Tapestry Tote CAL

[lunchbox]

Any up for this? Here is the link to the thread with the pattern:

http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=31043&highlight=tapestry+tote

It would make a great gift! Anyone?

[Scorpio59]

How big is the finished bag?

[ViciouzKitty]

I'd love to join this CAL. It'll be my first. I'd like to keep it for myself...it's rare that I keep what I've made!

[xampx]

lol. im in, but i already finished mine. I may make another since i lose my job today and will be walking past the yarn store with £20 in my wallet :)

Mine was made from chunky acrylic, i think i used a 6mm hook and it measures just over 12in square. Its a very quick and easy project to make.

[KnicKnac]

Oh gosh, I so want to make another one of these! They are SUPER quick, but I have so much on my plate right now.

But who knows???

I have been known to over extend myself!!!

[ChainOFools]

I'd like to be in on this one!! :bounce Has anyone tried this with cotton yarn? I'm thinking bernat handicrafter or sugar n cream...might be interesting?

[mudpie]

Kiki, I was thinking of using Sugar n Cream, too.

[barbn77]

I'll join in, when I seen the purses I decided I want one!! LOL:cheer

[xampx]

i think this will be one of the fastest cals ever! the only thing that takes a little time is sewing the squares together

[barbn77]

got my colors i'm using red heart Plumberry (a pretty multi blue and purple varigated) and Country Blue :hook

[Rena Tyrantina]

I'll join! This sounds great! It's my first CAL!!

Sadly, I can't get to a yarn store until Wednesday. I'll have to do some online yarn previewing!

[mistresninos]

I think I will try this one. I will get to the store tomorrow to get the yarn. Not sure if I'll finish with everyone though. :-)

Sara

[crochetprincess66]

I'm so glad someone started this CAL. :cheer I have just started making mine. I made one square, but thought it was too small, so I decided to use two strands of yarn and a J hook. I like the thickness of it and the size. I am using the colors tan, dark brown and light pink. I am probably going to use it to keep my projects in.


Kim :princess

[grandkids]

I think that I would enjoy joining this one. I have't decided on the colors yet but I will. :cheer :cheer :hook :knit

[ViciouzKitty]

Okay so I have my colors! I dug through my stash this morning and found some blues and gray. I'm using Caron SS so I'm assuming the bag will be smaller than the pattern but that's okay, maybe I can use it for sock projects. I'll get started when I get home from work tonight!

[LavenderBear]

Ok, I'm IN! I have either made this bag, or one very similar to it, in the past! I believe I made it in burgandy, navy blue, and cream?! Now to decide which yarn and colors to use for this one!! Decisions?! Decisions?! :dance

[Tracy826]

I'll join on this one, who can't always use another bag? I know I have more than enough yarn lying around.

Besides, I need a break from making diaper covers. Hopefully the baby won't outgrow anything in the next week!

[ChainOFools]

Okay I've got my colours! I'm going with navy blue, forest/emerald green, and a variegated of the two...should be interesting!!

Emm...is anyone else a teensy bit confused by the handle instructions?! :blush

[Rena Tyrantina]

I have my colors! I chose burgundy, orange and yellow and I also picked up a dark purple. Maybe I'll alternate the dark colors in the squares, I don't know yet.

I made a square last night but used an H hook (as suggested on the yarn label) instead of the I hook the pattern says to use. So of course the square is 4 inches instead of 4 1/2. Oh well, at least now I'm familiar with the pattern! It'll make a great coaster.

Kiki, I haven't even looked at the handle instructions yet! I just wanted to tackle the squares.

[Tracy826]

Just for fun, I thought I'd try something on my colors - I'd reach into a stash bag without looking and use the first three colors I pulled out! So I tried it - first I grabbed a nice rose color, so far so good. Then next came a sort of dark, dusty blue. I liked it. The third color I grabbed was an ecru. It looked ok, but I chickeden out of going for what I grabbed and put the ecru back and got out a nice Mulberry. So those are my colors, Rose, Mulberry and Dark Dusty Blue.

Can I cheat and change the pattern just a tiny bit too? I don't think I can make anything without changing something. I added one more round before the sc edging, in the same color as the edging. My gauge was a little smaller to start with, so adding the round makes it just a little bit bigger, and I like a bigger size bag.

[fuzzbugjr]

:yes I'd love to join in this CAL. The tote looks great. Now, :think to decide the colors I'd like to use.
:think :think :lol Does this call for a trip to Wal-Mart (only place in town) for yarn?????

[hischildsindi]

This is pretty awesome bag... not that I need any more projects. We all do right?!!! :D I just had a thought, using 100% wool and felting this bag might be pretty cool. Another "To Do" for my list.

