The straight and narrow

You might remember that my ‘wish’ after I finished the stripy bag project was to work on changing colours in the round.
What I didn’t show you at the time was the back view of the bag and the somewhat meandering line that tracked my colour changes.

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Well I decided to take my own advice and started a very small bag in the round specifically to practise colour changes, and I am pleased to say that things are improving:

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Bag made in Cascade Ultra Pima fine ‘heathered pansy’ and ‘taupe’ in half trebles on a 3.5mm hook. The cord is a chain of two strands together made on a 5mm hook. Oh and it used up the last of this yarn too, so it was a good stash buster!

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Two stars and a wish

If any of you are involved in the world of education you will recognise the title as a form of feedback given to learners. The intention is to celebrate what has been done well (the two stars) and give some direction as to what could be done better (the wish). So in the spirit of formative assessment here is some feedback to myself on the finished bag:

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Feedback: Good choice of cotton yarn for bag project, and it was a good idea to use an old plastic folder to stiffen the base. Next time practice the technique for making colour changes at the end of rows, to see if an invisible join can be achieved.
Made in Drops Muskat cotton in Light olive, Light blue-purple, Purple-blue and Purple on a 5mm hook.

In the bag

In-case you were still guessing the photo in my last post was of the base of my new bag.

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It should end up as a shoulder bag, but right now it is proving quite useful for carrying my yarn around!
Made in Drops Muskat cotton in Light olive, Light blue-purple, Purple-blue and Purple on a 5mm hook.

In the beginning

I thought you might like a peek at my new project. I won’t say what it is yet, but there will be a few of you who can guess I am sure.

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One thing I will say is that it is NOT an extra large slipper.

Stashbuster string bag

It is a while since I have blogged, but I have not been entirely idle.
Some time ago I resolved to use up some of my stash before buying more yarn, and this has been a surprisingly creative decision! In an inspired moment I modified the pattern for the tuck-away string bag so I could crochet the handles first and simply stop crocheting the bag itself when I ran out of yarn. So I now have three less balls of yarn in my stash, and three more useful string bags:

I have attached the pattern here: Stashbuster string bag
and would be pleased to have feedback from anyone who tries it out.

Here is a picture of the start of the bag itself, which always strikes me as rather pretty:

The pattern is adapted from an original by Linda at Crafty Corner: http://lindacraftycorner.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/the-string-tote-patterntutorial.html with thanks to the Snail of Happiness for introducing me to the idea.

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Pattern:

1 ball (50g) Sirdar simply recycled cotton DK (or equivalent)

Hook to suit your tension (I used 5mm)

Written in UK crochet terms
ch = chain
dc = double crochet (sc/us)
tr = treble (dc/us)
ss slip stitch.

Handles (make 2): Leave a long tail and cast on 30 stitches. Do 2 rows of dc, leave another long tail and fasten off. The tails should be on opposite ends of the handle. You will use these to attach the handles to the finished bag.

Base circle (make 2):  Make a magic loop (or chain 5 and ss into first stitch)

Ch 3, do 8 tr into magic loop (= round 1, 9st) ss into ch

Ch 3, do 2 tr into each stitch space (= round 2, 18st) ss into ch

Ch 3, do 2tr into each double stitch space on previous row, and 1 tr into each single stitch space (= round 3, 27st) ss into ch

Ch 3, do 2tr into each double stitch space on previous row, and 1 tr into each single stitch space (= round 4, 36st) ss into ch

Ch 3, do 2tr into each double stitch space on previous row, and 1 tr into each single stitch space (= round 5, 45st) ss into ch

Ch 3, do 2tr into each double stitch space on previous row, and 1 tr into each single stitch space (= round 6, 54st) ss into ch

Ch 3, do 1 tr into each stitch space on previous row. (= round 7, 54 st) ss into ch.

Fasten off.

Place circles right sides together and dc them together leaving a gap of 13sts.

Make buttonhole: Dc 6 across gap edge, 2ch, miss 1 dc, 6dc. 

String bag body: Chain 8 miss 2dc, dc in next dc, chain 8, continue around and include 2^nd gap edge.   

Next round: chain 8, dc in next ch 8 space. Continue like this until you have run out of yarn, or until the bag is as big as you want it. Fasten off.

Attach handles: Approx 5 loops apart on bag. Fasten off.

Sew button on: to the base circle opposite the buttonhole.

Adapted from:

http://lindacraftycorner.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/the-string-tote-patterntutorial.html

Another vintage crochet bag

This is the second bag in my friend’s collection, and if anything it is even more magnificent:

Made in black mercerised cotton, with a central raised flower motif, and some rather fetching crocheted ‘acorns’ dangling from strategic points. This one has a drawstring and is very clearly an evening bag. I marvel at the workmanship shown in this little piece, not to mention the time that must have been invested in making it.

Vintage crochet bag

I have been lent this remarkable piece by a friend, and wanted to share it with you:

It is made in cotton with a red silky lining, and I am guessing it was used as an evening bag – perhaps with a red ribbon threaded through the top loops? The motif looks a little like a scarab beetle (which I rather like) and I have a lovely picture of it in my mind as a modern day sporran! I don’t know how old it is or who made it yet – but I would certainly like to find out.

It’s in the bag

With thanks to the Snail of Happiness for this very good idea, I have made a pack-away crochet bag:

The pattern is called ‘String bag pattern’ and the link for it is here:
http://lindacraftycorner.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/the-string-tote-patterntutorial.html

I used Sirdar simply recycled dk, which is an acrylic/cotton mix, and a 5mm hook. The colour is called ‘pollen’ and it bears a slightly unfortunate resemblance to a burger bun when folded up (perhaps I could develop this as a theme!)

It does however open to form quite a spacious bag….