Purse #6

This is Granny Square Purse #6, and I really like it! One of the cool unique features in this purse is that it has different colors; one side is in a blue/purple tone, and the other side is in a brown color. I also love the shape of this purse, and it is the first purse in this group that has wooden handles, rather than my usual crocheted shoulder strap.

 It was the fastest purse to make so far, and I like the versatility that the colors provide. It’s almost like having two different purses. Like the ones I made before, the granny square used on this purse is from Leisure Arts’ 99 Granny Squares to Crochet book, and it was made using Lion Brand’s Homespun yarn, and I used 4 different colors. The variegated blue/purple and the variegated brown were leftovers from previous purses, and I added the creme to give a matching border for both sides. The black was actually a last-minute decision (and I was really glad to have a skein sitting around!), made when I realized I was going to have to use black handles, rather than the brown ones I intended to use. Interestingly enough, the black ended up giving this purse a striking contrast that really made it look great!

Purse #6

Purse #6

My initial idea was to use a larger wooden handle that would be big enough to go onto the shoulder. But once the purse was ready for the handles, I realized it would look much better with these smaller handles.

Purse #6

Purse #6

Purse #5

I know, it took me long enough, right? But somewhere between all the meetings and the huge Knook distraction, purse #5 sort of moved to the back burner.

So, without further ado, here it is! Made using the granny square triangle from the Leisure Arts’ 99 Granny Squares to Crochet book, and using the usual Homespun Lion Brand yarn, this is a very cute purse.

It is on the smaller side, like Purse #1, and it can be used either as a purse, or as a mini laptop, iPad, or eReader cover. I still need to add the button, but I don’t have it at home and didn’t want to wait until tomorrow to post the pictures. Since I never added a picture of Purse #2 with the button added, I will probably create a new post with the finished purses soon.

It can also be used as a sleeve for the electronics mentioned above by folding the strap and putting it inside the purse.

Here are more pictures, some with my mini laptop in it.

As you can see, this would be a nice and cushy sleeve for your electronic equipment if you wanted to carry it inside a purse or hang it on your shoulder with the strap.

 Here are some more photos.

 

Purse #5

If you haven’t yet, please check out the other purses!

Please click HERE to check out the other Granny Square Purses!

Let the drums roll…

I present you Purse #4 of the Granny Square Madness!  :)

It’s actually a tote, and very cute. As usual, I still haven’t added the lining, but one of these days it will be lining day and they will all get finished.  As the previous purses, this one was made with Lion Brand’s Homespun variegated yarn, and it truly is the perfect yarn for these purses! The colors are gorgeous, it’s nice and soft, a bit shiny, and using an H hook the fabric is firm enough to keep the shape.
This granny square variation came from the 99 Granny Squares to Crochet book by Leisure Arts.

This purse also looks nice when it loses its cube shape, as shown in the picture below.  And it also would be a nice cube to store things inside, like towels, yarn, toilet paper, etc. If someone wanted to make it firmer so the sides would stand straight, like a cube, even when the purse is empty, they could use a firmer material, like cardboard or plastic mesh, inside the lining. So many possibilities!

The inside of the purse is also pretty cool, at least until you add the lining.  :)

Another option if you would like the purse to hold its shape, but don’t want to add lining or something inside to make it firmer, you could use a smaller hook, or work with two strands together.

And here are a few more pictures.

Check out the other purses by clicking on the link below!

Granny Square Purses

Tada!!  =D

And the second granny square purse is finally ready! And I already have plans for the third one, which I’ll start tomorrow. One thing missing, though, is the button. I forgot to get it this weekend when I was at the store, but will get it tomorrow when I go in to teach a class.

Back of the purse

Once I add the button to this purse and lining to the two I’ve made so far, I’ll post new pics here showing the finished purses.

Detailed view of the front of the purse, button missing

As you can see, the granny square is on the bottom of the purse, so it’s not as granny-squary as purse #1, where you can see it on the sides, as well as on the bottom of the purse. If you forgot how purse #1 was, here is the link to see it!

http://blog.crazycrochetladies.com/?p=155

Detailed view of the bottom of the purse, the granny square

Check out the other purses from this project by clicking HERE!

Ok, call me copy cat, monkey face, or whatever you like! But I saw in Kathryn’s blog (link posted below) that she intends to make crocheted purses and bags to use as Christmas presents wrap, which is a great and very green alternative by the way. I saw a purse similar to this one in her list and, well, the rest is history!  :)

Kathryn’s Blog: http://www.crochetconcupiscence.com

So, as you can see, I’ve made some small modifications, mostly the shoulder strap, and here is the final product. This is  a great purse, nice and spacious, and I do like the colors.

I’m showing here a lot of pics because, well, because I like it when I see a post about a project with lots of pictures so I can really see what it looks like!  :)

The great news is that now I’m inspired to go on a Granny Square Madness! I’m going to try to make some different purses, and maybe even other items, granny square based. Since I was so happy with the results on this first project, I think I’ll have more inspirations, other than the one I already have in mind!

By the way, I intend to add some lining to this purse.

I am also going to make it using the Afghan Square, which is actually my favorite square pattern. Hopefully, it will look as nice as this one.

Stay posted to see what comes next!

UPDATE: Check out the other project purses, just click on the link below!

Granny Square Purses