Great job ladies!!!

[xampx]

I got started tonight. I wasnt going to make another but i fancied a quick project. I made 2 squares and i used 2 colours of basic double knit, and one of a kind of really itchy mohair which has malted all over my black tshirt! These squares are a lot smaller than my last attempt. Im alternating colours again, making 8 of one and 5 of the other

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/amp12321/tapbag.jpg

lets see your progress ladies!!

[ChainOFools]

Everyone's colours sound really interesting!! xampx your squares are looking great!

I've made 8 squares so far....can't believe how fast they work up! Too bad it takes me 3 times as long to weave in all the ends :( I'm weaving as I go cause the thought of having to do them all at once gives me a sick feeling in my tummy!

Here's what I have so far; I made the first square with an H hook just like you, Rena! I crochet on the loose side so thought it would be okay, but mine was also 4"...

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/Kayncee/sq1.jpg

So I looked at it and wasn't really happy with how the colours looked together so I jogged them around and used an I hook;

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/Kayncee/sq2.jpg

I can live with this combination.

[lunchbox]

http://flickr.com/photos/26347029@N00/212451952/

Here is one of my squares. I am not 100% in love with my color choices but I'm too far along to quit. I also think I am doing something wrong because my squares look a little wonky. I think I added a stitch on the first round. I am not sure.

[ChainOFools]

Lunchbox, I put my square up to yours on the screen and from what I can see, although I'm not 100% sure and I'm no expert, it looks like your mistake is on either rounds 3 &/or 4...on round 3 you should have 3 ch1 sp on each side, then the 2 corners...it looks like you have 2 on one side (picture left) and 4 on the bottom side...this could be when you are doing round 3 you aren't doing the dec repeats enough or the corner stitches...does that make sense? It took me a bit to get the hang of the stitch repeats, and I keep having to refer to the pattern or I get confused with it.

[xampx]

lunchbox i love your colour choices!. Dont worry about wonky squares, one of mine is bigger than the other :)

[Tracy826]

Lunchbox, I put my square up to yours on the screen and from what I can see, although I'm not 100% sure and I'm no expert, it looks like your mistake is on either rounds 3 &/or 4...on round 3 you should have 3 ch1 sp on each side, then the 2 corners...it looks like you have 2 on one side (picture left) and 4 on the bottom side...this could be when you are doing round 3 you aren't doing the dec repeats enough or the corner stitches...does that make sense? It took me a bit to get the hang of the stitch repeats, and I keep having to refer to the pattern or I get confused with it.

In row 4 - maybe there are just three dec's instead of four on the left side in the picture, and it's cornered in the last ch 1 space, then five dec's on the row at the bottom to make up for it. I think I can see that's what happened because I did it once in my test square.

The baby is now playing with that test square to distract her while I'm crocheting the rest!

[Tracy826]

Here's my progress to date. I've added a round to make the squares bigger. I've finished 5 so far, and I'm weaving ends (nightmare!) and putting them together as I go. I tend to get bored doing the same thing over too many times!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/tfb826/bagsquares.jpg

[ChainOFools]

Tracy,

I really like your squares, the colours are very pretty! :clap

[lunchbox]

Here's my progress to date. I've added a round to make the squares bigger. I've finished 5 so far, and I'm weaving ends (nightmare!) and putting them together as I go. I tend to get bored doing the same thing over too many times!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/tfb826/bagsquares.jpg

I love those colors! Sigh. I appreciate the advice. I thinkI am going to scrap these squares and start over. I have really been wanting to make something with black, pink, and green anyways.

[barbn77]

Everyone's squares look really good :) I could'nt get a decent pic of mine yet, I have 2 done so far i'll put a pic up when it's a little more sunny out :hook

[crochetprincess66]

Here is my first square. I have been using 2 strands of yarn to make it thicker and J hook to make it larger. The dark color is brown.


Kim :queen


http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j40/crochetprincess66/th_HPIM0048.jpg (http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j40/crochetprincess66/HPIM0048.jpg)

[pinkroses]

I am in too. but can't post a picture I don't have a printer. I have all 13 made.
but, I had them made once already. Well, what happened to the first 13.
Dare I tell. :no
Nope, I think not you'd all see how I goofed. :yes
You can't make me tell. :no
I am going to be putting them together soon.
I think I might line it.
I love this purse. I am going to sew a big deep pocket on it too.
I didn't do sugar's and Creme; but I am thinking of it. I love that yarn. PINKROSES

[toriem]

Cool, I've been doing this too. I'm near completion, but I haven't touched it in awhile. Benn making it for a friend's b-day. All I need to do is the lining and then sew on some more blocks. Oh yeah, I need to do the handles. I chose colors of off-white, pale pink, and teal - I dunno if I like the color combination if it, it's starting to look like a watermelon to me now, but maybe it can be cute.

