Striped Bag :: WiP

I've had this idea for a new bag rattling around in my mind for what seems like an age now. Inside that very messy (but quite fantastical) tangled place that is my Creative Mind, it gets mighty crowded with ideas, designs and inspiration, and sometimes it can take a while for a project to actually work it's way out and come to life. But when it finally does begin to happen, and happens just exactly as I imagined it in my mind, it truly makes for one of my greatest Excitements in life.

I'm using my ever-faithful stash of Rowan Handknit DK Cotton for this bag, worked on a 4mm hook. It's a yarn that I never, ever tire of using :: it's soft but not floppy, and most importantly the colours are fantastic and it always gives me a huge buzz combining them. My Hexie Blanket is made in this yarn, as are several of my cushion covers, my heart bunting, my advent garland, my jam jar covers....like I say, I never tire of using it. 

I think I've got about twelve colours going on in this bag, working them up in random stripes of half-treble crochet (half double crochet for those of you in the US). I like working this stitch :: it makes quite a firm texture, but is still quite quick to produce lovely, colourful, stripy results.

 

This is a design for an across-the-body type bag, a practical bag that can be slung across my green Boden coat and used every day. It'll probably not come as a surprise to you to know that I am not a handbaggy type person, never have been. I currently have a small, very battered and cheap fake-leather handbag that I use every day, and that's an across-the-body style with a long strap. It's on it's last legs mind you, is all frayed and tattered and quite disgustingly shabby (not in an attractive way), so desperately needs replacing. Even J has asked me to get rid of it, and I figure that if he notices how bad it looks, then it really must be Very Bad Indeed.

I like an across-the-body style bag as I can sling it across myself and more or less forget it's there. It leaves my hands free and I don't have to fret about the possibility of putting it down and forgetting about it. And for scatterbrains like me, this is a Most Important consideration for an everyday bag.

The above photo shows where I'm currently at with my baggy WiP...I've made the front and back pieces, and the looooooooooong strap which will connect them together....

....can you get an idea of how it's going to come together? The strap has been made in a big loop and will form the bottom and sides of the bag, as well as the handle. The back piece comes right up and over to make a flap which'll be fastened at the front with a loop and pretty button.

I can tell you that there's also going to be quite a bit of Additional Embellishment on the front of this bag in the form of flowers, leaves and buttons.

Oh yes, as lovely as the stripes are, I think Stripes-with-Flowers make for something extra super-duper special.

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ps over in Flickrville, I've created a little Gallery containing some of my favourite inspirational crochet bags...do go take a look.

pps there's also a group pool specifically for Crochet Bags...don't ya just adore Flickr??! xx

Comments

[Angel]

I'd love a tutorial! This is by far the best bag I've come across. Exactly what I'm looking for. *throws money at you*

[Libby Gracie]

Another lovely design Lucy. Have you finished it now? I've just started crocheting, I wanted to start with a hexagon blanket but I'm making your other bag to stash my wool and project in first. I love this one too, My 5 year old has got her eye on my 'Lucy Bag' but think this one would be better for her. The projects are stacking up!! Thanks for sharing Attic24, it's inspirational, just wish I had your eye for colour! Libby x

[baby slings]

Hand made simple things are alwasy attractive and appealing then others.

[Moby Wrap]

This seems like a wonderful bag, Im sure you can get some good prices if you try making and selling them !

[FLOR]

HI, your blog is so lovely.
I began follow it a few time ago, and I am always ansious to read it.
I was happy with the baby´s biRth announcement.
CONGRATULATIONS
GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY
Sorry for my english I´m not
very good.
REGARDS from ARGENTINA

[Verônica Maria]

Amo crochê, como são lindas sacolas, visito muito seu blog.Abraços

[Claire]

Gorgeous!

[lisette]

Love it!!!

[Ashley]

I love how the bag is turning out! So cute, I may have to attempt one of my own. I just love your blog, I know I've said it before, but it's so colorful, it just cheers me right up.

[Debbie price]

The bag is lovely! I so look forward to your blog...I read it everyday while I am drinking my cup of tea...I would like to wish the the Happiest of Christmases...Hug the kids, enjoy the day and I am SO happy that you are on the downhill of this Attic 24 Bump!!!Can't wait to see that new little one!!! Thanks for all the joy you bring to us in blog-land!!
Hugs across the pond....

[Katie]

Great project as usual Lucy!

Just wanted to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (what an exciting new year it will be with the Bump24 making an appearance - will there be a ta-dah post?!)

Thank you for all your inspiration, I look forward to continuing to read your blog in the new year.

Best wishes
Katie

[Jane]

oh your bag looks beautiful now so its going to be awesome when its finished and decorated. Happy Christmas Lucy. Thank you for all your beautiful crochet inspiration. Jane.

[Kelly]

Aw, those snowy pics look glorious. I can't imagine a white Christmas. I hope I get to experience one in my life. Your bag is great too. Though the strap doesnt look long enough to sling it over you body. Oh, I just linked you from my blog too. ^^

[Mildawg]

OOooh! I cannot wait to see it finished :)

[Gerry Hook]

Well, Lucy, you've hit another home run.
This new bag of your's will be replicated all over this globe. All inspired from your Attic24.
Lots of love sent your way,
Gerry

[Jen]

Lucy!

I feel compelled to show you these clogs I just found. You NEED them!!

http://www.6pm.com/multiview/7579299/3

[pinry]

it's perfect, and so very you of course! i love that style of bag too. merry christmas! p x

[Louise]

Beautiful work, Lucy, and it'll look great with your coat!

[Marian M-S]

Lucy, that's such a great design! Would love to see a pattern/tutorial some time :-)
Can't wait for the Ta-Dah!!
Hope you are enjoying some peace and loveliness in the cold weather :-)

[The Garden Bell - Kate]

Another great one....

Big Ice storm hitting Chicago right now.... Many, many flight canceled at Ohare. Glad to be home this holiday.

All our Christmas wishes to you and looking forward to a fruitfully fun blogging 2010.

Hugs,
Kate

[Alex Mason]

that is going to look fantastic...love it! xx

[Sarah west midlands]

Dear Lucy being a big fan of over the shoulder bags myself what a wonderful pattern!!
Have a wonderful Christmas with your family.
Love Sarah west mids.
PS I am supposed to be doing some last minute tasks downstairs. Bye!!

[sara]

Fab Lucy, love it! will you line it with fabric to make it stronger? xx

[Marilene Facina finhana]

I live in Brasil. I like very much of your blog. It is very colorful and beatiful.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Friendly Hugs.

[Julie]

Lovely colours and a lovely bag