Last year I learned about plarn balls. . .plastic yarn. What in the world would you do with plastic yarn? Mats are crocheted with plarn to make mats for the homeless. They are soft, dry easily and quickly, gives the person something between the cold ground and their covers.
It's a wonderful way to recycle those used plastic bags from places such as Wal-Mart, Target, and Krogers.
It brings awareness to the communities about homelessness. And it's a way to share the love of Christ from the community to the homeless. They are always so appreciative to receive one of these mats.
Last year, I think I made hundreds of plarn balls as well as some of my friends. Today at WKU (Western Kentucky University) a friend and I went to where there was a plarn class for the day. I was surprised and blessed to be able to share my story of the blanket ministry and what a blessing it has been. I met some really nice people who also have a heart for the homeless and doing all that they can to bring awareness to the communities and help for the homeless.
I almost didn't go today. I'm so glad I did. I think this is another piece of the puzzle for me. The picture is becoming bigger!
The beginning of plarn balls. . .
from sacks. . . . . . . . . . .
to strips. . . . .
to plarn balls. . . . .
to mats. . . . .
They are anywhere from 5-6 feet long and 4-5 feet wide. They have handles on them, so the person can roll them up and carry it on their shoulders while they walk.
It takes anywhere from 500-700 plastic bags to make 1 mat.
Next time you look at one of those plastic bags. . .please do not throw it away. If you are interested in them being used this way, find out about the places in your community who help the homeless and ask if they know about these mats and could you donate your bags for it. Even better yet, you can google the directions and make the plarn balls yourself! Something fun and easy to do while watching t.v. or visiting with someone, or just listening to music.
A great and easy and cheap way to give, and it means so much to those who have no where to sleep but on the ground or a cement slab underneath a bridge.
I think Jesus would be pleased with these gifts given in love. Yet while we were still sinners He gave. . .He gave so much more than a plastic bag. . .just a little something to ponder on.
God Bless You!
15 comments:
What an absolutely brilliant idea!! I'm going to have to check it out here in AZ!!
Hi Kristin - I'm going to look up how to make those mats. In our communities, there are plenty of people to whom one could give these mats to.
Here in South Africa we refer to the plastic bag as the national flower - it litters our country everywhere. So, maybe I can find out if I can do anything locally. Awesome idea.
God bless
Tracy
Wow Kristin! This is so inspiring! I wish we had such a ministry here.. I'd love to learn to make these myself. Just this week I cleaned out our kitchen cupboard with so many of these plastic bags. What a great way to recycle and help the environment (which my daughter the budding environmentalist will love) and also do something to show love and care for the homeless.
Thank you for sharing this.. I will have to see if there's a way that I can learn.
Love & Hugs
Kristin, what an awesome idea! Thanks for sharing this.
Kristin,
It was great to meet you yesterday! Thank you for sharing one of Community Action's passions. On our website, www.casoky.org, we have a video with directions for any of your readers! God Bless you!
I found a video of how to make the plarn and the mats. . .if you are interested in it, please come back tomorrow and I will post it.
I have never heard of this plarn balls, Kristen, but I'm definitely interested. I will be back tomorrow to check out the video. Thanks for sharing this great idea with us. :)
This is AWESOME! May I share this on my blog?
That is amazing! What an awesome way to use those plastic bags for Good!!!
Love your homeless mat project. Great use of those plastic bags and I know that your mat took lots of bags to get that big. Plus hours of crocheting to get it that big for sure. Best wishes on your project.
Cindy
Neat!! I'll have to find some instructions and try this. What a great project for a community...bless you for your heart for the homeless!
What a fabulous community project - thank you so much for sharing! I'd love to show my three girls how to make plarn balls. Have you ever made the mat? I'd love to attempt to make one.
Fantastic idea!!
These are absolutely brilliant! I have never seen these before, but they would be so fantastic to make and deliver to the homeless in our community...thanks for sharing. I am always so encouraged to read about the gifts you are sharing with homeless...
Denise
wow, I had never heard of these but it is totally wonderful! it is a truly redeeming way to recycle all those awful plastic bags, Love it, thanx!
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