Google “plarn”—short for “plastic yarn”—and you will discover that dozens of items can be made from this cheap and versatile material. By cutting used plastic shopping bags into strips and tying them together, clever crafters can then crochet anything from sandals to juggling balls.

For the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, plarn is the ideal material for making sleeping mats for use by clients of the St. Patrick Center as well as Caring for Creation. Lightweight and waterproof, the popular mats provide a layer of insulation for those who sleep on St. Louis streets. Besides the personal concern and attention represented by the gift of a colorful, handmade sleeping mat, plarn also has the advantage of keeping plastic bags out of the landfill a little longer.

The difficulty is that a single 6’x3’ mat requires hundreds of plastic bags and hours of work. Thus, in the summer of 2022, in order to share the labor and increase production, several instructional plarn meetings were held at Immaculate Heart of Mary. Nearly a year later, members of the “Plarn Patrol” continue to meet at the IHM rectory every Monday at 1 p.m. to cut, tie, crochet, and enjoy lively conversation. Using bags collected as a Mission Project by individuals at St. Mary’s Health System, as well as by other friends, they have produced a dozen mats for distribution to the homeless.  

To get involved by making plarn, crocheting mats, or both, contact Sr. Suzanne Giblin at [email protected]. NO experience needed! We need you.