Go Green With Make-It-Yourself Market Bags!

Lately, there has been a lot of discussion amongst the members of several Internet crochet lists I belong to regarding the making and use of market bags. It seems that some retailers are considering cutting down on the number of bags they distribute when you make a purchase or possibly discontinuing them altogether. Instead, they are encouraging customers to make or purchase their own reusable bags.

Personally, I think this is a fantastic idea! It gives those of us who crochet, knit, weave, sew, etc., the opportunity to express ourselves with our own unique bags. But the biggest bonus is that it keeps the plastic bags out of our landfills and will no longer pose a threat to wildlife.

With today's prices spiraling upwards at an alarming rate, you can be kind to the environment while also being kind to your budget by making your market bags from scrap or recycled materials. One idea that particularly intrigues me is Marlo's market bag at Marlo's Crochet Corner. It is made from the same plastic bags that the retailers want to discontinue, but it can also be made from bread wrappers, trash bags and most other types of plastic bags. Search Marlo's free pattern index to find the bag pattern and a tutorial to show you how to cut the bags and assemble the plastic "yarn."

There are many other patterns available as well, or you can wing it and create your own. You could use leftover scraps of yarn or thread. (I like to make mine from three strands of crochet thread held together with a G crochet hook.) You might also use strips of fabric and a large hook or needles to stitch up an extra-sturdy bag in a jiffy.

But, don't stop there! Help your friends and family go green, too, by making extra bags as gifts. These bags are fun to make and use and work up fairly quickly. And, when you're not shopping, you can use them to carry needlework or your books to the library, or just about anything else you can think of. The possibilities are endless!

Gauge: A Crocheter’s Most Important Tool

I’m sure people get tired of me bringing up the subject of gauge. But I get a lot of questions about fit, and I think the information bears repeating.

I’ve heard a lot of arguments over the years from people who balk at working gauge swatches. Some people don’t like to do it. Some think it isn’t important. But, while it’s true that there are projects where gauge isn’t important, the fact remains that if you are working on a fitted project, you won’t get the proper size unless the gauge is correct.

It’s also important to check your gauge at regular intervals while you work. Many of us feel that we always crochet to gauge, but that’s not really true. Your mood plays a big part in how tight or how loose your gauge is at any given time. For instance, if you are happy and upbeat, your gauge will naturally differ from what it might be if you are nervous or upset.

There are ways to make the task more pleasant if making gauge swatches is a chore you dread. Challenge yourself to make each swatch in a specified size (4” x 4” or another size of your choosing) for each fitted project you crochet. When you have enough same-size swatches, put them together to make an afghan, shawl or other project you might enjoy.