String-a-long Monday.

Here it is! The first string bag hot off the needles. I have to say it's a lot smaller than I imagined, though of course it stretches quite a bit.

The really big issue I have with it is the top opening, which is really small, and would limit what you could put inside the bag, although potatoes went in okay...

As the String-a-long is on for the whole of March I couldn't just leave it there, could I? So I started this one...

This is one of the patterns Sue sent me recently. I couldn't get the original weight yarn, so used 4ply cotton and a 2.5mm hook.

I've never come across this stitch before, but then I'm not really a very experienced crocheter...

As you can see from the pattern cover, this is much more tubular in shape, but is quite roomy all the same. It was very quick to do and didn't use much yarn so would be great to use up oddments. I reckon 50g would make two.

I think the pattern must be well out of copyright by now so here it is if anyone fancies having a go. Clicking on the picture should enlarge it.

 

Oh, and by the way, it really is no bigger than a powder puff!!

Only three weeks left. How many bags will I have by then!

Don't forget to check out what everyone else has been up to-they're all there in the sidabar. If you click on the String-a-long button you can also go to the Flickr page and see how the bags are turning out.

Comments

[kathleen]

Bravo! That was really quick!The second one reminds me of one my Mum used to use but it was made of string and did not obligingly stretch to squeeze things in easily.

[Mousy Brown]

I love the vintage one Dawn - especially the powder puff! I know I said I might crochet one next but I am not sure if I am up to this one yet - I may have a go in secret! PS hope the new job is going well? x

[Arianwen]

love the colour of the first one! it matches your avatar:)

[Jennifer]

Great job, having the bags turn out small seems to be a rampant problem. Beautiful colour. Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting the other pattern. I have been having serious crochet string bag pattern envy ever since you posted a picture of the pattern. I will have to try it out, it is a very pretty stitch.

[SmitoniusandSonata]

Heck! I said I would give it a go and haen't even cast on let alone signed up... still, if I keep seeing your nice bags I may get inspired... love the 2nd one.

[Jude]

As I said earlier, I've changed bags..to the first one you've knitted..easy, was worried about the edging around the top but it's fine..like you though I find the whole bag much smaller than I thought..maybe it will end up as my bag for carrying the eggs up from the hens..
Still working away from home for another week, so unable to take pics easily and download.. I will catch up..honest..
You're doing really well..keep it up!

[Sue]

The red bag is such a lovely bright colour just what is needed to cheer up shopping.

[SmitoniusAndSonata]

We always read pre-Glasnost about the handy just-in-case string bag that everyone in Russia had , ready to lug home some delicacy/neccesity that appeared . With your little powder puff bag you're ready for any lucky find !
Sonata

[Rattling On]

Jennifer, hope you enjoy making it. I found the instructions really easy to follow, even though I hadn't done the stitch before. I love vintage patterns!

[Rattling On]

I think a lot of the fun is choosing a lurid colour- you can get away with it on a bag! I'm finding making them quite relaxing as there's hardly any shaping etc. Hope you do find time to have a go.

[Val]

you are clever..the vintage bag looks lovely too :0)

I've finished my first attempt and it's now the home of a bear... I'm trying again with larger needles

[Valarie Budayr]

You're done? That's amazing and not only that...it looks amazing. I'll be done with my first one by next week and then I'll be onto the next one. I'm having such a great time with this string along. Enjoy!