After months of cold weather and rain, Bellevue was finally blessed with a bit of sunshine. Students all over Bellevue College’s campus have pulled out their spring fashion clothing from shorts, sunglasses to outrageous hats. I noticed Ashley Waddleton in my American Sign Language class as she took out strips of QFC plastic bags and a crochet needle, while waiting for class to begin. To my utter surprise, she then began to crochet the strips of plastic together. As days passed I began to notice a definite shape forming – She was making a sun hat!
After spotting her unique talent, I immediately approached her and complimented her sustainable-inspired style. Little did I know that hat was not all that she could create!
Ashley Waddleton 101:
Name: Ashley
Hometown: Sammamish, Washington
Class Standing: Running Start
Major: Nursing
Let’s talk Sustainability!
What gave you the idea to turn plastic bags into garments?
“Our family keeps bags from QFC, Safeway and other supermarkets for chores around the house and stuff. I saw a video on how to use the bags and decided to try it out. At first I thought about ironing them together and creating material but then I started to crochet it”
How long does it take to make into an item?
“Well the bag took a couple months to make because I kept putting it off and was working on multiple projects. But the hat took me about 3 days and it’s nearly done!”
How many items did you make?
“I have started a lot of projects but never fully finished them but so far I have 2 fully completed.”
Does it last long?
“Yes, I used the bag for about one year at high school and it is really strong. It can carry a lot, I put my books in and that weighed up to 30 pounds!”
It is an amazing fashion statement piece! What are some other sustainable efforts that you are taking? Did you get to take a pledge for earth week?
“Thanks! I have been trying to get my family to recycle more at home. I think we can do more there”
What do you think?
What do you think of Ashley’s amazing talent? Would you wear sustainable-inspired styles like the plastic hat or bag? Would you be interested in a sustainable fashion workshop? Make sure to leave a comment and let us know!
Last Updated November 19, 2013