A Hodgepodge Collection of Crocheted Handbags

Here's the blog with the original pattern.

As I was browsing through Ravelry I came across these super cute childsized handbags.  I thought the pattern was lovely and would work for a more grown up handbag as well.  So once again I was off to modifying a pattern to make it what I wanted!



Have you noticed that I love to take a pattern and use it as a jumping off point?

I added about 40 chains to the original pattern, but followed the shell stitch per the instructions.  I also changed up my handles a bit--it ended up being somewhere between the original Strappy and the Alligator bags--which I think works quite well for the size that I made.


The shell/granny stripe consists of *three double crochets in the same space* repeated until the end of each row.  This was worked in rounds.



I still haven't decided if I will line the inside.  I am pretty sure that I have some material in my closest that would work perfectly.  However, I would have to dig it out and that could be an all day project in itself.  Although, I have been itching to get my sewing machine going again. . . . So here is what my (finished?) handbag looks like:

Since I enjoyed making the above handbag so much I also made a very simple little purse, using only single crochet and slip stitches.  It is very patriotic, isn't it?

Here is a messenger style bag that I finished a while ago.  This one has a super long strap to go over the shoulder while the bag hangs at the hip.

  

I also started another one--I am pretty much free-styling this one--but I intend for it to be a combination of the above Granny Stripe Handbag and the Patriotic Purse.  Here's what I have so far:

I think that I might make some detachable flower pins for these bags also.  That would give them some flair!

Check out all of these awesome link parties in which I am participating!

‘My entry into Fingerprints on the Fridge’s Feature Yourself Friday, sponsored by Appliances Online and Bosch Washing Machines’