Monday, June 1, 2015

Crochet Creations: Market Tote

Did you read about last week's project here?

 I needed a brief break from crocheting up my son's rugged ripples blanket. It's a longer project so "changing things up" keeps the creative "juices" going.  Instead, I finished up a couple of Market Totes I started a couple of months ago.

It's not like me to leave a project unfinished, but I was excited to start on my first blanket and knew I would get back to the totes soon enough.



First, I crocheted up a small, child-size tote out of light blue and green-blue worsted weight acrylic yarns. The finished size was about 11 inches x 11.5 inches with an 18 inch long single handle. I did SC around the top of the bag and edges of the handle, hoping to give it more support and lesson the "stretch" of the handle. (I'm not crazy about my edging around the handle as it's not uniform and I'm a bit of a perfectionist.) A 5 pound bag of apples or potatoes fit in easily with room for a few more small items.



And then, I decided to make the extra large, adult-size version in worsted weight "thyme" green yarn. The finished size was about 17 inches x 17.5 inches with a 14 inch long single handle. I didn't do the SC edging on this one. One of my bed pillow fits easily inside it.

NOTES
  • Tote stretches quite a bit as does the handle. A shorter handle makes for a tote that doesn't hang too low. Shortening the larger tote by 4 inches worked well.
  • Stick with the child-sized pattern for groceries as it's plenty big enough and won't be overly heavy, or the larger size for lots of lighter weight items such as a beach towel, sunscreen and lunchbox cooler.
  • Attach crocheted or artificial flowers, bows or appliques to up the "cute" factor". 





I'm sharing my crocheting creations over at Linda's Crafty Corner (Mondays), The Philosopher's Wife (Mondays), Lucy Blossom Crafts (Mondays), Lunation Design (Wednesdays/Thursdays), Small Things (Wednesdays), Oombawka Design(Wednesdays), Natural Suburbia (Fridays) and Be a Crafter (Saturdays).

15 comments:

  1. Those bags look so handy, ideal for all the fruit and veg at the farmers market

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    1. The smaller one is perfect for the farmer's market! I have several different designs that I've done. I haven't settled on one that I like best for picking up food...

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  2. I love the bags! I may have to try knitting one. I do have a bag almost finished being sewn, I'm waiting on some interfacing I ordered, so I can finish it.

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    1. I could never figure out how to knit in the round. :sigh: I had hopes to make bags and socks and sweaters knitting, but out of frustration I tried crocheting. It makes much more sense to me than knitting! Will you share your bag?

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  3. I do really like those bags, especially the smaller one. And so often these patterns have handles that are too long so good going on the tip about the shorter handles. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. The smaller size is a more manageable size for groceries or bringing a long a few things to the park or beach. I'm not sure what I'll do with the larger size...

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  4. Those blues are so pretty. I must have another go at making a bag soon.

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    1. Thanks! I do like the blues...and they were partial skeins. The smaller bag is great for using up some yarn!

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  5. They are so nice. Please share them at my link up, every wednesday and thursday.
    I will also put you on my bloglist :) Have a nice day

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    1. Thanks, Monica! I added you to my link up list at the bottom of my blog post. I'll link up on Wednesday! Thanks for the invite!

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  6. Love your bags, I love making totes and have one in each of my handbags, (pattern on my blog and great gift idea too) Thank you for linking to the stash party. :)

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    1. Oh, thanks! I'll check out your patterns! I'm enjoying the crochet/knitting link ups! Lots of great inspiration for future projects!

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  7. I love the colours that you've used, especially the blues.

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    1. Thanks, Lucy! I like those colors too! Blues are my favorite!

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  8. Thank you so much for sharing at mye link up, I welcome you today as well

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