Bag of the Week! Continuing with the Camo Style

Hello!

Welcome to this week's Bag of the Week post!


If you recall last week's bag was camo themed and I thought I would roll with it for this week too. This one is very different from my usual tote style bags. It's a crossbody/messenger bag style. However even though it looks very different, the basic work up is very similar to the basic bag pattern. Obviously the base is worked with much shorter rows, but the panels are worked primarily the same.

Purchase here

One of the main differences is how the side panels are constructed and attached. It's worked from one side, (double stranded) single crocheted the length of the front and back panels and then goes right into a double crochet for the strap and then back into the single crochet for the other side panel length. Basically the side panels and straps are worked as one piece continually. It is then sewn together like the basic tote.
The other biggest difference is the addition of the flap, which is added after the bag is put together, following the same pattern that was used on the front and back panels.
Add a magnetic snap and voila! New bag!

Overall, the pattern is pretty basic, but has an amazing amount of opportunity for versatility. Leave a comment if you'd like more detailed instructions, Probably more likely to actually write up a pattern for it if it's requested.

Anyway, that's it for this week! I hope you enjoyed it and hope to see you next week. Don't forget to follow me. I'd love to have your suggestions for future bags!

Thanks for stopping by!
Shay

Bag of the Week! Country Girl Style

Purchase here

Welcome to Bag of the Week Wednesday!

Yay! I'm so excited to introduce this country girl style bag. No surprise, but I didn't have the idea for this bag until way after I had started it. The brown was something I had laying around and I just picked it up and told myself I would figure the rest out later. Well I did!

It came out way better than I could have hoped for. As I was working on the front panel, I got a little nervous about the colors and if it would work right with the deer in camo like I planned.

Basic Pattern

Personally I love it, but my boyfriend said that he thought it would look better in all camo and the deer in brown. (I couldn't believe that he actually gave me any real opinion. That NEVER happens. haha) Anyway as much as I love it, I still wonder if he might be right. What do you think? Maybe I'll have to give it a try and let you guys do the comparing.


Leave a comment and let me know what you think! Don't forget to follow for updates on future bags and patterns.


Until next time,

Shay

Bag of the Week! Love Bag

Purchase here

Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!

As always, Wednesdays seem to come around so quickly! This week's bag you may recognize from a previous post. You're probably saying, is that...? Why yes it is. It's the same bag. If you recall I had some difficulties that week. I had run out of yarn for the straps and said that when I got more I would finish it.

This bag laid in my spare bedroom unfinished for several weeks. I kept looking at it, telling myself there was something missing. It just didn't look right. Finally, Monday I came up with a plan while I was digging through left over yarn. White! It mixed perfectly with the soft green and I was able to make up this pattern for the cursive word.

Basic Pattern

Before you reprimand me for not posting something completely new, just look at it! So much better, right?? Leave a comment, better or worse?

As for new material, I have two bags in the works. That means something completely new for next week! Yay! And I think you're going to like them.

I think that's all I got for you today. Don't forget to follow to stay up to date on the additions each week.

See ya next week,
Shay

Bag of the Week! Basket Weave Bag

Purchase here

It's Wednesday! I can't believe how fast time is flying this year.

Alright so this week's bag is very different from previous weeks. Since I used the basket weave stitch it called for a different pattern all around. The front and back is worked in a continuous manner. The side panels are worked continuously as well going straight up into the strap and down the other side panel. The top portion is folded over and I added a metal magnetic closure. Entire bag is worked with two strands of yarn held together. This makes the bag more sturdy and leaves far less holes between pattern squares. In this case, I used Caron Simply Soft in soft green and gray heather. The color combo kind of reminds me of Easter.

I think next time I make it, I'm going to use charcoal and gray heather together. I think that would be really pretty. What do you think?


If you would like to know more about this pattern, leave a comment and I'll explain the pattern in more detail.


Thank you for taking a look. Don't forget to follow, so you don't miss next week's bag! I'd love to read what themes you guys would like to see. Leave a comment!


As always see ya next week!
Shay

Bag of the Week - New Twist on a Past Tote

Good Morning!

Welcome to Bag of the Week Wednesday! 

