Tote that project in upcycled bags boxes
June 6, 2009 by Noreen Crone-Findlay
Filed under eco projects & green projects & recycling craft
If you have a million and one projects on the go all at the same time, keeping track of them all can be tricky.
I really like to put all the bits and pieces of each project all together, into one bag or other organizing container.
There can be a problem in doing this, if the bag or box is made from cloth or wood or other opaque materials.
I really NEED to be able to SEE what I have in the bag.
That’s why I absolutely adore this handy dandy little project bag from FoxyKnit Online Knitting co.
photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright
I love being able to see what I have filed in there! It may seem like a small thing, but, believe me, being able to see the project and tools is a life enhancer of the first order!
Being a dyed in the wool recycler and upcycler makes me look at packaging with an eye to creative adaptive re-use – so, when pillowcases come out of the plastic zippered bag, a project is popped into that bag in the same instant!
My daughter-in-law bought some fine and fancy shampoo and hair goodies that came in a spiffy bag. She knew I’d love it, and indeed I do- it’s the perfect size for a small loom and tools as well as yarn.
photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright
Another great organizer? We save those excellent clear plastic boxes that salad comes in. They are PERFECT for storing yarn, embroidery floss, roving, and small tools!
Because of those salad boxes, I have started looking at clear plastic containers in a new way.
I had a great big ‘aha/upcycyling’ moment the other day…..
My son had bought something hardware-ish that came in the ubiquitous cursed clamshell packaging. He tossed the clamshell into the recycling box, where I cast eyes on it.
I saw it as a ’see through mini suitcase’, and not as a despised piece of over-packaging. A lot of technology went into making the clamshell, and it has snap open and shut closures that make it quite secure.
It is now happily re-incarnated as a fine and useful see through container for several upcoming projects.
photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright
Albert Einstein said that being creative means looking at the world and seeing it in new ways.
Yay, Albert! You got that one right!
So, what creative adaptive re-use, re-use, recycle and upcycle have you been doing to organize your stash?
Do tell!
I love to recycle plastic containers and bags and put my projects in them! Glad to see there is someone else out there who does the same thing! There are so many neat things out there to use!
Have a Blessed Day,
Diane
Clear bags do come in handy for so many things! When I start a project I like to have all the things I need in one place, needles, yarn, scissors, the works. Then all I have to do is pick up the bag and go. I love ziploc freezer bags for the same reason. I hate searching around for a pair of scissors…
I’ve been finding that the eco friendly bags the stores sell for a dollar or so are great for holding projects in. Most are not clear, but they’re roomy – great for bigger projects.
My son’s 4 month old pug puppy has discovered my bags too, unfortunately. He’s discovered the joy of yarn, but he only touched my handspun once. I haven’t figured that one out yet!
Hi Tammy
)
Neat to hear all the kewl ways that you tote your projects!
Glad that the puppy has avoided the handspun so far- let’s hope he continues to do so!
Hi Diane
)
Three cheers for recycling, upcycling and all manner of eco-projecting!
I use these roll up travel type bags(like for make up and such) with a see thru and zip front to store projects to go and also they are great to hang by the sewing machine to put frequently used items in. Will try to post a pic soon of mine. They are so cool cause you can jusr roll them up to take along.
Hi Linda
Ooh… thank you for the reminder! Those rollie up travel bags are especially good for small projects! I have one, somewhere…. hmmm….
I just found a neat old plastic sewing caddy exactly like one my mom had when I was a kid. The ladies in the second hand store weren’t really sure that they should sell it! LOL – it’s pretty humble, but very effective. It’s a Rubbermaid one with a lazy susan bottom. Very handy!