Several friends have asked me how Project Plarn is going, so I thought I would do a quick update even though it is not finished.
Currently, I only have the bottom of the bag done as well as one row that will eventually be part of the sides. Josh asked me to keep track of how long it has taken me to get this far so here is the count:
Folding and cutting up the plastic bags: 2 hours
Creating the Ball of Plarn: 2 hours
Crocheting the bottom of the bag: 3 hours (this is because I restarted several times until I got the hang of working with plastic)
TOTAL: 7 hours
I think that this time would be reduced on future bags. It took me a little while to develop an efficient method of cutting the plastic bags as well as a method of putting the plastic loops together to form the actual Plarn. I also had trouble working with the plastic at first. Regular yarn does not have too much give, but if you pull too hard on the plastic strips, they stretch and become thinner. So, it took quite a while to discern the right amount of pressure to use while working with the plarn.
Job, scuba lessons, and moutain bike scouting withstanding, I should be able to find some time this week to continue working on this project and will hopefully be able to finish soon so that I can take it to the grocery store and see what happens!
If you want to see my original post, check it out
September 29th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Hi Katie! Just wanted to leave you a note about your plarn project. Looks like you are well on your way now. It’s as you say, once you get the hang of crocheting with the plastic it gets easier. Here is a tip to help you — use a paper cutter to cut your bags into strips. Fold the bag once in half and then one more time. Cut the end off and then proceed to cut your strips by just moving the bag over under the cutter. I found this out and boy does it help to save you time on the cutting. Good luck on your project and I can’t wait to see your finished product.