Times were tough and she made pocket change any way she could.
Since this is the best video I have found so far, I am going to add this info for people that find this video later.
Need approximately: 500 to 700 bags
Crochet hook: Size Q 16 MM (Luxite Bulky Plastic Crochet Hook, 8", Size Q/16mm) Note: Size Q comes in 2 sizes, One is 15.75mm an one is 16mm)
Also, thank you so much for saying "experiencing homelessness" instead of just saying homeless. As a person who was homeless for a little over a year I hated when people called me homeless and hated they way most people said it.
How did you get out of experiencing homeless?
I never knew that thanks for teaching me that
Best video on making these mats. You are great at explaining. Thanks!
@@itslaila1826 bear in mind that it is totally subjective though. I know plenty of homeless people that despise the movement of trying to separate the people from their homelessness, myself included. Though I'll say "experiencing homelessness" isn't quite as bad as "houseless," imo. But some people prefer those terms too, and that's valid. Just wait and see how they refer to themselves, basically.
YES! The situation doesn’t define who the person is! WONDERFUL!!!
Not only has this video presented a great idea for helping others, but it has also finally helped me understand how to crochet. I’ve tried learning in the past and never got it. Thx
I thought I was the only one struggling with it and thought this would be cool to teach me how also.
Dominic
yes it helped me too
It is wonderful ,thank you for caring about others.i know the people that need these are grateful for you. You are a great people. Thank you. I now know how to do this. Thank you again.
Seriously! I get to learn crochet and help my community 💕
I've been crocheting for 50 years and was so impressed with how you taught folks how to crochet! Very easy to follow, simple instructions which make it mutch less difficult for beginners to understand. Bravo!
I was very honored to participate in making the mats. It was a rich experience for me. I got involved with the Suwannee County Library’s Literacy Department under the guidance and assistance from my best friend (Literacy Department Director: Mrs. Debra Barney of whom is very creative. She told me about the program. At first, I thought I would not be able to maneuver the huge crochet needle, became better and better at it. My confidence grew stronger better We had a team effort. Some people were cutting the plastic bags up and making plarn, then delivering it to us. We were able to use the colors we liked. The Mats were measured to meet the specifications. When I went out I would bring my mat with me. I worked on it day and night. Thank you alll for allowing me to be a part of this special and well deserved program. It benefitted everyone.I would be so proud when I see people with their mats. They seemed so happy that people cared about them. I was homeless in the past and it was devastating. Ok pulled through with Grace of God. I was so ashamed, I did not reach out to my Family.I have always been a hard worker and was shocked when it happened.
Bless your heart for actually telling us how many bags we will need. Someone just said a gazillion, and others don't bother to give even an estimate. A gal has got to have a beginning point! Also, the trick about being able to see gaps through a chain stitch, is vital. Good shot! So many will give up on the whole project because the very first row is "ImPOSSible".
Hacienda heights church
@@irmadehmer5368 About 400. I get 3 loops from each Bakers' or Walmart bag , so closer to 450 bags for 1 mat. HyVee bags are deeper so I get 4 loops, and a little less than 400 bags for 1 mat. I make mine 3 feet X 6 feet.
The trick for joining the two bags of plarn was genius.
Going around the bag was sheer genius yet so simple. Good on you for posting this project.
BRILLIANT.
YEAH! This lady is living in 3019
Was just thinking the same thing!
@@TEO.187 I had to pause the video when she did that. It is like she pressed the reset button on my brain! Genius Par Excellence!
Such a creative way for two beneficial acts of kindness…one for the homeless and two, getting rid of plastic bags ending up inside gorgeous whales, dolphin, turtles & other sea-life critters. Great Work!