I'll post pics when I'm done!

Also are there any good tutuorials out there explaining how to sew on the lining to a crocheted bag? I'll have to hand sew, because I don't have a sewing machine - actually I don't know how to use one (I want to learn one day tho!)

[ChainOFools]

toriem, you might want to try this link for a lining tutorial, it's pretty good:

http://www.helloknitty.com/pdfs/Lining.pdf

It's not that hard to do, I'm done mine and all I did was trace the bag onto a piece of paper, add 1/2 inch for a seam allowance all around and then cut out the fabric, fold 1/2 inch of each side of the 'points' down and iron it, (I'm sure there's lots of other ways you can do it too) then sewed the sides and pinned the lining into the bag and then blind hemmed it by hand. Writing it out it makes it sound complicated but it's really not! ;)

When I get a chance I'll take a picture of my bag and post it.

Kim, your squares are looking really nice!!

[pinkroses]

Chain. That is what I do. I wasn't sure if that was a good way or not. PINKROSES

[ChainOFools]

Pinkroses, that's the way I've done it in the past and haven't had any problems :D

I took a picture of my finished bag. I can see myself making more of these, they are fun to do. :lol I was thinking of using cotton yarn but ended up using regular worsted...but I still think it would be great in cotton.

You can see a pictures of my finished tote bag here (http://byhookorbycrook.blogspot.com/2006/08/not-so-sad-sack.html) on my blog.

Thanks for looking :hook and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's finished products!

[pinkroses]

Hey Chain I like your bag. I like the little touches of embroidery. and like the colors too. I hope mine will turn out as well. ? PINKROSES

[Rena Tyrantina]

Everybody's squares look great! Great color choices, too.

I've got a square made using the proper size hook and, voila, it's the right size! So I've gotten two done so far. I've started making more assembly line style.

But my squares are wonky. My tension is all over the place. I've been frogging a lot. And the TLC yarn splits which drives me crazy.
And now that I've been working with my colors I'm less thrilled with them. But I think I'll forge on anyway.

Anyway, I took a picture of the first square and here it is:http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n272/igiblin/taptote1.jpg
The colors look darker than they do in person. I need more practice with the digital camera!

[pinkroses]

I like the color combination. Good for Fall. . PINKROSES

[pinkroses]

Hey everyone . How are your bags coming alone.? I finished sewing mine together. This time I studied the pattern good. and the purse went together no prolem:yes
I would send in a picture; but no printer and things.
Mine is black, lavender, ( med lavender) , Med. pink ( I had to use some pink) and an ombre skein . it is a mixture of light lavender, pink , blue and a bit of light yellow.
I need to make the handles and make the lining. I am going to line mine and put two big pockets into the lining . one on each side of the inside lining.
I haven't made Granny squares in years and finding I am falling in love:manyheart all over again. I enjoyed working on the purse. I am going to make a internet friend one. PINKROSES

[ChainOFools]

Pinkroses, your purse sounds really nice! :D Let me know how your handles go...I found the instructions a bit confusing when I read the pattern through, but when I actually sat down and had it in front of me I think I managed okay...I'd be interested to know everyone else's experiences with it.

[pinkroses]

Chain F. I cannot get the page to go to the handles. I think I am going to make my own. Doesn't look to difficult.
I don't have a scanner or printer. So , I had to hand copy and didn't get all the pattern. :lol
Let me know how the handles are going and if you could
please type them out for me if they are not to diffcult to type out? I may can just look at the one we have and wing it? :yes PINKROSES

[ChainOFools]

Pinkroses, I'm in the same boat as you as my printer decided not to cooperate :( I ended up writing it out by hand as well. Try clicking here (http://www.freepatterns.com/fp_pdfs/Other/Crochet/Tapestry_Tote_Bag.pdf) and see if this link works any better for you, I'm not sure why you wouldn't be able to access the second page of instructions...

[pinkroses]

I just can't seem to get to the handle's directions. But, I think I can make them up on my own. Doesn't look to diffcult.
I made another purse for a friend over the weenkend so that is four handles I have to make. :lol
I need to get into my fabric and pick out the lining. I love to quilt and sew too. So , I should be able to find some leftovers? :yes
Thanks Chain for helping. we just don't have the room or the money for the extras yet. Hope fully one day. Hugs. PINKROSES

[Tracy826]

I love seeing everyone's work and the different color combinations. It's really interesting to see the different interpretations of the pattern.

