My new crocheted handbag!

I'm so excited! I have a new handbag! As I've shared, I don't get new purses very often. In fact, the one I blogged about two years ago is the one I just replaced! (Apparently I still liked the color scheme, since I unintentionally chose the same basic colors for this bag!)

For some time, I've wanted to make a crocheted purse, but I wanted it to be fully lined so that small items didn't end up poking out of the stitches. So with the summer lull (not too many hats are needed this time of year!), it was the perfect time to choose fabric (a heavy cotton print that will really last) and yarn (100% wool), and to do the really fun part...figuring out a custom pattern!

I was working on it last night and kept getting closer to the end, so I repeatedly put off bedtime. I finally finished it a little before 2:00 this morning, and I love how it turned out!



Would you like to join me on a tour of my new handbag?

Beth's Bag

(I really need a more interesting name for this design--any ideas?)

I wanted the bag to be roomy, but I didn't want things to get lost in the bottom of it (as they did in my last purse.) It's about 13" x 8" x 5"...plenty of room, but shallow enough to really see what's in there. For the outside, I made widely-spaced ribbing, with a faux cable design (front and back.)



I was excited to use magnetic clasps for easy closure. I used one on the top...



...and smaller ones on the sides. The sides will stay clasped most of the time--it helps prevent them from poking out when the purse is closed. But if I need to open up the purse a little more, I can easily unclasp the sides to expand it a bit.



But as you can see, even with the sides cinched up, there is a lot of room in here!



The inside has two main chambers, with some smaller pockets built into the lining. I really thought about what size pockets I wanted. In one place, I have four narrow pockets. Two are shallow (for packets of gum, business cards, lipstick, etc.) and two are long (for sunglasses, tampons, etc.) If I make this design again I'll probably eliminate one of these pockets and make the other three a little wider. I may add another pocket or two on an open area of lining next time, too.



In another area is a pocket that is sized just right for a smartphone, plus skinny, narrow pockets for pens and pencils.



The straps are lined too, and like all the lining and all the pockets, I doubled the fabric so it's nice and thick. The straps feel cushy and comfy!



I love this bag! If you love it too, you can order one. A custom-made bag in this design (in a color scheme of your choice) is $125 (plus $5 shipping if applicable, and 8.25% sales tax for Texas residents.) I'd also be happy to make bags of other sizes to fit various tastes and budgets.

With the lining, extensive crochet work, and finishing (including sewing the lining to the bag by hand along the top, bottom, sides, and straps), one purse requires significant time to make. But I know I'll be treasuring my one-of-a-kind bag, and I hope to provide that same opportunity to others!

Handbag designed and stitched by C. Beth.