You can send me any spare plastic shopping bags like they use to give for FREE at the grocery store! Now we have to either PAY for an extra thick bag that takes TEN Times longer to biodegrade (?) or you have to BUY basket liners for every basket in your house (4 gal/13 gal.) when you go grocery shopping now= neither makes sense. it's all a plot by the plastics industry to get people to actually buy MORE. and btw.....it was CHINA that was dumping all the "recyclables" in the middle of the Pacific Ocean when they were buying it from us going out of Long Beach, CA for example. Use your common sense: we used to Repurpose these bags. And something washed out to the ocean (like those millions of straws they want you to believe all got "lost"? at the beach?) soon comes BACK in a day or two with the tide change. The Bag Boycott didn't take effect in CA until CHINA stopped buying our refuse! and that was BEFORE Trump was President.....just in case you want to blame THAT on him, too! In fact, he started DOING something about it in 2018, but you wouldn't know that if you get your "news" from the Lame Stream Media 4 AM Script Keepers like $30 Million a year Rachel Madcow or Don LIE-man. dailycaller.com/2018/10/11/trump-signs-bill-clean-ocean/
Pat Engness Ma’am this is a Wendy’s
@@luckycharms8020 💀💀💀
What are you people thinking? Three months outside, less under stress, and that bag is disintegrating plastic flaking trash blowing in the wind.
Have you never bothered to look at these creations after they have been exposed to all the elements, Used, EVERYDAY, CARRIED, SLEPT, SAT & Stepped ON, OUTSIDE 24/7? After a week, a month?
I SEE SOMEONE THAT CARES, TRYING TO HELP.
The best camping equipment Mats that money can buy for hikers is uncomfortable, and will not last in Daily outside usage for extended periods of time. They do make a BIG difference. Even an exercise floor mat will.
As for insects, ALL are looking for cover & food. That's us, and out pets. Lice can live for 14 days without food, bed bugs over a year.
This is not a good idea. You are giving an amazing amount of your time. Think it through. You are obviously an intelligent, & energetic young woman. I'm sure you can find another way to help people, and yes this is a huge issue, "sleeping on the ground".
@@pennytull7578 -😤 much?
I made a plarn shopping bag and a small purse over 10 years ago...my daughter still uses them on a daily basis...they’re barely showing wear...these items are tough and practical. So glad to see this and the other videos on how to use what so many feel is a terrible waste product...it’s really a terrific resource!
This is a great and thorough tutorial. Our local high school kids have been collecting bags from the community. They have learned how to crochet the mats and then donate them to area shelters. It's a great project all around! 👍
Decades trying to learn crochet ... being the reason for my teachers' frustration ... two minutes of video and I learned it! I´ll be forever grateful! Thanks!
This makes my heart full! Glad I could help.
Your explanation is so detailed, easy to follow and full of tips. Great project for anyone wanting to do a community service project and your video makes it understandable for everyone. Excellent job!
Great video
Yes, I agree with you.
Eunique What a great idea! But where I live, such plastic bags have been banned for 2 years.
michelle stein-evers frankl Hello, do u have trash bags? I wouldn’t see why they wouldn’t work, u’d just have bigger loops, or u could knots a few knots n the big loop to make smaller loops. This is my 1st time seeing this, therefore I’ve not tried it, it might work, just my thoughts. Have a wonderful day
@@meeeka where do you live? How do you carry your groceries home from the storé?
We are looking at making these for the street dogs in our area of Turkey.
Lynda Dagdeviren that is so sweet! 🐶🐕🐩
Lynda Dagdeviren thank you for your compassion and helping the dogs/animals! May God bless you.
Awesome! :)
Wonderful that you are caring about the street dogs there, which I know are under constant threat from cruel people and an uncaring government who kills them, but be aware that some dogs will eat plastic / bedding - and these dogs won't have the benefit of an owner noticing and taking them to the vet.
@Topanga Reyna yes this was my thought too ... animals will chew it and then get sick from ingesting the plastic
I am especially impressed by your saying "people experiencing homelessness" instead of the dehumanizing "the homeless". Thank goodness, in Sweden we recycle our plastic bags (and stores charge for them, and encourage you NOT to buy them). But I want to keep looking for similar videos for things we cannot easily recycle!
This is a supper item to make for the homeless .God bless
In the United States we REDUCE, RECYCLE, AND REUSE. This project is the ultimate in recycling rather than using resources including water and electricity to just make more plastic bags.
blixten2928 why you don’t want people to say this word, this is real life and we have lots of people who need our help!
In some states, others are terrible about it :(
Susan Larmour try living in a rural area. I am 45 minutes south of a larger city and we have terrible recycling - spotty at best. We now take our recycling 45 minutes north so our stuff doesn't end up (hopefully) in a landfill! I know someone who works at a large grocery store and they said that the "bag recycling bin" at the front of the store - they just put it all in the trash dumpster behind the store when the bin fills up!! So much for trying to recycle in America! It sounds like your area is way better.