Finished mine this morning, this is a great bag. I'm trying to decide what to put in it now!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/tfb826/bag.jpg

I'm not sure if I like what the camera is doing to the colors. I think the blue is just a bit deeper than what's showing up here. I want a new camera for my birthday!

[pinkroses]

That is so pretty I really liked the colors you used. Great job.PINKROSES

[Rena Tyrantina]

Oh, beautiful colors, Tracy!! Nice work!

[strebekah]

I have been lurking for a few weeks and have decided to jump in. I think that I have some yarn around here (LOL) that I could use for this...if not, guess I could force myself to go get some.

This tote is really cute and after seeing everyone's pics, I can't resist! Will post my progress...when I get going. LOL

~Rebecca

[pinkroses]

I am glad you are we have so much fun working on the purse.
:clap Glad you are here.

I am almost finihshed with my purse. I am going to Work pink Buillon Roses in between the squares on mine. PINKROSES :)

[ViciouzKitty]

I've got one more square to make then I get to sew them together! That's a good Idea pinkroses to put flowers on the bag! I wish that I had chosen prettier colors other than blue and gray but I've already got my next one planned! I'll make a pink, white and gray one for my MIL.

I'm not great at sewing but I'm going to give lining this bag a shot. Is anyone else lining thiers? My squares came out somewhat holey, I'd hate to lose my crochet hooks out the bottom of the bag!

[pinkroses]

I am lining mine. I am sure your bag is very pretty.
When I make my Grannie Squares. I only chain one in beteewn the double crochet sections. I find chaining 2 to be too holie too.
But , you may want to try a few rounds to see how they work for you. PINKROSES

[Brandybuck]

I've been drooling over this thread for the past three days. *lol* Mind if I join? I have to have at least two WIPs or I never get anything done. Did that make any sense just now? :think Oh well...

I think I've got my yarn picked out...now to print out that pattern...

[Rena Tyrantina]

Welcome to the CAL, Geek'sGirl31! We're happy to have you join us!

I've got five more squares all done but for the weaving in and three more requiring the last round.
I'm slow (or short on time is more like it) but I'm getting there.

[ViciouzKitty]

I've been drooling over this thread for the past three days. *lol* Mind if I join? I have to have at least two WIPs or I never get anything done. Did that make any sense just now? :think Oh well...

I think I've got my yarn picked out...now to print out that pattern...


That made sense to me! I'm always working on different things, I just get bored too quickly working on the same project all the time. That's why I love squares projects, different tasks to keep me into it!

[ChainOFools]

I'm not great at sewing but I'm going to give lining this bag a shot. Is anyone else lining thiers? My squares came out somewhat holey, I'd hate to lose my crochet hooks out the bottom of the bag!

I lined mine as well for the same reason, didn't want things falling out. Sewing isn't my favorite thing to do, but lining this bag really isn't that hard. :D

[strebekah]

I ran last night and got some new yarn. I did my first square last night. I opted for black, grey and red---I am an Ohio State Fan! LOL I will probably line mine as well. Can't wait for this afternoon when I can get some more done (mornings are reserved for homeschooling and housework LOL--afternoons are General Hosital and crocheting! LOL)

Rebecca

[ChainOFools]

I can't believe how popular this little bag is! I've already had requests (more like demands :lol ) from at least two of my nieces to make them this bag after they saw mine completed. One wants it with longer handles so she can hang it off her shoulder...

[xampx]

eep, i need to pull my finger out. Ive only done 2 squares - me who was going on about how quick it is to finish lol.

I just got distracted by some shiny new yarn lol

[ViciouzKitty]

I got mine all together last night and I have the first handle on so I'm almost there! I'm going today to get some material for lining, this should be fun! This bag was really quick, I can't wait to start my next one with my yarn coming out of this one! woo!

[Brandybuck]

I must be dyslexic or something...man, I had problems with those instructions! I finished up my first square during my lunch hour 2day. I ended up with the right amout of ch-1 and ch-2 sps(after frogging my first square twice), but...it's a rectangle. :think Not by much, but just enough to notice.

Oh well...the bag's for me. *LOL* If I don't end up mangling it(and I just might!), I think I'll make another for the mother of 3 of my library kids - she's knitting me a poncho, and a pink bear for my goddaughter(she's so sweet, and she refuses to take money for it!). I'll cross my fingers.

And there's a sale at A.C. Moore 2nite! Woot!

