Crochet Bag - a prototype...

Family life has got in the way of creative time of late, but I was determined to use the sunny Bank Holiday weekend to actually finish something.  For ages now I've been wanting to make a crocheted bag. I've spent far too long on Pinterest looking for inspiration but wasn't able to choose one design. I finally decided to make one out of some cheap acrylic in my stash as an experiment. I'd seen a lovely, structured bag made out of the African Flower motif so I made a few motifs to see how they would fit together.

The shapes came together quite quickly resulting in a rather floppy sack shape!

I found some Amy Butler fabric and made a double thickness lining to add a bit of structure.

I sewed the handles inbetween the linings and then hand stitched it to the top of the crocheted bag...

I did consider putting some cardboard in the base but decided against it as I didn't want it to be too rigid. As a first attempt it's not too bad, but I already have plans for prototype number 2!

I want to use some of this yummy yarn (Rowan Fine Tweed) to make a similar bag but with a different motif and a slightly more rounded shape.

Finally, in honour of the sunshine that has finally made an appearance, here is a gratuitous shot of Mabel in her Summer attire!