If every neighbor helped their fellow man, no man would be without help. - Bruce Lee -
joesashiify Sadly so many of us think “someone else will be doing this”... Instead of EVERYONE feeling responsible! They reckon by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean then fish! Let alone all the other animals that accidentally eat it. But they also say because we’re eating the fish we’re eating some of the contaminants that’s in the plastic.
joesashiqq
I wish I could help the people of Liberia with this craft. They literally live on hills of rubbish. And their children play in puddles of sewer. So sad.
Sadly, some people don't want to be helped.
Wow. Thanks for that. My favorite new quote. Lee was a wise man!
Our church in Irving, TX is having a series of workshops to teach people how to create these mats. We thank you so much for your excellent instructions. So many people (mostly women) have come and done part or all of the steps. In January we will distribute them during the annual census conducted by Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance. This project is social (we gather to do it together), educational (raises awareness of the causes of homelessness), charitable (gives us an opportunity to respect & care for others) and environmental (an opportunity to re-purpose grocery bags that would otherwise go into the trash or recycle bin). Thank you so much for teaching us how to do this!
My wife and I make these for the homless and we make them a little extra long when done and fold it over 3 or 4 time not roll but fold them over and wala you have an extra pillow.They are so greatful for them and when I go to feed them every 3 days of the week I take them these and if it's raining expleshy .Tks for enlightening folks my only beef with this I don't have alot of them because there are ago many Homless people here in Maryland in A.A county God bless 🙏
God bless you
@@AliensWithGuns ?
What an amazing idea to use up plastic bags.
I told up my bags just like you showed, making sure first there are no holes to reuse for trash bags of that size. But from now on, I will keep my bags and would love to make a crochet blanket for someone. In my town we don't see hardly anyone that is homeless, but this would be perfect to for folks that camp or hike that needs something light and easy to carry and clean up. Thank you for the video
And you could use these mats for pets, then put the blankets or pet beds over them.
I make camping bags or gym bags with plain. Good strong.
I wonder if you could tie together all the extra scrapping cutoff pieces, crochet a small pillow caseing , and use the tied scraps as "stuffing" for the pillow.. .
Kelsey Wheatley that's what I've thought of doing. Wasn't sure if it'd be better to iron bags for actual pillow cover though.
absolutely! Do it all the time. There is an amazing amount of stuffing just from the handles and bottoms! And whole bags can be put inside each other and ironed together for a smoother surface too.
Plastic can suffocate people you know that? Maybe for stuffing, but at least make it with holes.
@@CreatingwithWinglessAngel Try being Optimistic as opposed to being Pessimistic! She noted this at the Beginning if you payed attention. AND With all the "vents" via crochet it's highly unlikely.
All crochet has holes. You really can't crochet or knit without holes.
There is no downside to this! This is pure positivity. This warms my heart! I will absolutely be doing this
Thank you so much. Clean up the earth and recycle and help those in need. People and animals alike. So many homeless people care for pets and choose to be outside in order to keep their pet rather than be inside in a shelter. Ah I’m crying! Thank you so much for posting
Kathleen Vassallo i find the "draw back" is the finished product is too bulky and cumbersome and homeless people dont want to carry this around with them....shame.....its ALOT of work....
Kathleen Vassallo q
Lynn tiffany- drop them off at the shelter so people can give them back in the morning or exchange them when they are worn.
Kathleen Vassallo x
Lynn Tiffany, most true homeless people carry their belongings with them everywhere. The homeless people I've seen anyways. Not bulky when you consider it's their bed. Even if this is used as an undernat for their blanket I'm sure they would appreciate it.
Oh my GOSH what a great tip at 4:22 for joining two separate bags of plarn! Thanks! I'll pass that along to some friends who make the mats in my area. I'm going to share this video on my FB page too.
Awesome idea I think. Sharing this with friends fa and wide.
Congratulations! You are a great tutor. I'm off to gather some plastic bags. Excellent project for the homeless.
Excellent instructions.. you can tell this lady is a qualified teacher! Thanks for useful way to deal w excess plastic bags.
