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Upcycle tip: bag from old T-shirt

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We all need a bag to carry things around. Buying a new one is not only bad for the environment, but also for the wallet. We have found something for this! This upcycle is perfect for turning old T-shirts into something really useful.

The essentials!

You need:

  • Large T-shirt
  • Scissors
  • Black marker
  • Needle and thread

Step 1: You don't have to throw away an old T-shirt that you no longer wear with this upcycle. Choose one in the largest possible size. If you don't have anything left, you can join our RataPlan thrift stores also shop. We have plenty of great T-shirts!

Step 2: Take the scissors and cut the top along the sleeves to keep as much fabric as possible. If you want to cut a straight line, you can turn the shirt inside out and draw a straight line with a ruler.

The result!

Step 3: Turn the T-shirt inside out and get the needle and thread. Sew the cut side together by securing the thread in the fabric first. You do this by putting the needle through the same spot a few times. Then you insert the needle one centimeter further into the fabric each time so that the open side is completely closed. Of course it is also possible with the sewing machine!

Step 4: Make stripes on the fabric with a thick marker, which will eventually become the holes. You can of course skip this step if you don't like it.

Step 5: Cut holes from the stripes with scissors. At the open side, you also cut two holes on the side, which function as handles. Pull the holes well apart

Francesco loves Italian food, doing crafts and working at RataPlan!

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Francesco ended up in the Netherlands via Italy and Germany. He loves Italian food and is very happy with his new gas stove from RataPlan, on which he makes the most delicious Italian dishes. Every year, the week before Christmas, he makes a nativity scene from waste products. Read on to learn more about this creative warehouse employee from Rataplan Get to know Alkmaar better!

From Italy finally in the Netherlands

Francesco at work!

Fifteen years ago Francesco moved from Germany to the Netherlands. He worked there first at the security transport and then at the police. He then drove the police car to investigate incidents. For example, an argument in a disco that caused him to experience a lot. Francesco mainly worked evening and alternating shifts.

Lots of variety at RataPlan

He is also very proud of his work at the Foundation RataPlanwhere he does everything. Francesco loves variety, which means he is in the warehouse, behind the cash register and sometimes also in the catering industry. Just where colleagues need you. It makes him happy when he can sell something or put something nice in the store.

It is a challenge for Francesco to be responsible for the safety of the store. He makes a daily tour of the store to, among other things, check whether the escape routes are clear.

distant love

Furthermore, Francesco is crazy about Formula 1 and he has even been to the circuit in Zandvoort. He also tinkers when he is at home, such as a nativity scene made of waste products for Christmas. Sometimes Francesco even shops at the thrift store when he needs something. He recently bought a nice gas stove, on which he cooks a lot of Italian.

In the future, he would like to marry his girlfriend who lives in Russia. They are two years old. In the future he would like to marry his girlfriend who lives in Russia. They got engaged two years ago, but now have no opportunity to see each other. We hope that this will be possible again soon!

Have you become enthusiastic and would you like to read another story about our people? Then read us  previous article!

Upcycle tip: packing station!

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Loose rolls of wrapping paper, winding ribbons and bows. Nicely wrapped presents are nice to give, but the materials always give such a huge mess. Recognizable? Then this upcycle is really something for you. Cheap, simple and super effective.

The essentials!

Supplies

  • Medium stool
  • Wheels (optional)
  • Old fabric. Rest of cloth or, for example, an old duvet or pillowcase
  • Screws
  • Glue gun
  • Boor
  • Scissors

Roadmap

Step 1:  find a suitable stool. The legs must be attached to each other at the bottom, otherwise the rollers will not stay in the stool. If you want to attach wheels under your packing station, it is useful to use a stool with a flat wooden seat. You can use anything for the bags. An old duvet, a pillowcase or loose pieces of fabric. These can be found at any thrift store if you no longer have anything at home.

Step 2: this step is optional, but useful. To be able to move the packing station easily, it is useful to attach wheels to the seat. First pre-drill the holes where you want the wheels. This makes it easier to screw in the screw.

Step 3: measure the fabric for the width of the spacers between the legs. Then cut it to the right size. Keep in mind that by joining the fabric the end result will be smaller than the piece you cut. Hold a longer flap on one side so that you can attach it to the stool.

Step 4: turn the fabric inside out and first fold the flap in half with which you will attach the bag to the stool. Then glue the bottom and side together and let it dry completely.

Step 5: Turn the whole thing over again when it's dry and your bag is ready.

Step 6: glue the flap to the spacer between the legs. Then let it dry again and repeat this for all four sides

Tip: do the rolls not stay in place? Then place an old trash can, bucket or jar in the middle where the rollers are more stable.