[pinkroses]

I was at A.C.Moores today. and saw some similiar Grannie Square bags. None are as cute as this one.
I brougth me some black fabric with pink, blue and lanveder flowers on it sort of a sheen to it. I thought this would be a pretty complainment to my black, pink , lavender and ombre shades of pinks and blues. They are small colored flowers.
I am going to do pink bullion flowers in between the squares where we joined them together. Love to make buillion roses. PINKROSES

[ViciouzKitty]

I'm having a tough time with the x's in the middle of the holes. I know they're simple but they are frustrating the heck out of me~!

[Railbird]

Hello, my name is Pat and I'm addicted to UFO's......

Okay, I've decided that C'ville is an enabler to my UFO affliction......now I have several items in various stages of thinking about starting, starting, just started, mid-phase, nearing completion and almost done - I'm sure there are other stages, I just don't know the correct name for them....but I just had to stop everything and make this tote. Actually we went on a road trip to Fingerlakes Race Course yesterday and I worked on the bag all the way out and back - total of 6 hours in the car.....we had a friend racing and we had to give the jockey a ride out to the track. She rode a good race and came in 4th - the horse just doesn't want to win!! It was kind of cool!!!

Anyhow - here's what I accomplished: It's done is off-white, sage green and purple. I added the buttons to give it some personality. My DH wants me to make a bigger one in his racing colors. Funny, I was thinking about doing that the whole time I was working on this one.



http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l309/Railbird1965/Bags/th_tapestrybag-3.jpg (http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l309/Railbird1965/Bags/tapestrybag-3.jpg)

[sprtsbear]

Wow, I love your tote and the buttons do give it pizzazzzzz!!!!!!

[barbn77]

Railbird - your tote is very pretty :)

I finished a 3rd sq. last night :hook

[Alosha]

I hadn't planned on participating in the CAL, but it seemed to be a good pattern to try out some #3 cotton thread I had recently dyed. Since I had a limited amount of the dyed thread, I changed the square & also used some Lustersheen. I also made longer straps. The Luustersheen is turquoise & the dyed is shades of turquoise & lime. I'll post a picture as soon as I figure out how :) Am now working on tote #2.
Alosha

[Rena Tyrantina]

Welcome Alosha! I can't wait to see your tote. It sounds like it's going to be beautiful!

Pat, your tote is lovely! Great colors. I love the buttons/beads you used. What a great idea!

My squares are finished and assembled. I worked the first row of the handle and was completely confused by the row 2 instructions. It was late last night so I'll take another look at it tonight. Maybe my brain will be working by then!

[pinkroses]

I really liked your purse Railbird and the buttons you used on it it is really cute. You did a good job. PINKROSES

[ChainOFools]

Pat, your tote bag is really lovely!! I love the decorative buttons, talk about jazzing it up!! :clap I just love how everyone here is so creative with how they finish their projects. :D

I'm almost done my second tote bag, this one is for my niece who saw it and 'simply HAD to have one' :lol

[strebekah]

I finished my bag a few days ago but haven't had a chance to post a pic. I chose Ohio State colors just to irritate my dh. ;) It was so quick to do...and helped me to relieve some stress that I was having over the weekend. :lol Both my daughters now want me to make them one.

Like someone else said, the little x's in the middle were just a pain to me--I couldn't get them to look right so I left them off. And I even do cross-stitch and I still couldn't get them right.

Here is the pic of my bag:
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/188/188826/folders/149218/1978339HPIM0014.JPG
Rebecca

[KnicKnac]

HA! Those little x's irritated me too so all I did was made these crocheted buttons and put them on!

Boy have I enjoyed seeing all the many different totes! They are all looking so nice!

[barbn77]

Rebecca - your tote is very pretty :yay

[pinkroses]

Rebbecca your purse is really cute. I have A aunt and her family who live in Ohio. You did a good job on your purse. PINKROSES

[ChainOFools]

Rebecca, your tote is really pretty!

Here's my second one done...this one has longer handles as per a request by my niece.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/Kayncee/nicspurse.jpg

In retrospect I have to agree with the X stitching...it was a bit of a pain in the rump.

[pinkroses]

Chain, I love the colors . Your second one is really nice too. These totes are getting additicive. PINKROSES

[karin4christ]

I have just LOVED looking at everyone's totes. I'm working on sewing mine up right now. Its amazing how the different color combinations make the totes so different. I plan to line my tote after I'm fiinished. I think it will make it more practical to use that way.

[barbn77]

Kiki - I LOVE the blues in your tote...my fave color :)

[Railbird]

Thanks for the compliments!!

I love seeing the colors everyone else has used. It gives me ideas for future projects.