When using the rotary cutter and mat, add in a ruler designed to be used with these. It will hold the bags down so you can cut them, make your cut straight, and keep your fingers out of the way. BTW, I love your description of "the hooky part and the pointy part"! Good video
Yes, I have since started using those. As a low-budget gov employee, buying a cutting mat was priority one for this project and I didn't want to push my luck and ask for a cutting ruler too.
This is honestly just a great and thorough tutorial on how to crochet period
I'm going to show this to a few nursing home. So many older ladies love to crochet and could really help out the homeless/ pets/ environment. Great idea!!!
THANK YOU for such a WONDERFUL tutorial! So clear! Even my 75 yr old brain understands it! 👍🏼🌹
You are an amazing teacher! You speak very clearly and you do not assume anything. I can definitely do this! Yes, I will do this! Thank you so much!
I’m so glad someone tagged me in this today. I’m going to make these and find out where to send these to for the people that need them. Brilliant idea this is❤
I looked for a good video on making these bed rolls and this is the best that I found. This is so detailed and gives the best instructions I have found. I can't wait to get started on doing this for our clothes closet at the church. All I have to do is notify our church members to save bags for me. Thank you Tori for such detailed instructions.
This is fantastic! The hostess explains so well, detailed, and correct speed that pretty much everyone can follow. Great job, excellent idea!
Every Saturday for one hour (here in Tucson), a senior residence holds a workshop where the ladies (mainly) do the exact same thing demonstrated here. I don't crochet but am learning and am having a ball learning all the other steps to make the bag mats. We also use bags that newspapers come in when it looks like it might rain. It is a great way to socialize, pass the time in the quiet of your home or room and also know that you are keeping these bags from the oceans and landfills and re-purposing them into a helpful item! This demonstration and video was one of the best I have seen to show the audience how to do something! BRAVO!!
Thank you for the EXCELLENT instructions! I work at a Catholic high school run by the Felician Sisters. Beginning this summer, students from Felician-run schools all over North America are going to begin making these bedrolls as service project. (The sisters have at least four ministries to the homeless.) I think we will be using your video to teach them! God bless you!
I was just thinking that this would be an excellent project for teachers to have students do, not only does it teach our kids to be responsible and recycle, but it can teach them about helping others. Awesome idea, thank you for the video.
I'm
I didn't have a crochet hook, so I made one out of a pencil
Edit: It's making things VERY HARD
Thank you for posting this. What a genius way to keep those pesky bags outta the landfill & streets as well as giving back to the community.. Please post more.. 👍👍
This is so creative!!! Apart from using plastic bags, you can use old t shirts cut them into strips and crochet them into a mat.
THAT WOULD END UP QUITE A BIT HEAVIER, WITH LESS "LOFT", AND WOULD HOLD MOISTURE, FOREVER. STILL, NICE, FOR PEOPLE, WHO LIVE INDOORS.
Throw mats, my grandmother used old clothing to make mats in the house all shapes and colours
@Fortescue mine made washable shower puffs. Same idea. Smart, resourceful humans
Most stores have boxes in the front where people can dump off their plastic bags in a giant recycling box. Most of the stores will allow you to take these bags home if you so desire.
I've never seen that before. But that's pretty cool!
You just have to make sure none have food debris or anything like that. Otherwise all my local Wal Marts have them and many grocery stores do as well. If you can’t find them ask at the courtesy counter where they are.
What a fantastic X-mas idea for helping those experiencing homelessness. I love how this recycles plastic bags while providing such a loving gift. You did an amazing job presenting this tutorial. It's not only clearly and carefully demonstrated, but you even addressed potential problems that will likely come up. Wonderful project and incredible tutorial. Thank you!
Your instructions are incredibly clear and easy to understand. Thank you for that! Awesome project idea.
Thank you for sharing this video. I have found something that my daughter and I can do together to help others. And, it is a great homeschool art project. Brilliant!
I already do this I just don't know where to drop them off I have I think three of them made already. It takes me some time because the plastic tends to drag and it irritates the hell out of my hands.
Because those p size and q size hooks are in plastic I use an N size hook in metal and it reduces the drag on the plastic. This is great for those who have arthritic hands
Wearing silk gloves may help prevent irritation.
@@YourWorcesterGirl thank you so much because plastic makes my hands burn! i was hoping to try this for evacuation camp mats so I was searching the comments for ideas how to deal with this!!
Good advice. Thank you.
