Crocheting with unconventional materials

[kristel1978]

I have no idea what you could create a translucent ball with. I guess the jelly yarn would be the closest you could get to it. I would like to see how that turns out!

I've tried crocheting with string... ouch. I really admire projects made out of anything other than yarn. I haven't got the patience for other materials, but it's very interesting (and funny  ) to read what people use.

[EssHaych]

For the first question I can not think of anything.

But for the second question, I haven't done this but I have seen people crochet the "ribbon" that is in a old cassette tape.

I've seen people do this too! Also with using the ribbon from old videos

[megziewoodles]

Maybe you could try the clear elastic that you use to make swimming costumes?

I have knitted and crocheted with video tapes and ribbons. A few weeks ago I got tipsy at a party and tried to knit and crochet with electrical wire (It was plastic coated wire from inside a cat5 cable if you must know). That really hurt my hands, I don't recommend it.

[tarr0011]

I've crocheted with hemp, and something hemp-ish. it was pretty easy too! Though, wold try to come apart if you didn't fasten it off good enough.

Also, cut up t-shirt rugs are fun and look great

[meco]

I think I will try another kind of fishing line -- I know nothing about fishing, and may have inadvertently picked an especially stiff kind. 

Fishing line comes in weights so there are definitely thicker, stiffer types and thinner, more pliable types.

Have you tried cutting strips of cellophane or something similar like that?

[meco]

You say you've crocheted with licorice, Kiewiet? That's definitely something I've never heard of before!  Now I'm really curious: what did you make with it, if you don't mind my asking?

I am sure there are a number of creative ways to use it. But this made me think of this Knitty pattern
http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer04/PATT302calories.html

[PenguinSoup]

I read an article about people spinning newspaper and then knitting or crocheting with it. And no, nothing is done to the newspaper, they cut it up and spin it and that's it. Apparently uou get 20m from 1 sheet of newspaper. Could be cool as long as you don't get it wet.

[YarnWranglerC]

You could try crocheting with the clear stuffing cellophane stuff for easter baskets.
Here is a link for the closest thing I could find in 2 minutes.

http://www.creativegiftpackaging.com/Clear_and_colored_cellophane_shred_s/92.htm

Just to give you an idea of what I am talking about. I also crochet with audio tape, they make great evening bags because they sparkle. I would imagine crocheting with this stuff would be about the same. I have to wear a glove on my left hand so that the plastic "slips" through my fingers easier.

[measure-once-cut-twice]

have you considered nylon lanyard thread like this?

http://www.joann.com/joann/search/searchall.jsp?keyword=lanyard%20kit&catPath=All%20Products////Product%20Home////UserSearch1=lanyard%20kit&_requestid=661592

the strangest thing I have crocheted is guitar strings.... didn't work very well!

[itscribe]

Back in January of 2007, there was a crochet challenge here to make something using a non-traditional material.

I remember the newspaper tree - it was absolutely amazing. I do admit a bit of partiality to my friend Penny the Paper Panda. Yes, I crocheted with paper and it will forever be the first, last and only time I ever crochet with paper. lol.

I wish I had put the URL for the challenge in my post but now with two entries and the time-frame, if anyone's interested they'll hopefully be able to find it.