Country Chic Crochet Bag with Lace Accents

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Here's some additional information about the beautiful "Country Chic Crochet Bag"!

 This listing is for a crochet purse with lace accents.

This bag was certainly a trial and error project. It was based on a bag I made as a personal project, just for me... because I'm selfish like that. The original bag has a shorter strap, and thus less "arm space". When I decided I wanted to make a bag with a longer strap to accommodate a cross-body option, I didn't take into consideration the larger gap that happens because of the longer strap. Therefore, I had to fill the extra space with something. After a lot of playing around with different lace patters, I decided on the one you see here. I am very happy with the result.

Materials:

-100% Made in the USA Acrylic Yarn

I used two different yarns for this bag. Both are 100% acrylic and made in the USA. The bag body is Lion Brand Hometown USA and the lace is Caron Simply Soft. Hometown USA is a super bulky wight yarn that I absolutely love for all sorts of projects. It works perfect for a nice sturdy bag foundation. Simply Soft is a lighter weight yarn, but not a traditional, light, "lace" type yarn. I liked the bulkier look of it compared to most lace. Being a heavier weight also helps add to the sturdiness of the overall bag.

Care:

-Machine was, gentle

-Dry, low

-Do not dry clean

-Do not bleach

-Do not iron

Since this bag is made from 100% acrylic, it is washing machine and dryer friendly. Be aware, however, that the lace on this bag has been starched to help keep its form. If washed, the lace may need to be re-starched if the form is weaker than desired.

Depending on the personal preference, the lace can remain starched or be washed for a bit more "shabby chic" look.

Size:

-Body Length: 16"

-Strap Length 38"

-Bag Diameter: 13"

Additional Information:

This bag can be worn as an over the shoulder or cross-body. The round design has the potential to hold everything but the kitchen sink... (that's an exaggeration of course, but you can fit a lot of stuff in there). The body of the bag is made from a super bulky weight yarn for extra stability. The lace accents are made from a lighter weight yarn and sewn into place. 

As I've mentioned before, this bag is based on one I designed for myself. Normally I'm not a "purse" girl. I prefer wallets... but that is beside the point. When I do need a bag, though, I need a big one. This bag is a tad smaller than mine, but will still hold a sizeable amount of "essentials".

As an example of everything I can fit in mine I will share what I dug out of it the other morning: 

• four skeins of Hometown USA
• a digital camera
• emergency snacks
• two dog leashes
• sunglasses
• my wallet
• a Smith & Wesson Bodyguard with ankle holster
• a water bottle
• my mail
• a hair clip
• a cell phone charger 
• a full-sized iPad
• ... and to be honest I could have probably shoved a couple more small items in as well

For those really on the fence about this bag, here are some pros and cons to consider:

• Pros: 
• Crocheted bags stretch to accommodate as much or as little as you need
• Thick acrylic yarn is extremely sturdy and will last a long time
• Since crochet is an open fabric, a simple wash and dry will shrink it back to normal size
• How many crochet bags do you see on a daily basis? These bags are unique and get noticed and complimented

• Cons: 
• These bags do not have pockets, therefore organization is a must, or you will be digging forever
• The more things shoved in the bag, the lumpier it will look
• If overloaded and made heavy, the strap will stretch and could possibly feel too long

I hope that helps. Personally, the cons have never bothered me and I get complements on mine even when it's lumpy... its all about that bass.

I couldn't post pictures of this bag without acknowledging my assistants. Duke, the handsome man in front, and Stew, the sweet man in back, were super moral support.