I love this because it's something anyone can have access to. I have been about a breath away from being homeless for years but I have found kindness and support many times from unexpected places and people. It's important to my self worth to be able to give back, not just take, take, take.
This is the best video I've seen on making plarn. I appreciate your attention to detail!
Great idea for camping.
W
EXCELLENT idea for camping! esp. if u want to try that mini-load style - no tarp required to stay dry. this is genius!
ankimo1957 better idea!!!
Yes, if you have a truck next to your tent. A cheap foam mat will be more comfortable and takes less space.
This is absolutely brilliant! Great demonstration, everything was so well thought out and explained. The design of the mat is perfect.
The hardest part is making the strips, the crochet can be done with ones own fingers.
My thoughts exactly 👍
Awesome detailed tutorial!!!
All the tips & tricks are here!
I think these would be also great for pets.
I don't know why but the word plarn is really funny to me.
Princess Caty
It's really annoying to me
Me too.Also, while reading someone's reply to another comment saw them use the word "orphanism." As in some homeless ppl have experienced "orphanism." 😂😂😁 That is surely not a real word?
Just like the word pleather (for plastic leather)
When I tell people what Plarn is, we all have a big laugh. Seems to make them want to do it even more.
To the lovely young lady that taught us to make PLARN and a mat. Great job. It’s been a couple of years since you made this video. If You are keeping up with the comments, know this- there are many angry and bitter people that are not content with their lives. Sorry to say, that will never change. Please don’t let negative words like these bring You down. Keep a positive outlook. Stay focused on what is true, honest, and dependable. It appears that You were raised with solid ethics. I wish You the best. If You have more videos, I’d like to know where to find them. You are a great teacher!
Agreed. She's doing something positive but didn't claim she could end anyone's misery. I wonder how much time the cranky people devote to ending homelessness??? If they spent one hour helping others, they would appreciate every second spent, every cent donated, by others. They would become humble.
Seriously this is wonderful this is a great way to upcycle plastic and also try to help people to even if you don't uses for the homeless just trying to be more sustainable is great for the environment and all of us
Oh Thank you! I know this nice homeless person that I can make this for him for the winter. I bring him water and sometimes I bring him food and this will keep him warm in the winter. Thank you very much.
Just give him a sleeping bag
thank you. those are the best instructions i have seen. you are an amazing teacher. i can do this confidently. ive already made a shopping bag and have several balls of plarn ready for my next projects ☺
Fantastic tutorial! I learned lots with your crochet tips, and I’ve been crocheting for years. I have been collecting plastic bags for quite a while now, just for doing this type of project. Thank you!!
When I was little I used to help my mum cut plastic bags into strips throughout the winter; then my mum hired the community loom or finger crochet the plastic into mats that were used at the front porch and on the bathroom floor - any place that would get wet and/or dirty. Plastic mats like that are also good at trapping sand: I had a plastic mat in the hallway where we would take our shoes off. In fact, homemade plastic rugs were so common that craft and yarn places would sell ready-cut plastic yarn in different colours, so you could create "designer" rugs. But my favourite rugs were made of milk bags: black inside, white with red or blue outside depending on fat content. Mum could finger crochet rugs into circular shapes, too...
I wish I had thought of using plastic mats when camping: even in summer (well, it often snowed) the ground radiates cold and can give you a restless night. Tents do commonly have a base sewn to the walls, but its purpose is only to stop the water and creepy-crawlies getting in. It was only years later when foam camping mats appeared into the scene and at first, they were expensive!
I am going to try this for our patients who are experiencing homelessness at our agency in Chicago. Thanks so much for the instructions!
I made one from grocy bags 4'×5' and it is bulky and not light.😊 Being a homeless person a few years ago i know this would not be something most homeless people would carry. I even tried to gift the one i made to a homeless shelter and they agreed about it being too bulky/heavy. This mat however would be good for picnics or to use as a beach mat.😊
Well 4' wide would definitely be too bulky. 30" would be a much better width.
I made mine into a outside rug for in front of the door
Lynn, thank you sharing that information. What do you think about OffAirhead's suggestion of making it only 30" wide?
You can make them 2'x5'
What a great thing you are doing. Great video and great job explaining. You should be a teacher!
she IS a teacher :)
Thanks for making this helpful video! My son's class is making one, and I decided to make one, too.
