I know, nowadays everything seems to be about zero waste but it is for a good reason. We reached a point in which major changes have to be made if we want to have a future. Companies and corporations are profiting on this trend and whispering in consumers' ears all the things they "need" to own to be environmentally friendly persons. However the one thing you need can't be bought. It is the will to make a difference in your everyday life and be determined to stick to those changes.
In my home we decided to cut plastic and single use items about three years ago. This meant that our shopping became a bit more complicated, true, but also that we could see the huge difference that an individual can make environmentally speaking. And lets not forget about the power that a consumer has. We can make big companies to sell whatever we want. If we made them sell products that helps us to avoid single use plastic such as reusable mugs, etc, the possibilities are endless. So embrace your power with proud and fight for the planet.
There is no effort too small or insignificant here. Doing something is better than doing nothing. Refusing the one plastic bag contributes to the bigger picture so find your way to help. Obviously, the more the merrier.
You can put a bit of color in all this. I personally like to make my covers, sleeves, card holders etc to put some joy in my lunch box or in my bag. I recently made a cutlery travel case that could be also a pencil case. I have used a fine cotton yarn (3mm hook) in two shades of blue with tapestry technique to create a triangle pattern. So here is the pattern:
Color A: Dark blue
Color B: Soft blue
Hook: 3mm
This pattern is made with tapestry technique which means that you always carry along both colors. You will crochet over the color that is not in use. This way the inside of the fabric won't have loose bits of yarn.
Color change: You will change color in the previous stitch inserting the hook into the stitch, yarn over with the color in use and finishing the stitch with the new color. In other words you will end up having one loop in the hook with the new color. Now you have changed the color.
Round 1: With Color A work 30 chain (Leave a long tail at the beginning that you will later use to sew the bottom of the case).
Round 2: (Remember to introduce the second color from this point) Join the stitches in a round by making a double crochet stitch through the first chain of the row. Put a marker on that stitch to know where is the beginning of the row. Work 1 double crochet in each chain until the end of the row. (30)
Round 3: Work [5 double crochet in Color A and change to Color B in the fifth stitch; then 1 double crochet in Color B and change again to Color A] * repeat 4 more times.
Round 4: Work [4 double crochet in Color A and change to Color B in the fourth stitch; then 2 double crochet in Color B and change again to Color A] * repeat 4 more times.
Round 5: Work [3 double crochet in Color A and change to Color B in the third stitch; then 3 double crochet in Color B and change again to Color A] * repeat 4 more times.
Round 6: Work [2 double crochet in Color A and change to Color B in the second stitch; then 4 double crochet in Color B and change again to Color A] * repeat 4 more times.
Round 7: Work [1 double crochet in Color A and change to Color B in the first stitch; then 5 double crochet in Color B and change again to Color A] * repeat 4 more times.
Repeat Rounds 2-7 eight times.
In the last round don't work the last 5 double crochet stitches (DON'T cut Color A, you will need it later). Instead make one chain with Color B, turn the job and work 12 double crochets to start working the flap. Work 6 rows of double crochet stitches.
In the next row you will start the buttonhole by working 3 double crochet stitches, then 6 chain. Skip 6 stitches and work 3 double crochet stitches on the last 3 stitches. Then works 2 rows of double crochet stitches.
Next row make 1 decrease at the beginning, then 8 double crochet stitches and finish the row with another decrease.
For the last row make 1 decrease at the beginning, then work 6 double crochet stitches and finish with another decrease. Cut and fasten off Color B.
To decorate the border come back to Color A again and start making slip stitches around the flap and the border until you meet again the first slip stitch. Cut and fasten off.
Don't forget to sew the bottom of the case and find a nice button for it.
Well done! :-)))