This week's bag may look familiar to you. If you've been following along from the beginning, it was one of my very first posts. This is a twist from a recent custom order. I thought I would feature it as Bag of the Week because I feel like it came out better than the original. 

It's a combo between two previous featured bags. The Bad Wolf bag, utilizing it's cross stitch lettering. I did have to tweak the pattern to make it fit on the smaller surface area of the tote/purse. The other influence was the TARDIS bag. So now it looks as if the "Bad Wolf" is written on the TARDIS. Now where have I seen that before? 

The fact that she couldn't decide between them brought to life a whole new design with the best of both worlds. I'm sort of kicking myself for not coming up with it myself, but sometimes it's better to get outsider options. That's why I like to read comments about the themes and things you want to see. I'm really trying to picture what the cross stitching would look like over the front of the bag. Almost like graffiti from the show, maybe? Perhaps I'll have to give it a try sometime. Think you have a better idea? Let's hear it. 

Coupon code FOLLOWME for 10% off is still available. All you have to do is click the social media follow buttons. New clutches are in stock now and more added each week. Check them out!

Leave a comment with your ideas for next week's bag! Or tweet

#totebagofweek

with your idea. You'll get a shout out if yours is chosen.

I'd really love to hear from you guys! Give me something crazy. In fact, the crazier, the better!

In the meantime check out these Etsy collections I've put together and show your love for those hardworking shop owners. Dress it up Halloween Style or check out these Gifts for a Laugh. And a special one for the Doctor Who fans out there.



Until next time,
Shay

Bag of the Week!! Black and Wine Tote

 It's that time of the week. Wednesday! Wednesday! Wednesday! I love Wednesdays. Not only because it's Bag of the Week, but it's also family night. My boyfriend and I go out to eat with my parents. Couple of drinks, good food, possibly some obnoxious chatter, it's a great time!

Anyway! You're here to check out this week's bag, so here ya go.

Purchase here

Little secret - I once said in a previous post to make sure you purchase enough yarn for the entire project. I've been doing this long enough to know exactly how much I'll need and yet I manage to run out nearly every time. Then when I go to the store, they are out of the color I'm looking for. Go figure... You would think that because this happens so often to me that I would learn! Ha! Clearly not.
What happened was, I was originally going to do the whole thing in black and then come up with a design after (spur of the moment is sort of my thing). Well... I ran out of black. (I knew I was going to though!) Went to the store to get more and guess what?? Oh yeah, they were out of black. I mean really... black. After staring at the isle for several minutes, like new yarn was going to magically appear or something, I finally caught sight of this lovely wine color. Love it paired with the black. This time when I did the double stranded top two rows, I did a strand of each color. (figured I'd use what was left of the black) I don't know why I hadn't done that before. Pulls the two colors together nicely.

Here is a better view of the mixture. What do you think?

Basic Pattern

Alright! This bag is posted for sale on my Etsy shop. For this one there is the option of personalizing. Get your name or phrase put on it for only $3-7 dollars extra, depending on the amount of design area. Contact me for a specific quote. Or order something completely different, personalized just for you.

I would like to remind everyone that I do custom blankets as well. If you can think it, I can make it happen. Check out my reviews for past projects and feedback. (my Etsy shop is relatively new so there aren't very many. I've got a few projects in the works, so more to come.)



Coupon code FOLLOWME for 10% off is still available. All you have to do is click the social media follow buttons. New clutches are in stock now. Check them out!

Leave a comment with your ideas for next week's bag! Or tweet

#totebagofweek

with your idea. You'll get a shout out if yours is chosen.

I'd really love to hear from you guys! Give me something crazy. In fact, the crazier, the better!

In the meantime check out these Etsy collections I've put together and show your love for those hardworking shop owners. Dress it up Halloween Style or check out these Gifts for a Laugh. And a special one for the Doctor Who fans out there.



Until next time,
Shay

Lime Green Tote - Bag of the Week!

basic pattern

Bam! Lime green tote!

OK, so this week's bag is two toned, as you can see. I thought the lime green might be a little too overpowering if I did the entire thing in that shade (and I ran out of lime green yarn). Anywho, I did a little digging (more like a lot) in my tubs of yarn and surfaced with this lovely minty color. At first I wasn't so sure about putting it together, but I thought what the heck and went with it. Glad I did. I think it came out rather nicely for being completely unplanned.

