Monday, February 27, 2012

A Hodgepodge Collection of Crocheted Handbags

Here's the blog with the original pattern.
As I was browsing through Ravelry I came across these super cute childsized handbags.  I thought the pattern was lovely and would work for a more grown up handbag as well.  So once again I was off to modifying a pattern to make it what I wanted!



Have you noticed that I love to take a pattern and use it as a jumping off point?


I added about 40 chains to the original pattern, but followed the shell stitch per the instructions.  I also changed up my handles a bit--it ended up being somewhere between the original Strappy and the Alligator bags--which I think works quite well for the size that I made.


The shell/granny stripe consists of *three double crochets in the same space* repeated until the end of each row.  This was worked in rounds.



I still haven't decided if I will line the inside.  I am pretty sure that I have some material in my closest that would work perfectly.  However, I would have to dig it out and that could be an all day project in itself.  Although, I have been itching to get my sewing machine going again. . . . So here is what my (finished?) handbag looks like:



Since I enjoyed making the above handbag so much I also made a very simple little purse, using only single crochet and slip stitches.  It is very patriotic, isn't it?




Here is a messenger style bag that I finished a while ago.  This one has a super long strap to go over the shoulder while the bag hangs at the hip.

  


I also started another one--I am pretty much free-styling this one--but I intend for it to be a combination of the above Granny Stripe Handbag and the Patriotic Purse.  Here's what I have so far:




I think that I might make some detachable flower pins for these bags also.  That would give them some flair!

Check out all of these awesome link parties in which I am participating!

‘My entry into Fingerprints on the Fridge’s Feature Yourself Friday, sponsored by Appliances Online and Bosch Washing Machines

12 comments:

  1. the last two need blue flowers, or a bow tie... or something whimsical to embellish m...

    what do you think? is that a good idea? Or would that be 'tampering' with your design... Excuses if i do...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, they do need something. I was thinking cream flowers, but blue could add a great pop of color! I will have to make a variety and then decide what looks best. :-)

      Delete
  2. WOW! You did an amazing job! I would love for you to Link up at my Linky party via: www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com


    PS: I am your newest Linky Follower!

    Mrs. Delightful
    www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the invite! I linked up and am one of your newest followers!

      Delete
  3. These are so cute! Thanks for linking up to Manic Monday!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow these are great, you are very handy with that crochet needle!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Beautiful bags Rachel! You're a very talented crocheter!


    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. i love that first bag pictured! i would love for you to add this to my new link party… spreading the love. please go check it out if you are interested! there’s a great scarf giveaway going on there as well!
    http://lovenotesbylauryn.blogspot.com/search/label/spread%20the%20love%20link%20party
    {love} lauryn @ love notes by lauryn

    ReplyDelete
  7. OHHHH the little purses are SOOOO CUTE!!! My MC woudl LOVE them!!

    THANK you for linking up!! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  8. My goodness, you are indeed 'into crochet'. That's a lot of projects. Sweet.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! I love reading each and every one!