Sunday, April 7, 2013

Dynamite Market Bag

So, you know how I wrote an ebook called Crochet Dynamite: Argyle Crochet? (Even if you don't have a Kindle, you can download Amazon's FREE software and read it on your tablet, smartphone or computer!  Awesomesauce!)  Well, I ended up with a lot (LOT) of variegated yarn that just doesn't work with the argyle technique.  It's a bummer.

On the bright side, I've got some really fun yarn to play with now!  Yippee!

I was teasing my grandma the other day about her daily routines, but it made me think about myself.  I've realized that I've got two routines that I do daily too.  I have to crochet to calm my brain down, because the days that I don't are the days that I have panic attacks and can't function (um, too much information?).  And I have to make my daily run to Target (it's close, and our local grocery store just closed, so it's a two-for).



I did a recycling week in January (check THIS LIST for the projects), and ever since then I've been hyper aware of how much plastic is thrown away in my environment.  I've been working hard to reduce it, but it's hard to get everyone in the family on board with the "Take the Reusable Bag in EVERY time!" plan.  Don't get me started on the "Reuse Ziplock Bags!" plan... LOL!!!

I made these bags to be similar to a bag that I picked up at Harrods.  I love them! They are perfect for my Target runs, but they'd be equally awesome carrying around my latest crochet project.   And I really love that they are such a great way to show off some of that awesome variegated yarn that I can't Argyle Crochet with.


Dynamite Market Bag
Approximate finished size -16.5" tall x 15" wide

Supplies:
Variegated Worsted Weight Yarn - approximately 380 yards (for the White/Pink/Green bag I used Loops & Threads Impeccable in Holland, for the Brown/Pink/Green bag I used Red Heart Super Saver in CherryCola)
Size I crochet hook
Scissors
Yarn needle

ch 37
R1: hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in each sp across (35 st)
R2-9: ch 2, hdc in each st across (35 st)
R10: ch 2, hdc in each st across, turn piece and 10 hdc across short edge, 35 hdc across the back loops of R1, 10 hdc across final short side, sl st to first hdc to join round (90 st)
R11-35: ch 2, hdc in each st around, sl st to first hdc to join round (90 st)
R36: ch 2, 2 hdc, ch 15 st, skip 15 st, 30 hdc, ch 15, skip 15 st, 28 hdc, sl st to first hdc to join round (90 st)
R37: ch 2, hdc, 15 hdc across ch stitches, 30 hdc, 15 hdc across ch stitches, 29 hdc, sl st to first hdc to join round (90 st)
R38-39: ch 2, hdc in each st around, sl st to first sc to join round (90 st)
Fasten off.  Weave in ends.



**For you Argyle Crocheters:  The Red Heart Super Saver CherryCola yarn actually will argyle, but the pattern length is about as long as their Camouflage yarn pattern.  Two skeins would make an amazing scarf.

Ooh!  Just a reminder to get your Argyle Crochet questions ready for our Twitter Q and A tomorrow at 3pm PST.  Make sure you label your tweets #argylecrochet!  (If you haven't gotten your copy yet, it's not too late!  Read it today and join us tomorrow!)

xoxo

38 comments:

  1. Ooh, can't wait to start one. (I am on yarn restrictions so I have to wait to start my argyle projects, but I have lots of plain yarn that is begging to be hooked) I have been needing projects because I haven't been able to crochet much lately and because of that I have been suffering from insomnia and panic attacks. I guess great minds to spaz out alike :)

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    1. Don't have any variegated yarn? I buy yard sale thin yarn cheap and mix two or three different colored strands. Works great and is sometimes even a "give away" from friends who had the leftover older thin yarn.

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  2. Seriously, I'm pretty sure we're long-lost siblings... I'll hang in there, if you will too!
    This is a great "just sit and crochet" project. Mindless and perfect paired with a late-night movie!
    xoxo Jaime

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    1. Oh man how I wish blogger had a like button. I thought the same thing when I read this post.

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  3. Hi There, This pattern looks easily enough even for me to make and what a stylish shopping bag I'll have!!! Thank you!!!
    Love
    AMarie

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  4. hi jaimie....first thank you for offering your new book ARGYLE CROCHET free .... i love it!!! todays bag is great and i can't wait to get to the store tomorrow and get "more" yarn to get started. i do have a question?? how do you think it would work up with the cotton sugar and cream 4 ply for instance. i was concerned that the yarn might be too stretchy and lose its shape quicky...what do you think... do i need to worry. thanks for the help and always giving us such wonderful ideas and patterns. janet

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    1. Hi Janet!! Thanks so much. I'm glad you liked the new book!!!
      I think that cotton yarn would work great! The bag would be a little heavier than if you used acrylic, but I think that would be the only difference.
      xo Jaime

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    2. Works up great in the cotton yarns. It is a little heavier but I feel like it is more sturdy, and it came out great in Black and hot pink.

