Craft from the Past – Felted Crochet Beach Bag with Free Pattern

Accessories month is coming to a close but it's not too late to share one more project. I crocheted this bag a number of years ago (even longer ago than this one). Lucky for you I wrote up a pattern for it. It's been available on my patterns page as a pdf download but now here it is for you online.

Craft from the Past – Reversible Lined Crochet Bag

Accessories and Embellishment is coming to a close and I'm frantically trying to finish some projects. So, trust me this week is going to have about twice as many posts as usual. (yay!) Today's post is actually a really old project (originally blogged here) that deserves a fresh spotlight.

I crocheted this bag using a recycled yarn. I started with the bottom of the bag and worked my way up in circles. Each handle is two braids twisted together. After crocheting, I fashioned the lining of the bag and gave it pleats around the rounded opening to provide shape. The intention is that the bag is reversible. I do really like the shape of the bag but have rarely used it. 

Crochet is probably the craft that I am least confident in. I learned to knit first and it was hard to figure out crochet. Once I get in the groove of it though, it's ok. Do you prefer knit over crochet or vice versa?

Crochet Button Clutch with Pattern

I started making this crochet clutch a long time ago using yarn recycled from a thrift store sweater. Never recycled yarn? Check out this tutorial from Neauveau Fiber Arts. Below is a very basic pattern for what I did. I used three strands of yarn held together and a very large crochet hook. This project is perfect for a large fabulous button.

Crochet Button Clutch Pattern

Chain 18 inches. Half double crochet every row for 14 inches. The start and end of the panel are the sides of the clutch. UPDATE: Fold up the long end 6 inches to make the pocket. Stitch the sides closed using a slip stitch. Attach large snap to inside (see below). Sew button to front center.

Friday Faves - July 29

Font: Daisy on My Fonts

I'm loving crocheted granny squares and itching to start a project.
Here's some great crochet on the internet:

Patterns
From Purl Bee: Joelle's Giant Granny Square Blanket (shown above, photo from Purl Bee), Granny Stripe Blanket, Granny Square Slippers
Phazelia's laptop case (free pattern on Ravelry)
Vintage Crochet Patterns on GrandmothersPatternBook.com (list of patterns here)

More granny square awesomeness:
Granny Square Wreck Room
F**k Yeah Granny Square tumblr blog
Rainbow pile of crochet blankets (you must look)
Granny Square Art on Design*Sponge

Crafting:
Eco-Dyeing from BurdaStyle
Felt Flower Charms from Purl Bee

Book Review - Beautiful Hand-Stitched Jewelry

I received a copy of this book from the publisher a while back. I've been intending to try out some of the lovely projects myself before reviewing but simply haven't gotten to it. The projects are lovely, all jewelry made using crochet and sewing techniques (mostly crochet). This style of jewelry is in fashion these days and there couldn't be a better time to crochet a necklace or bracelet.

back cover

The book is Beautiful Hand-Stitched Jewelry: Crocheted, Embroidered, Beaded by Emi Iwakiri (on Amazon). The author has a blog here (in English via Google Translate).

Below are a couple of my favorite projects. I'm sorry the pictures are so horrible. I couldn't get a proper scan.

Bridal Flowers Necklace (crochet)

Vibrant Beaded Collar (sewing and beading)

Crochet Slippers

These crocheted slippers were an impulse project (much like an impulse purchase - the project must be done and it must be done now). My feet were cold and I got inspired. The pattern is from the first issue of Knitscene (Fall/Winter 2005) . I have poured over this magazine many times but the only thing I had ever made was crocheted circles. I used Plymouth Encore yarn (leftover from a Mod style sweater for my brother). The pattern calls for a size I hook which I couldn't find. I used a size H hook so my gauge was a little small. To cover up for it I crossed my fingers and made the largest size slipper, just one size too big.
It was a pretty easy pattern and came together very quickly. I added an extra row of stitches around the back heel of the slipper, gradating from single crochet to double. Then to give a snug fit, I wove yarn around the opening and used the ends to tie on the pom poms.

It was rather silly to start another project because I have way too many right now. Coincidentally, Knitting Daily this week was discussing why we have unfinished projects. It was nice to do a crochet project, for a change. Next I need to continue working on my dress for my brother's wedding. The progress on my dress varies from triumph (such pretty pleats!) to dismay (Argh! I look like I'm ready for Christmas in 1986). I have a plan and fingers crossed it will turn out without too much trouble. If only I wasn't so picky and vain.

Market Bags

After starting the Elisa Nest Tote featured on the Purl Bee website, I became a little obsessed with market bags. I've been taking a bag to the grocery store for a few years now. My very earth-conscious Dad has been doing it even longer. I bought a market bag from a grocery store in Seattle that's very large with small sturdy handles that fit snuggly on the shoulder. My purchased market bag is made from recycled materials and I love it. Occasionally, I forget to bring it to the store and I think how handy it would be to have an extra bag in the car. Pretty hand-made bags seem too pretty for groceries but they're great for going to the library or other shopping that won't leak. In my obsession with the market bag, I started to gather a collection of links and photos. Does anyone else think that a Flickr group for market bags would be fun? Shown above is my version of the Elisa Nest Tote. I made mine wider and used a sort of Neopolitan Ice Cream color scheme.

