Saturday, March 28, 2009

Crochet Bag

Acrylic yarn is like rabbits. You start with one or two balls, and when you turn around you've got a closet full and you're not quite sure where it all came from. When I started knitting again recently I started stashing wool yarn. Eventually I weeded out most of the odd balls of old acrylic yarn that was taking up space, but which I had no plans to use. I donated a big bag to a local group that teaches knitting in the jail. It was freeing to clear out that space.

But then, after Christmas, my aunt gave me her yarn stash. Most of the four xerox paper boxes were full of acrylic yarn. While I was sick with the flu, I felt like doing something mindless and quick, and I decided to make this pattern. You hold three strands of yarn together and use a simple single crochet stitch. When I ran out of one color, I tied on a related color. I used a size K hook and ad-libbed the handle.


It's a nice big basket-like bag. I could line it, but I like the thick texture, even on the inside. And between the wool shawls I've knit. and this bag, all my aunt's yarn fits in three boxes now. Now that's progress
.

6 comments:

*karendianne. said...

I love what you're doing and I went to the link to see that pattern, too. Ohhh, it looks so fun. You're bag is tempting I must say. I need one, too.

"Now that's progress" is right. :)

Debra Dixon said...

I like your handles better! Maybe you could make this bag deeper and use it for a grocery shopping bag. It would certainly be stout enough and use all that acrylic yarn.

Magpie Sue said...

Good job! I like the way you handled the handles ;- )
This reminds me of a bag I picked up at the thrift shop several years ago. It looks for all the world like it was made out of a braided rug just folded in half. I'll have to get it out and take pix of it for you...

Judy S. said...

Goog going, Barbara, you're destashing in a very creative way!

Susan Elliott said...

You crack me up. I like this pattern...you should sell it...you could be rich...

allie aller said...

It's major progress!
The acrylic yarn is no doubt better for the bag anyway, as it will wear better than wool.
Lookin' very good....

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