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  5. You are hilarious. I don't crochet, but I was looking for patterns for my mom to make me a scarf and found this pattern. Just had to tell you that I enjoyed reading the intro to the project...thanks for the smile. :-)

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  6. �� Like!!! Very much. :)

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  7. Thank you for the easy instructions...I am a youtube crocheter.....I have to see how to.....this was the FIRST craft I have made with just written instructions! AWESOME turn out! I love the Market Bag! I can't wait to make another one!

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  8. Wow, great pattern. Excited to get started. I understand about the panic attacks, I have them and crocheting is very calming for me. Again awesome pattern thanks. Ange

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  9. Help??? I have a diagonal seam where I ss'd and my handles are coming up on the ends instead of the middle like yours. I have the correct amount of stitches so I am at a loss.....

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  10. Anonymous, I found that issue with the pattern too, the handles being not centered on the front and back so I just started counting from one side...15 st, ch 15 , sk 15 and then it was 15 to other side seam (45 st). As for the seam , I did it in continuous rounds so I didn't get the seam, but I wouldn't recommend that either because my handles didn't line up right with the spiraled row and I had to manipulate it to work a couple times, so go with the slipped seam it shouldn't be so noticeable on the side anyway. I love this bag and I'm amazed at my first attempt how well it turned out.

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  11. has anyone tried this with plarn ? ?

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    1. I was thinking that also!! I was going to try it and see how it worked out!

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  12. PDunn56....thank you for responding. :) I'm glad I wasn't the only one that happened to. I kinda played around with it also and got my handles somewhat centered. I was pretty happy with it too when I finished.

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  13. I just started this bag and can't figure out how it becomes a bag! Do you crochet in the back loop only of round 11, and that's what makes it start forming a bag? Cause right now all I have is a rectangle.
    Thanks

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  14. Can wait to make this bag. I'm am going to make it from Plarn. (Recycled grocery bags converted to plastic yarn.) Keep those plastic bags out of the land fill by repurposing.

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  15. This pattern is just what I was looking for - so I have included a link to it in my blog - http://alittlebirdmademe.com/2013/08/09/friday-finds-a-list-of-21-links-to-free-patterns-for-crochet-market-bags/.
    Feel free to stop by and grab a button to show that you have been featured.

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  16. Can you please confirm that I am to crochet into the spaces on round 1, then only the stitches after that?

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  17. Having never made a bag before I was well impressed with how it turned out. Do you have any scrap wool patterns?

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  18. I have made bags before with yarn made of old grocery bags (cut in rounds and chained together). This is a better pattern. I can't wait to try it. The ultimate recycling project.

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  19. Looks great... I can't wait to try this!!

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  20. What a terrific bag! Thank you very much! :)

    _______
    Lee Ann

    Crochet...Gotta Love It! Blog


    YouTube Channel

    #crochetgottaloveit
    #crochet

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  22. Do you count the chain stitch as one of the 90?

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  23. Row 36 does not line up right. My handles end up on the sides instead of the middle. What change to the pattern did people make to correct it? Thanks!

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  24. This would be good in plarn for the beach!

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  25. Thanks so much, will be trying this soon

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  26. I have a hank of bulky linen yarn I bought from DBNY (or was it Potluck Yarns?) during one of their sales (probably Potluck Yarns, because it was the cheapest yarn they had which was thicker than fingering weight); I wonder if that would work for this? (Most of my machine-washable acrylic yarns get earmarked for charity afghans -- except black, which is "too somber" for Project Linus blankies -- so I'd rather use up some natural-fiber yarn on projects for me.)

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  27. June 26, 2014 I really liked this pattern, I have made 2. The second one the person asked if I could make the handles longer, which I did, and it turned out beautifully. Could you tell me where you got your Cherry Cola yarn, love the way it worked up.

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  29. Amazon does not have a free download for your book after a short period of time you must pay for the site.

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  30. This is the first time I've "commented" on a pattern. This one is just great and I do use only my reusable bags for groceries. These will be Christmas gifts. Thank you!

    In answer to the stretchability of the bag, it is easy to make a cotton liner and stitch it into place below the handle. I use worn out sheeting, lengths of denim from old jeans, flannel from torn shirts. Everything has a re-purpose eventually. Lighter weight material makes great liners for purses so combs and pens don't work their way out.

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