I love this idea! i always collect plastic bags because I have two cats, and I use the bags for disposing of used litter. But I always end up with a huge surplus of bags, and I am always recycling them, until now! I wouldn’t have the patience to make something that big, but I could make totes and gift them to people.
this is 2018 and I just want to say that you are an excellent teacher. I think anyone could do this project based on your explanations. I am not going to do this project, but I will show it to my 12 year old granddaughter, as she and her dad and siblings go camping, (primitive) and I think she would love to do this.
You are right about her teaching. There are thousands of tutorials on youtube and few are as well done as this one.
wonder if this could be made into a sleeping bag, or double the width to fold over as a cover to help keep them warm
Yes it could. I would make a "pillow case" with carrying straps to put it in. It could double as a pillow while the blanket is being used.
Yes
Andi H
I would say your imagination would be the limit!!! Just thought of this....you'd have to allow for cover to come OVER body and back down to keep warm...but good idea.
🌹🦋🌱🤺💛💚💛💚💛🤺🌱🦋🌹 EXCELLLENT IDEA 🤗💚 THANK YOU FOR SHARING 💖👿
This is the video I used to learn how to make bedrolls. It takes you from step 1 all the way through to tying straps and carrying strap. I have not found a better one. For anyone that can't come to our group to make these bedrolls, I highly recommend this.
can you tell me what size crochet hook was used?
Q 16 mm
I'm posting on my Facebook for all my friends to gather the hundreds of bags they have stuffed in cupboards. I love to crochet but can't afford all the wool I go through. Can't wait to give my first sleeping mat to a person living rough. God bless and Happy Christmas.
Please let me know when you finish one!
Thank you for this idea I help the homeless in my area with my Ministry and I'm going to do this
topherh33 no, it shows them you care. Homelessness is more than lack of money.
topher33 IF ONE IS A TRUE HOUSEWIFE SHE WOULD NOT, AS COULD NOT AT ALL OF BEING BORED. IF A HOUSEWIFE IS BORED SHE IS DOING IT WRONG OF 'BEING A HOUSEWIFE'. FIRST OF ALL BEFORE GETTING MARRIED WOMEN SHOULD KNOW HOW TO COOK. My Beloved Mama taught ALL HER CHILDREN HOW TO COOK--OUR BROTHER WAS A VERY NATURAL COOK. HE IS MORE OF A GOURMET COOK THAT HE ALSO MAKES UP MOST OF HIS DISHES AND DOES NOT WRITE ANY OF THEM DOWN---HE REMEMBERS ALLLL OF THRM. EVERY ONE OF US EACH ALONE CAN PREPARE A WHOLE THANKSGIVING DINNER AND CAN BAKE ALL OF THE PIES.
topherh33 … There is NO SUCH THING AS A "HOUSEWIFE". If you did not catch the parts of this video of how this project (that one can do easily while watching TV in the evenings....whether or not they are otherwise employed as a "money maker") can help both the environment and those experiencing homelessness.....then YOU were not paying attention.
What have YOU done to "make the world a better place" TODAY??? (or even in the last five months since you wrote your post?)
Eliana Miller
Your superiority complex is showing.
I'm a "housewife" that is so busy with so many things on my plate (and my seven kids are grown and on their own living as successful adults)...that I am trying to figure out how I am going to fit this into my schedule! Have a meeting set up with a friend from church to show this to her. Going to see about starting a program where we can make these and give them to those experiencing homelessness in our city.
I am so impressed with this wonderful project❣️❣️❣️ If we could organize a multi team effort and send bedrolls to the children at the border, it would be a marvelous accomplishment. I would love to participate in that. Where do you acquire all the bags necessary for a boatload of bedrolls?
Super video. You are a wonderful teacher. Easy to follow. Very specific and a good pace. What a great project! Thank you for adding this to RUclips.
Thank you so much!! I have never crocheted before and made a mat! The only thing I wish was explained better was how to weave in the end of the plarn when finished with the mat or the strap
Alsome.. this would be a great project for kids to help with.....good after school project...
for all those scraps, I jjust use it to stuff my amigurumi. which gives it a kinda crunchy textures. just some tips
What a great tutorial! I have been saving my bags so I can make a few to go along with some warm double strand weight 4 yarn blankets I have made. What a wonderful project you have taken on. I hope you have much success! I live on the southern coast of NC.
