Replies

1. 
   stitchmd | Jan 26, 2003 07:09pm | #1

   These have to be some of the easiest things to make as there are no fitting or shaping issues. I have made a few crochet bags, simply picked a pattern out of a pattern encyclopedia, or the body of sweater directions, or invented one. Then figured gauge, multiplied for the finished dimensions, and done a long rectangle to fold into front and back. You can do a squared or shaped flap at one end.

   Knitting isn't as practical as crochet for bags as it is stretchier, but there are instructions in most of the recent knitting magazines for felted bags. You can also wing these, simply use a very large needle, e.g. size 13 for worsted, and knit it oversized. It has to be 100% wool. You felt by washing and drying on hot. Any mistakes melt away as the stitches shrink and blur together. I'm pretty sure there are directions and illustrations on about.com, as well as lots of other sites. Just google.

   For pillows you can size to match a pre-made pillow form, or make your own if you have even rudimentary sewing ability.

2. 
   kai230 | Jan 26, 2003 09:23pm | #2

   A purse can be amazingly easy, even though my crocheting skills amount to merely attaching a chain stitch to a chain stitch, (which looks like either a knit or a purl, I forget which). For a purse, I made a rectangle abt 12" x 30" and another for the strap, abt 3" x 48". I improvised a stitch to attach the strap, and the final purse was abt 12w" x 3d" x 10h", w/the flap extending over abt 4-7" depending on how full the purse is at the top.

   You can use any proportions you like, and could make it more structured if you bind the strap to the body w/a larger thread and reinforce the bottom edges.

   If I were to do it again, I'd add another 12" to the strap and wrap it under the bottom (instead of just attaching the ends to either side of the "bottom") to add a second layer of sturdiness, as it did want to become pouch-like.

   I wore that bag to death, and a crocheted strap is SO much more comfy than most leather ones.

   Using the same principles, but w/style modifications, I made other, smaller ones, w/finer thread. Cute but impractical for my needs. Still simple, yet can be made exquisitely ornate if you choose.