Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

A Tisket A Tasket, Use ‘Litter’ To Make A Basket

by

crochet recycled containers

 

I never thought I would see a fantastic way to combine crochet with something as mundane as a bleach bottle.  But, here it is!  And, doesn’t it look cool – and useful?  I can think of a lot of ways to apply this idea.  There’s a good tutorial to guide us to make our own.  I think this would be a great idea for the pool or beach (punch a few holes in the bottom for drainage), for a small portable toy chest, as a hanging planter, or to carry a crochet project around with you.  I know a lot of crocheters are going off to look for a suitable container right this minute!  How about a milk jug?  Maybe a gallon vinegar bottle.

For smaller hands, say a portable Barbie house or Hot Wheels garage, a 2 liter soda bottle will be perfect.  Best idea for this time of year is a free (as in recycled from your trash bin) Easter Basket.  Decorate it with stickers or just use a cheery yarn for the handle and clip up some yarn scraps for the ‘grass’.  Any more suggestions?  I wanna run with this idea!!!

Looking for more Crochet organizational baskets to make? Check these baskets out on Etsy.

Looking for more Easter themed Crochet patterns? Check out some of our favorite places for Crochet patterns. Etsy. has lots of new patterns and the perfect place to find Crochet patterns that are trending or seasonal. We also love  Anniescatalog   for buying individual patterns and a great place to source vintage styled designs and last but not least,  Leisure Arts for more traditional styled patterns and books.

Comments

  2. Great idea! Question… does anyone have a way of crocheting on and covering wire or plastic hangers? My mil did this years ago, and they are wonderful… she just covered the wires themselves, leaving the centers open so you can still hang pants, but passed away years ago, before I ever met my dh… so, can anyone show us how to do this?? Thanks.

Have you read?

Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.