Then again, most of my projects are unplanned. Or they start out one way and end up going a completely different way. That's how my Harley Quinn bag came about. Originally it was going to be Sherlock inspired. Don't ask me how that happened because I'm still not even sure myself.

Funny thing about this particular bag though, I managed to run out of the minty colored yarn too! The good news is that color isn't discontinued, so I can just go get more to finish up the straps. Until I do that, it won't be posted for sale. I only had a little bit left to go! haha oh well.







As always I would love to get your thoughts and suggestions on what you want to see from future bags. Remember I do custom order, so if you have something in mind it doesn't hurt to ask, even if you aren't ready to order right away. Christmas will be here before you know it and a personalized gift always shows real thoughtfulness.



Coupon code FOLLOWME for 10% off is still available. All you have to do is click the social media follow buttons. New clutches are in stock now. Check them out!

Leave a comment with your ideas for next week's bag! Tweet

#totebagofweek

with your idea. You'll get a shout out if yours is chosen.

In the meantime check out these Etsy collections I've put together and show your love for those hardworking shop owners. Dress it up Halloween Style or check out these Gifts for a Laugh.



Until next time,
Shay

Batman Bag of the Week!

New week already! Wow. I'm very excited about this week's bag. I'm a big Batman fan and I have not a clue why this didn't happen sooner.

So a little bit about this bag. It's the same size as usual. I changed up the color scheme obviously and decided on cross-stitching for the bat symbol. I debated for a little while on doing it tapestry crochet style, but decided against it last minute. For some odd reason I seem to be favoring cross-stitch lately. Probably because it's relatively new for me and so versatile.






Purchase here.
Basic pattern


So there it is folks. As always follow here, FB, and Twitter to show your support. Check out my Etsy shop here. Don't hesitate to ask about an custom orders you are interested in.

Don't forget to comment and share! Tell me what you'd like to see next.
Tweet

#totebagofweek

with your idea. You'll get a shout out if yours is chosen.


Until next time,
Shay

Bag of the Week Lined Clutch Tutorial

Hello all,

I have a crochet tote in the works, but I thought I'd shake things up a bit this week. It's a relatively easy crochet project with a little sewing thrown in the mix. I'd recommend reading all the directions before beginning. I'm terrible about that, myself. That's probably why I've had to wing it a few times with certain patterns. Anyway, moving along. So here's what I'll be making.









I'm going to focus on the basic pattern, so I'll be showing the steps for the blue one.

Things you will need:

1 skein Premier Home cotton yarn Turquoise 140yds
(Any yarn will do, this is just what I like to use for this project. You won't need it all)
Hook size: 6 mm
Square of approximately 10in X 10in 100% cotton fabric
(Again any fabric will do and you will cut it to size later.)
Yarn needle
Scissors
Thread (matching yarn choice or fabric choice)
Sewing needle
Button
Stitch counter (Optional, but they are handy)

Now that you've gathered everything you need, let's get this ball rolling.

Starting off with the crochet portion.
Chain 26
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and across (25 sc)
Row 2-23: ch 1 turn sc in each sc across
DO NOT FASTEN OFF

 For the edging you will begin by turning your work to the side. (#2)
sc in same stitch (#3) and along the edge evenly.


You will be working around 3 sides of the work. (#4)
3 sc in each corner. (#5)

Forth side (this will be the flap): *There should be 3 sc in the corner already* sc in 11 sts across, ch 5, sc in next st, sc in next 11 sts, 2 sc in corner, sl st in top of 3rd sc. (#6)

Now you have the crochet portion finished. Not so hard huh?

Next up, the fabric lining. This has to be sewn on by hand. There will be no visible seam from the lining showing on the outside of the clutch this way. The stitch I use is the blanket stitch. Great tutorial here on blanket stitch. I feel this does the job and gives it a nice look as well. You can use any stitch you're comfortable with though. I double up my thread. Again, whatever you prefer. 

So here goes. 