This is such a fun place to be.:manyheart

Pat

[Brandybuck]

White Elephant - Do you have Adobe Reader? That may be why you can't see it, since it's in .pdf form. If you do, ignore this message, please! :blush

If not, here's the link for the free downloadable version! http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

[toriem]

toriem, you might want to try this link for a lining tutorial, it's pretty good:

http://www.helloknitty.com/pdfs/Lining.pdf

It's not that hard to do, I'm done mine and all I did was trace the bag onto a piece of paper, add 1/2 inch for a seam allowance all around and then cut out the fabric, fold 1/2 inch of each side of the 'points' down and iron it, (I'm sure there's lots of other ways you can do it too) then sewed the sides and pinned the lining into the bag and then blind hemmed it by hand. Writing it out it makes it sound complicated but it's really not! ;)



Thank you! I just finished my bag just in time for my friend's b-day. Now I'm tempted to keep it. I'll just have to make another one, but in different colors.

This was my first time making a bag, and also first time working with granny squares! I quite enjoyed it!!

When I was making mine, I thought the colors didn't work together as well as I wanted it to be. But now, that I've finished with it, I think I quite like my color scheme. I think I'll name mine the Watermelon Tapestry Tote Bag hehe.

All my yarns, I used Red Heart Super Saver. I also made mine with longer handles because I like to hang bags on my shoulder than to carry them. I saw someone in another thread doing the switching colors with the squares, so I did that. I also only put 2 X's in the front of the bag (they're "supposed" to be like watermelon seeds, but not really :p). And the back of the bag has no X's, so you can use whatever side you want depending on your mood.

For the life of me, I couldn't figure out directions on how to do the handle, so I just swinged it as best as I could. I double stranded everything for the handles, because I wanted it to be sturdy.

I'm very happy with my lining too! Although my stitching could use work... oh well as long as it works! So anyways, here are my pics.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/crochetgrlhotel/100_1533.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/crochetgrlhotel/100_1538.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/crochetgrlhotel/100_1540.jpg

[Rena Tyrantina]

Nice work, toriem! It's beautiful! :clap
I love your color choices.

[pinkroses]

:clap good work on your bag. I love the color combination and the lining you did really well on it.PINKROSES

[crochetprincess66]

I finished my tote!!! Here it is. Let me know what you think.


http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j40/crochetprincess66/HPIM0140.jpg


Thanks,

Kim :princess

[Rena Tyrantina]

Kim, that's beautiful! I love the beads!

[pinkroses]

Crocheting P. I replyed to this once; but it seemed to have gone into outspace and I haven't seen it againg? What is with that?:lol
I love your purse and the color combination . You did a very good job. :yes PINKROSES

[ChainOFools]

Pinkroses, Barb, thanks for the compliments on my second tote! :manyheart

Toriem, love your tote! The colours are great!! :cheer

Kim, you did a great job on yours...I love how you used the rhinestones, they look wonderful! :cheer

[toriem]

Thanks everyone! My friend really loved her tote so I'm glad. She said she needed a bag in that color too.

Kim, your colors look great. Mmmm... chocalatey goodness.

[crochetprincess66]

Thanks everyone for the compliments! Toriem, I like the colors in your tote. You did a great job lining yours.

Kim :princess

[yarnlover66]

Too late to join in? This bag has been on my "to do list" for a long time.

[Rena Tyrantina]

Teresa, things have been a bit slow on this CAL for a few days, but you're certainly welcome to join!

[yarnlover66]

But is everyone else done? I don't want to be the only one!! :(

[Fidgement]

:hook :yarn Hi, i saw the pattern and decided I need one of these, so hopefully, I may join and you won't be alone. If all goes well, I see more for Christmas gifts!

:yes

[Stacy25]

I made one of these totes last weekend. It worked up really fast. I can't seem to get the stitches in between the squares right, though...and how do I even go about lining it? Is there a good lining tutorial out there somewhere? :think

[Fidgement]

There is a link in post #82 with a good tutorial. 82 is on page 9 :c9

[yarnlover66]

Please do join with me Fidgement! I need a buddy! :D

I'd better pick out my colors tonight. Decisions, Decisions! I have so much yarn in my stash, I'm sure I can find something without having to go buy any yarn! :yay

[Fidgement]

I'm in Teresa! Got my colors and 2 squares down! This, along with all my other projects, I must be nuts, but so be it!:yay :hook :yarn :yes

[pinkroses]

I hope yall will post pictures when you get through. I didn't get to because I don't have a printer. I know you will love making it. Good luck. PINKROSES

[yarnlover66]

FIDGEMENT!! Wait for me!!