What an excellent tutorial! Thank you so much.
Fantastic!
How have these been received by the recipients? We went through a spell of giving out sleeping mats and whilst they were very well received when they were given, the people didn't manage to hang onto them for long due to their size, and yours are bigger than what we were distributing.
That said in my town the council will 'dispose of' ie destroy any homeless person's belongings that are stashed during the day.
I'm wondering if I can take your technique and make them trendy looking bags that fold out for sleeping but in bag format look like a green fashion item.
Carol Hall l loop
even with recycling plastic, it's still plastic and still goes into our environment at the end of its use. it's still toxic and will still cause the same problems just delayed. it should be law that all bags, toys, clothes, furniture, etc that are plastic must be safely biodegradable or 100% reclaimed by manufacturer for reuse, and still non-toxic.
I have a spinning wheel, how does spun plarn impact the mat? What dimensions would you need, width, height, thickness. Would it be better to weave the plarn, or would that make the final cloth too thin? I am initially thinking a 3 ply plarn for strength. My other concern in stretching. As a warp the plarn may stretch under tension, so maybe use a smooth twine, or maybe even fishing line, then use the plarn as the weft. I love the idea of recycling items like plastic bags, and even the fishing line, so it doesn't harm the environment or wildlife, while helping those in need.
Michelle Stahl 3-ply sounds good, or Navajo technique. Will make it cushier. Don't spin too tight or it will get hard. The air in the twist is what makes it cushier.
Weaving it? Fishing line could work as the warp. Weave it fairly tight.
I'm afraid weaving would take the cushion out, although it would likely be more watertight and keep a ground-sleeper drier on a day when it had rained. If you manage to spin plarn, or weave a mat, please do make a video on it!
Better to recycle them while they're clean and dry. After a few years of use this whole roll will be dirty and moldy and unrecyclable, a waste of time and effort when there are better ways to keep plastic out of the ocean/landfills!
Great video! Very easy to follow! Thank you for showing us.
Excellent , easy to follow directions. I watched a few others, but your video is the best. Thank you !
I'm here 8/15/2020 And I love this! So inspiring and I've always wanted to learn to crochet and the plarn to make recycling bags! Tfs😘
These could be fantastic dog beds
LITTLEMUSTANGFILLY ? :-P
Except they could eat them....my dog used to eat his mattress pads and soft bedding. Plastic would be worse.
Please do not give these mats to any animal as they will inevitably chew and tare at it and most likely ingest some of the plastic...then your pet suffers...😊
BRAVO!!! What a genious idea!!!! ✌🏻👍🏻👌🏻
Excellent work. You are the best tutor. And this is the best use of waist. God bless you dear.
I have one day where I do all my cutting then I have another day where I just do All My Looping and I roll them up into little yarn balls makes it so much easier when I'm crocheting.
Devojko, svaka ti čast. Pažljivo objašnjeno, uredno izrađeno i za više namena. Bravo.
I have to laugh a bit, ...back in the 70’s I was making bread bag rugs by cutting strips out of bread bags and crocheting them in a circular shape for a rug. Who knew?
You did a fabulous job of explaining and illustrating the techniques. Thx!!!!!
Ohhh, I wonder if I could turn this into a big school project (I'm a future elementary school teacher). All grades could be involved, the younger kids could cut the stripes, then some can do the assembling part and the older kids could do the crocheting part! It would be a meaningful project for them because they can directly help their community while learning about the importance of upcycling! Plus, crocheting is a very practical skill if you're into creating and DIY-ing stuff.
I have about 60 of these ready for homeless Veterans. We hand out around 300-500 a year!
I have seen this project on RUclips before. I think this is ingenious and such a great help for those who do not want to come into shelters.
You are a great instructor. Thank you for teaching us to use these bags that otherwise just go into the garbage.❤.
YES! Not everyone realizes that some folks are just not going to go to a shelter for various reasons. My then boyfriend, now husband helped inspire this project because he frequently worked with folks that were too mentally unstable to handle being in a room with other people.
Fast forward to 2019...Most states have banned these types of bags & replaced them with a thicker plastic bag that comes with a cost of 10-15 cents each. What types of bags are you using today?