First lay fabric over the whole work and cut to size. (#7)                                                                                 Tuck in sides to match up with the top of the third stitch in.                         Outer edge will consist of edging round and the top of the previous row.                    Pin to crochet. You want to try to get it relatively tight, but it can be adjusted while sewing, so it's not absolutely necessary. (see mine's not perfect)

Now that it's all pinned to your crochet work. Blanket stitch along the bottom edge first. This will help hold it firmly in place for the next step. Once that is complete then you can remove pins from the sides and fold work in thirds. This will form the pocket and flap. Make sure it is even on both sides with both fabric and crochet work. You'll stitch side of the fabric pocket first.(As pictured on the right) Should end up looking like the above picture. 

Follow suit with the rest of the sides being sure to keep it even. Attach button to match up with button hole and seam up the crochet sides. Once it's washed those wrinkles will smooth right out.                                                                  

And that's it!     

The same basic idea applies for the lining if you decide to switch up the crochet stitching to something a little more decorative. These will be added to my shop soon and can be special ordered to match your favorite bag or theme. 

Black - sc with hdc & treble for flap
Blue - all sc
Aqua - Tunisian stitch (Purchase here.)

       As always if you have any ideas on a theme or bag you'd like featured let me know. Any support via Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Etsy is more than welcome. Share it with someone you think will like it. 

Tweet

#totebagofweek

with your idea. You'll get a shout out if yours is chosen.

See ya next time!

Shay

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Bag of the Week! Harley Quinn

Fun new addition the bag family inspired by Harley Quinn!

Basic patternPurchase here.

First off, hello and welcome to the latest bag of the week post. I've been hearing a lot about people's excitement for the new movie Suicide Squad coming out next year. Gotta say I'm extremely excited for it myself. I've got my fingers crossed that it's going to be amazing. Anyway because of my excitement I decided to base this week's tote on the crazy character so many are excited to see on the big screen.

The usual tweaks to the pattern were applied. Cross stitching for the words, color changing for the diagonal half and half look and finally tapestry crochet for the diamonds on the side panels. *The red in the pictures is a little off because of lighting and I'm sure each screen shows differently. It's RedHeart Cherry Red. In person it's actually a darker red rather than bright.*

I have to say, I'm pretty ecstatic about how the whole project turned out. As always if you have any ideas on a theme or bag you'd like featured let me know. Any support via Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Etsy is more than welcome. Share it with someone you think will like it. 

Thank you!

I've got a pattern in the works for next week's bag and a little something brand new I'm trying out that I'll post in the mean time. Keep an eye out.
Tweet

#totebagofweek

with your idea. You'll get a shout out if yours is chosen.


Until next time,
Shay

Bag of the Week! Bad Wolf

The Bad Wolf bag.

 Purchase here.

Basic Pattern here

It's taken me a bit longer with this one. The cross stitch lettering is thicker than previous bags and because of that added a considerable amount of time to the overall project. Color changing for the wolf was also time consuming.

Much like the TARDIS bag from a few weeks ago, this one is worked using multiple color changes and cross stitching for the designs. Other than that the pattern stayed the same as previous ones.

The wolf is meant to be more shadow-like and because of that may seem dis-proportioned slightly. It was a fun little twist.

You may have noticed that last week's bag was similarly colored. I loved the color combo of last week's so much that I decided to replicate it with this bag, although the green is a little lighter this time. Also I couldn't see using any other background color than the green. I feel like blue would have clashed even though it fit better with the Doctor Who theme.

I'd appreciate any and all support. Follow on Twitter, Facebook or here. Don't forget to comment! I want to know what you guys think.

Next week's bag is not going to be Doctor Who related. I'm broadening my horizons to a whole new fandom.


Thanks for stoppin' by!

Sneak Peak!

Hello!

So Wednesdays are designated 'bag of the week' day. You're probably saying, "But Shay, it is Wednesday." This I know. However, I spent the weekend finishing up a custom order project and I'm now slightly behind schedule on this week's bag. I blame it on the four day weekend. I got caught up in fun freedom that I miscalculated the day. It's easy to do.

Unfortunately that means being late on my total reveal. Instead, I thought I would show off a little bit of the design and leave you to guess what the theme is this week. With a clue like that, I bet you'll guess it easily enough.

Today I have to cross-stitch, put it together and slap some straps on her. Drop by tomorrow and see what I got for you this week. I promise next week's will be on time! You want a hint, you say? All I can tell you is that it references a certain crazy someone.