I must go NOW to look through my stash to pick out my colors. What colors are you using???

[Fidgement]

Black, white, and rubine red (looks more like a deep pink to me) all Caron's!
Better hurry and catch up - but really, they do go quick! :yes :waving

[yarnlover66]

I am an experienced crocheter of almost 15 years and that 3rd round has me confused! What's up with that? This is supposed to be easy! Sometimes the easiest patterns are the hardest for me! LOL:lol :lol SO needless to say I haven't even gotten 1 square completed yet! Grrrr!

[Brandybuck]

I am an experienced crocheter of almost 15 years and that 3rd round has me confused! What's up with that? This is supposed to be easy! Sometimes the easiest patterns are the hardest for me! LOL:lol :lol SO needless to say I haven't even gotten 1 square completed yet! Grrrr!

You are not alone! Which means I'm not alone, either. :lol My first "square" ended up as a rectangle, and I'd already frogged it twice. It's gotten so frustrating that I haven't started square two yet. And I really like the colors I chose so it's driving me nuts. I'll have to pick it up again this week...

[yarnlover66]

I have finished one square but I don't like my colors. I'll look at my yarn again tonight.

[Fidgement]

Hi all!
I'm on my fifth square and I personally think they could have done a better job writing the directions. The way they are written is somewhat over complicated (just my opinion). For what its worth, this would be my choice:

Join with sc in any ch-1 sp, ch1 (dc,ch 1,dc,ch2,dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, decrease, then repeat ch 1, dec, ch 1, (dc, ch2, dc) in the same ch sp as the last half of the dec.

This pattern then repeats and I just ignored the end decrease, since its the same.

I don't know if this helps, but as I said, I found them confusing.

[yarnlover66]

I totally agree with you fidgement!! FIVE SQUARES?? I'm way behind. Tonight won't be any better for me either--2 boy with Football practices--and Youth Group Kick Off tonight with a band, games, prizes, singing....maybe this weekend.....

I still need to pick out the "perfect" colors!!

[Brandybuck]

Fidgment, thanks for the modification in instructions! Hopefully that will help.

Now if I just figure out where I buried it after it ticked me off... :blush

[Fidgement]

GG31, I should have indicated that the instructions were for round 3 and you join in any ch-1 sp (or ch-2 sp). Also, the end decrease, to me is the same as the regular decrease.

Seems to me that someone was trying to fill in the gaps with word count or something!!!:think :think

let me know if this helps anyone as I really don't intend to add to the confusion!:eek

Cheers:yay

[yarnlover66]

I'm being a pest I know. BUT I finally picked out my colors and I'm going to run with it! One square down! My colors are slate blue, off white and tan. Can't wait to get my squares done. Twelve to go! :lol :lol

[Fidgement]

Teresa,

You're not a pest! If you don't like the colors, you can always do another one! I think you could take any square and make one of these. I'm thinking one a little bigger would be cool!

Cheers!:hook :yarn

[momofgmd]

OK. I've jumped on the bandwagon for this project. When it was first posted I loved it but was working on something else. Then someone suggested felting it and:idea! I have some wool that I was working into a bag, but I didn't like how the bag was working out. Two days ago I frogged that bag, rewound my yarn and got to work. I'm doing all the squares, one round at a time. So, I have eight squares done through round 3 and five squares done through round two. It's actually coming together very quickly. My colors are black, purple and blue. Once I get the squares done I will see if I need to add a few squares for the purpose of felting -- if I can figure out how I could add a few squares. We'll see. Anyway, just thought I'd publicly jump on the bandwagon here. :) Happy hooking! :hook

[yarnlover66]

I am doing mine the same way. I did one complete square to see if I liked the color combination I picked out. The rest I'm doing a round at a time. All the centers are done for 12 and 2 are done on round 2.

[Stacy25]

Thanks for the lining info! I will go out to Joann's this weekend to get some fabric.
I did mine in wool, also, because I had plans to felt it. Well, I decided to work up a square and felt that to see how it would turn out and I am sooooo glad I did! The tote is really cute, but the square that I felted is so ugly and full of holes (because it's not a consistent stitch, I think.) I cannot imagine an entire purse like that.
Anyway, if you are planning to felt, I would highly recommend felting one square first, to see how you like it. :hook

[momofgmd]

The tote is really cute, but the square that I felted is so ugly and full of holes (because it's not a consistent stitch, I think.) I cannot imagine an entire purse like that.
Anyway, if you are planning to felt, I would highly recommend felting one square first, to see how you like it. :hook

Thanks so much for the information. I will try to felt a square before I do the tote. I do like the way its coming out. I have all the squares finished and I have sew together the first five of them. I should have it done fairly quickly. :)

[yarnlover66]

Hey, Fidgement--are you done with your tote? :lol :lol :D post a pic if you are.