While this project is near and dear to my heart, my secrete desire was to help folks realize how much they were consuming and ultimately start the conversation for banning single-use plastics. Reduce is "the first R" of reduce, reuse, recycle for a reason! In a better world, there would be no plastic bags and enough spaces in shelters for anyone that needs a place to lie their head for the night.
So hopefully the raw materials for this project will go away and another brilliant idea will surface for helping people experiencing homelessness.
Most states?? I've never heard of that
You are an excellent teacher! Most people are not as thorough and understandable. Great job! These would be great to make for the homeless to sleep on, & it would be recycling at the same time
Thanks you! Yes, that was the original intent. More info at www.greensboro-nc.gov/plarn
Thank you for your ideas. Your explanation is very clear and it is a very good project. After the resent earthquakes in Mexico this are going to come in handy.
That looks actually Cozy, the idea of diy stuff gives me happines,
You explained this process so clearly and offered helpful time-saving tips. Thank you!
Is it comfortable? Could you use it as padding under your sleeping bag when you need to evacuate for storms or other emergencies?
i have shared this as the charity groups I am involved with make items for homeless people and shelter animals
Please, please, please use a plastic quilting ruler to guide your rotary cutter. (Chime in, you quilters out there.) Not so much for even cutting, but to PROTECT YOUR FINGERS. I watched someone cutting bags like this for plarn, and nearly got nauseous at the lack of safety. Just as with saws, that blade can easily slip without a guide... especially cutting slippy plastic. I thank you, your fingers will thank you, the venue where you gather will thank you, as will your family and/or employer.
mamamiabeara uh. Yah.
Thank you for saying what I was thinking.
You realize you're talking to an adult?
She is an adult and perfectly capable of seeing her fingers, using her hands, and understanding where the blade is. LoL
I used to work in a fabric shop where rotary cutters were used every day. And YES, we did use rulers. Sometimes those rotary cutters have a mind of their own. All of us were adults and we could certainly see our fingers and we saw exactly where that blade was. That did not prevent trips to the emergency room. I have seen adult women slice right into their fingers with a rotary cutter and I have seen fingertips cut off.
I'm a quilter and use a rotary cutter. For safety, I use a wide plastic ruler with a Gypsy Gripper attached. A Gypsy Gripper is a handle for the ruler. If I'm using a small ruler, I always wear a Kevlar glove on the hand not holding the rotary cutter. And while your eyes are watching that blade, you can also see it when it suddenly jumps and slices right into your finger for no reason at all. So I agree 100% with the idea of using a plastic ruler! Better safe than sorry.
Thanks for the great advice and video ,i will try make a few mats , there’s quite a few homeless in my town even ladies with children so I think this would benefit them. Have a good day and bless you for thinking of the idea.😇🥰😇🥰
Hello, I stumbled across this video while searching for a tutorial for crocheting a plastic bag dispenser and I'm so thankful I did! Now I won't need the dispenser after all bc I can use all the bags to help other's and help sea creatures by keeping these plastic bags in use. I think you explained everything so well and offered so many helpful tips, I especially liked the tip about how to join your bags of plarn! Just amazing! Thank you so much for this extremely useful tutorial!
There are so many people experiencing homelessness these days and a lot of these individuals are just kids who have lost their way. So many I know personally and was bringing them into my home but sadly that didn't work our very well for me. So I love that I can still help them by giving them a warmer, drier place to lay their heads. And right now its getting very cold outside and wet so I'm going to get right on this and I'm recruiting my many grandchildren to help! And it will teach them to be kind and giving as well!
I'm going to watch the video again bc I'm not sure if you mentioned where I could get more bags? If you didn't then do you any idea's where I can get more? I would love to make many many sleep rolls to give this season. I'm not sure where to take them to donate bc we do not actually have a homeless shelter that I know of. And I would like to get some to the kids I know who are homeless right now. How can I best get them into the hands that truly need them?
Again I thank you for taking your time to teach us how to make these bed rolls and upcycle plastic bags too! This is awesome!
Thank you! I made a human breast (16" by 20") with plarn for a college art project in 2013 (an "A"), but I didn't remember how to start it off anymore! We had to photograph each portion! I earned the grade. NOW I want to make something less profound! 😄Thanks again! 💗
This idea it wonderful, creative and helpful. I absolutely love it