Thanks for stopping in!

Bag of the Week!

Wow! I can't believe it's already been a week! Been pretty busy with different projects. I have some wash cloths coming soon to Etsy and made a few new patterns for future bags of the week. Playing with some finger knitting. That can create some pretty nifty things. I've got some infinity scarves I'll post at some point. Super quick and easy. Time flies when you're having fun, or just way to busy to look at the clock.

This week's bag has a new tweak, aside from the obvious color changes and cross stitching. I realized with my last bag posting the finished product comes out very box looking and the top folds in at some odd angles when not full. Because I am picky about things like that, I started playing around with different solutions to those problems.

More about that later though ... First here it is!

Let's Do This Thing!

Basic Pattern here

Finished product sold here.

Now as you can see the front and back are quite similar to last week's bag, aside from the new phrase. This one has the tops of both sides pulled in to create a tapered look at the top on both ends. What I did was weave in a piece of excess yarn across the top stitch of both side panels then pulled tight (like a drawstring bag) and tied it off. Then I weaved in the tails.

This can be done previous to adding the straps or after. I recommend after so that you can go over the very top with a double-stranded row of single crochets to pull it all together and add strength to where your straps will be attached. This will allow the bag to carry heavier things. (I will be adding this additional row to the previous pattern post later.)

And that, my friends, is that bag of the week! Tune in next week for a new addition to the happy bag family.

I'd appreciate any and all support. Follow on Twitter, Facebook or here. Don't forget to comment! I want to know what you guys think.

Thanks for swingin' by!

Bag of the Week! - When Nothing Goes Right ... Go Left

Hello! It's Wednesday! That means it's time for this week's bag.

As I mentioned in my pattern post, I decided to make the bag a little larger to have more area to work with. The result is a large tote that would be perfect for towels for the beach, overnight bag, or to put all your entertainment things in for those long car rides. Better than trying to fit it all in your purse!

Anyway, on to the reveal. I got the idea for this one perusing Pinterest's never-ending collection of quote boards.

Basic Pattern here

This was actually not a tweak in the bag pattern itself (other than widening the straps a tad) but more of a simple addition of some cross-stitching. I made squares in an Exel worksheet, remembering to keep to the dimensions of the bag. Plugged in the design I wanted with the fill tool and presto, a unique cross-stitch pattern.

As always, I'd love to get any crazy idea's you might want to see done. I'm planning a Sherlock inspired one soon, maybe not next week but certainly keep a look out!

Thanks for stopping by!

I'd appreciate any and all support. Follow on Twitter, Facebook or here.

"This is my Time-Wimey detector. It goes DING! when there's stuff"

Back again so soon with another bag for this week. I just couldn't seem to wait a whole week to show off this new twist on the basic bag.

For all those fans of Doctor Who, here's a little something for you!

Basic pattern here

I know, I know, It doesn't say the usual "Police Public Call Box". The size wouldn't allow for the cross stitch technique I wanted to use, so I improvised. After I finished the cross stitching, I realized I should have put "Doctor!" Guess I will just have to make another. :) Finished product sold here.

Keep a look out for new versions and next week's bag. I'd love to get suggestions from you for future projects. Got a wacky idea you want to see done, comment here or on Facebook and let's make it happen!
Tweet

#totebagofweek

with your idea. You'll get a shout out if yours is chosen.


Thank you and goodnight! (unless it's morning ... or afternoon, I guess)

Bag a Week

Welcome to Shay's Crochet Creation! Happy Wednesday!

So I got a wild hair earlier and decided to start something different.

I'm in love with the diversity of crochet, but what's more is how a single pattern can be morphed into something completely new every time it's tweaked even in the slightest. So I am challenging myself to take the same basic bag pattern and doing a new version each week. For how long? Who knows. This is just for fun. I haven't decided on a specific day of the week yet, but I'll let you know when I do.

Without further adieu, I give you the first of my creations.

Basic Pattern Here

 This one has two different shades of camouflage yarn. Front, back and bottom are dark traditional camo. The two side panels, straps and bow feature the light camo coloring. Finished product sold here.

I don't have patterns available at this time, but as soon as I do they'll be featured here.

Thanks for tuning in!
Shay