I'm still plugging along. Three squares are done up to the 3rd round and 9 have 2nd round done....and one square completely done.

Varsity FB game tonight. Might get more done tomorrow.

:hook :hook

[Fidgement]

Hey Yarnlover!

Not yet, hopefully tonight or tomorrow at the latest. Enjoy the game!

:cheer :clap

[Fidgement]

Update - all blocks done, now to weave ends and sew!
:D

[yarnlover66]

ARGH! Wait for me! LOL Please post pics when you are done!

Went to a yarn shop today that someone at work told me about called "The Yarn Basket". It is about 70 miles from where I live. OMG! I wanted one of everything! EXPENSIVE though. I got 2 skeins of wool yarn. Can't wait to experiment!

Better go work on my tapestry tote, I'm being left in the dust..:ohdear :sweat :sigh

[Fidgement]

Teresa, I'm slowing the pace! Actually, I'm working on something else at the moment so you'll have a chance to catch up :ccompute :knit :dog

I love independent yarn shops but they do tend to be on the pricey side! I always look for sales.

Now, time to get busy again!
Cheers :yes

[yarnlover66]

Don't slow down for me. I'm just teasing you! I'm starting to put mine together. Maybe I can finish it today or tomorrow.

I'm not looking forward to weaving in all those ends!! Does someone have a trick to doing that so you don't have so many to do at the end. I rarely make a project I have to piece together just for that reason!

Just got home from church and it is pouring down rain. Good day to stay inside and crochet!:clap :clap

[Fidgement]

Teresa,

Don't be silly - I'm slowing down because I have a lot of WIP's and I have a tendency to go from one to the other (it keeps me from being bored and I suffer from a short attention span). So, as opposed to fighting it, I just jump around!

The only secret I can share concerning the ends is to crochet as much of them in as you go so you don't have as much to weave. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Have fun, and I'll post progress pic today, even if it isn't completely done!

Cheers!!!:D :yes :yay

Ps -:rain here too, and has messed up my plans for this afternoon! Oh well, more time to :hook :yarn !

[yarnlover66]

momofgmd, did you finish your tote? Please post pics. I'm curious to see if you felted your bag or not!!

[yarnlover66]

IT'S DONE!! I just have to weave in the threads inside and line it.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/yarnlover66/Crochet%20Projects/tapestrytote5.jpg

[pinkroses]

ooo I love the colors yarnover . Very pretty. A very good job too.:clap PINKROSES

[Fidgement]

Teresa, Very nice work! I too, love the colors - so warm and inviting! Perhaps some yarn will jump in, LOL! I'm still working on mine and will post a photo later. Awesome job!

:yay :yay :clap :cheer :yes

[yarnlover66]

Thank you, thank you, ladies!

[momofgmd]

:cheer Nice work, Teresa! :clap I did finish mine on Sunday afternoon. I took pictures, but I will have to post them later as I am busy trying to get my house ready to sell. The realtor comes tomorrow to look at it. :loco

[momofgmd]

OK, here is the link to my bag. I was glad to get it done!
http://momofgmd.blogspot.com/2006/09/tapestry-bag.html

[Fidgement]

I love the colors, and great job!
Y'all are leaving me in the dust!

[yarnlover66]

I love it! Those colors are perfect.:clap :cheer

[ViciouzKitty]

My sister saw my bag today and begged me to make her one in all black and white. I'm so honored that my 'HIGH FASHION" sis thought my bag was kick ***! :clap

[Fidgement]

Hi all,

I'm admittedly lame as my bag is done, ends are woven, the only thing I need to do is line it. Hopefully I'll finish this week and post a pic upon completion. Stay tuned!

[hischildsindi]

Well I'm working on this tote, have been quite frantically, especially since I'm now getting down to the connecting of front and back and soon handles. I have made the tote larger than inticated as I am planning on felting/fulling it. I'm using some of the Knit Picks, Wool of the Andes yarn I got from the winter wool swap last winter. Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to get over to my sisters house and use her washer to felt it and then I'll post a picture. If anyone is still interested in this crochet-along... :)

[Fidgement]

I'm still interested. Mine is done except for the lining - i've been too busy crocheting to get the lining in.

[daisycrochet]

:)I think I'll be giving this one a try. I'll have to print the pattern out tomorrow. Then pick out some yarn.