This bag is a reversible fabric bag I made a while ago. It's very easy with just 4 total pieces of fabric. I may eventually post a pattern for it.
Here are some crocheted market bags found in a book I picked up at the library called The Complete Book of Needlecraft. They are made by crocheting a circle for the bottom then maintaining the same number of stitches and using various decorative patterns for the sides. It's similar to my Felted Beach Bag (free pattern here).
Here's another photo from the same book. It's sort of a wild woman in the woods rucksack (with matching tunic).

If you're looking for more free patterns here's my current list:

MagKnits Saturday Market Bag (knit)

CrochetMe Pike Place Market Bag (felted crochet)

Knitty Everlasting Bagstopper (knit)

Knitty French Market Bag (felted knit)

Knit Picks Mary's Summer Bag (knit) (scroll to bottom and click button to download pattern)

Rostitchery To-Market To-Market Bag (loom knit)

How Stuff Works Felted Knit Market Bag (felted knit)

Purl Bee Elisa Nest Tote (knit)

LulaLouise.com Felted Beach Tote (felted crochet)

You may need to register for a free account to view the following patterns:

Lion Brand Open-Mesh Market Bag (knit)

Lion Brand Market Bag (crochet)

Plymouth Yarn Fantasy Naturale Market Bag (knit)

Lily String Bag (crochet)

If you know of any other free online patterns for market-style bags, let me know. I don't currently have any listed for sewers so maybe I need to make one. hmm, something else to do.

Pillowcase top WIP

It's terribly hot here so I've settled in with shades drawn and air conditioning on. I went to the library today and checked out some books and movies. I've started my couch surfing with the movie A Letter to Three Wives. It's narrated "Desperate Housewives"-style by the woman who sent a letter to three women saying she ran off with one of their husbands. At the library I was pleased to find a lot of older titles. I'm particularly excited about the one in the middle - How to make your own clothes for hippies.I'm working on finishing up this top made from crocheted granny squares and a couple of eyelet pillowcases. I still need to attach the straps, add some crochet to the straps and even out the hem.
I've also started a marketing bag from this pattern via the Purl Bee blog. I'm using Sugar 'n Cream on size 9 needles. More to keep me busy while I lay around and complain about the heat. Stay cool everyone!

Crochet Pieces

Wow it's already Monday and I didn't post all weekend. I spent most of Friday through Sunday trying to dust mite proof my apartment and I'm afraid there's still more to do. I did get some crochet done but no projects were completed.These granny squares are going to be the top part of a blouse.
This is the crocheted edge of the sleeve of this sweater. I finished the crochet on both sleeves but have only just begun crocheting around the entire edge of the body. I think it will take a while. My biggest question about crocheting on to knit pieces is how to determine how many crochet stitches to make. I suppose it's a little like the pick up and knit technique.
Last week I was thrilled to find that my website was mentioned on the Craft magazine blog. Natalie from Craft found it mentioned first on the Bleu Arts blog. A big thank you goes to both of them. I have plans in the works to get back to working on the website and updating it this week.

My First Granny Square

There it is. My first granny square. Isn't it pretty? I used the instructions in Teach Yourself Visually Crocheting. After a few years of struggling with crochet, I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. I do prefer knitting simply because stitches are kept "active." In knitting it's easier for me to see what needs to happen, basically where I should put the needle.

I've also been making a lot of progress on this and this. I'll post photos when they're done!

Bunny Love

I'm really in the Easter spirit these days, unusually excited about bunnies.

I made this bunny (my first amigurumi) from this pattern that I saw on craftzine.
I made him from Patons Classic Wool and then through him in the wash with a load of whites.

I think the socks might have roughed him up a bit. His head is kind of wobbly now.
But look how he finds comfort from Bach.
I'm going to keep making more bunnies.
I think this one's name is Harold so the next bunny I make will have to be Maude.
I'm going to try making a thicker neck on the next one.
Speaking of bunnies, Martha Stewart was making the cutest pom-pom bunnies today!

Crocheted Bag

A lined bag with braided handles. I crocheted it in the round up to the beginning of the opening for the handle. Then I switched to what I call one-sided crochet. Every row looks the same because each stitch is started from the same side, not just the side that is facing after the bag is turned. I don't know if that makes sense. It's something I'm planning on exploring, the more I delve into the mysteries of crochet.

Vintage crochet

My great-aunt gave me some vintage crochet pieces recently including this little apron (above) and the doilies shown below. They are all beautifully made with tiny intricate stitches. Maybe some day I will attempt to crochet something so delicate and lovely.