Eclectic Grannie


As promised in my last post, I have something finished to show you this time.  But, let us start at the beginning....

I mentioned leafing through my Pinterest pages and finding an Inspiring Photo.  This is the photo...

Isn't it lovely?  I must admit I never would have given this bag a second look going by the Ravelry picture alone, but clever Cecile of Electic Gipsyland has totally transformed it into something really unique and eye catching.

Originally thought it'd be great to make this bag in a bright, happy, riot of colour but when I found the photo again something else suggested itself to me.  I knew I had a few half balls of DK left from other projects in some lovely colours which had worked pretty well together and I'd been wanted to use them up on something.  So I raided the rest of my DK stash to find some other colours to add to the eclectic mix and then I got really excited.


This was exactly what I needed to kick start me off again, some different colours to work with, to combine and to drool over.  Fab!

The bag starts off making a really quite sizeable granny square, 30 rounds to be exact, which is quite huge.  I only dared go to 28 rounds because I didn't want to run out of my yarn left-overs.


I can't tell you how much I wish I had enough yarn to make this into a blanket though.  It would make such a beautifully grannie-ish granny blanket.  All random colours, slightly mismatched and the rusty brown really does it for me - quintessential grannie in my opinion!

Alas, I did not have enough yarn and this was destined for other things, so I started to think about.... Embelishment!  (Worth the capital letter I think.)


Thanks so awesome Cecile, I knew I wanted flowers, and dangley bits and lace to be very much a part of things.  I wanted a kind of 'flowers in the hair' bohemian gipsy type look.  Hence I went for yarny braids* with flowers on the end and lots of straggley, dangley hangy bits!


*I know, being an English, British and citizen of the UK I should say 'plaits' and not braids, but somehow braids sounds more.... flowers in the hair-ish to me.

I love those hangy bits, I really do.  I love that photo.  I love the braids (whoops, I did it again) of yarn all jumbled in together too.

I added lace round the edges



The most suitable lining I could find


And just a couple of flowers on the back to keep things more simple that side


And the bag was complete



I didn't know exactly how this one was going to turn out until it was done, but it was one of those times where the ideas just suggested themselves as I went along.  I'm searching for a less poncy term and can't find one, but it was kind of an 'organic' project I guess.

But, I like it and I've had a couple of lovely compliments on it too while parading out and about with it, which makes me very happy indeed!







S x


Edited to add (24th March 2012):  
Sorry everyone, I forgot to make clear what pattern I used.  It was this one by Pierrot Yarns.  Also, I used DK yarn rather than 4ply and used a mixture of wool, blends, acrylic, whatever really!

Further Edited to add (21st June 2012):  
The pattern and tutorial for the little flowers I made and used on this bag are now availble if you'd like them:

Mix and Match Flowers Written Pattern Download

Mix and Match Flowers Photo Tutorial






Comments

  1. That is gorgeous! I have had the bag on my favourites for ever, since seeing it on Crochetbug's blog, but now I have seen yours and its inspiration I might push it up my queue a bit.
    I hadn't even thought about Embellishing it, but I am now!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You've done a really good job ~ the bag is lovely :O)x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow, I have turned green with envy, that is a gorgeous bag!

    Alison
    x

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is beautiful! Now I need to make one! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Now that is a show stopping bag. I just might have to tackle it myself. How heavy is it to carry on it's own? I'm just curious because those bamboo loop rings don't seem comfortable and was toying with a padded strap to make it more hobo/messenger-like.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh wow, it looks awesome! I love how this bag is turning up all over blogland :) Have you seen mine yet? I'm currently making another one, just for myself, and splurged on some skeins of Noro Silk Garden! <3
    I just ordered some red palmwood rings to use as baghandles for it - watch my blog for pics, because when it's finished I'll definitely be blogging about it! ;)
    xo,
    wink
    acreativebeing.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow Sandra, that is absolutely beautiful, amazing!!!
    Karen x

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh, it's wonderfully colourful. Love the lining of the bag too! Go you ;-)
    Esther.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh oh oh...'tis lovely indeed!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh My Goodness that is just an absolute B*E*A*U*T*Y~~~!!!

    I love love love love LOVE it! :) thanks for sharing, and I've had that in my Ravelry queue for so long. You've inspired me!~

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a great bag! It does kind of remind me of the "hippie" bags my friends and I made in the 60's and 70's. I love your blog, and get so much inspiration from it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow!!! That is gorgeous!! Definitely 'hippy' and 'flower in the hair' like! Your photographs look really fantastic too.
    Maria x

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow! Fab bag! Now that just added another to do on my list.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I have always been captured by these bags. I made two last year, but with subdued tones. I have to try it with more lively colors. I like the tones you use, because there are somewhere in between. And, of course, the flowers!...such a beautiful detail. Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  15. wonderful bag, fabulous colours. x

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, I love it! I now have the 'wantsies'! :) x

    ReplyDelete
  17. Stunning, the colours are perfect, very bohemian.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh yeah. She's gorgeous! Love the mix of colours. I may make a smaller version for my daughter - she'd love it in a mix of pinks!

    ReplyDelete
  19. This bag is amazinggggg! I've seen a lot of crochet bags around and none have really taken my fancy but this one is beautiful. It really makes me want to get started on one for myself! Gorgeous.

    Thank you for having such a lovely blog that I get excited about reading when it pops up on my feed!

    Ashley xxx

    ReplyDelete
  20. So gorgeous, it has inspired me to give my crochet bag a makeover.Thank-you for showing the photos, I now have a project for the weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Granny has never looked so good.

    ReplyDelete
  22. OH MY GOSH!!! I REALLY REALLY LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!
    DANETTE

    ReplyDelete
  23. Stunning absolutely stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  24. This is so cute! I have been wanting to make a crochet bag (I've seen many great patterns and I also eyeballed this one), but I have so many things that I want to make/am making! It will have to wait a bit, but thanks for sharing this gorgeous bag. I really love the lining, it looks perfect together.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oh that is beautiful - what a thrill to have made something so lovely. I adore the little flowers too xx

    ReplyDelete
  26. This is really beautiful. I'm new to your blog and am glad I found you. Love Katie xx

    ReplyDelete
  27. This is really beautiful. I'm new to your blog and am glad I found you. Love Katie xx

    ReplyDelete
  28. Absolutely stunning. I'm lost for words!

    Helen xx

    ReplyDelete
  29. Absolutely beautiful! The flower tassel detail is just perfect.
    Very jealous of you.
    Fleur xx

    ReplyDelete
  30. ohhhh i loove this!
    i want to try one too.
    i have never made a bag before, the square is easy to do but how is the top made?!
    can one of you lead me to the ravlery pattern or a blog with tutorial on that, please?
    iam a beginner :-)

    thank you so much ladies for sharing your talent
    Claudia

    claudiaesrosa@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. This is a beautiful Bag. The colors you choose are perfect. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  32. OMG!!! i must i really must make one for myself ! thank you so much for sharing ! Is this made with dk yarn ? is wool better than cotton ? I was thinking of using a yarn wth a mix of wool and acrylic, what do you think ?

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi dear Sandra! I love your gorgeous bag! Oh, it is beautiful and so well done! Very creative of you! The lining fabric is lovely too! I am not surprised you have had a lot of lovely compliments! Have a wonderful weekend! xo~ Paula

    ReplyDelete
  34. Ooh, it is so lovely and happy!
    The lining, braids and flowers finish it off perfectly :)
    Well done!
    Is there a pattern or tutorial somewhere?
    I would love to make one for my self :)
    Have a great weekend! xx

    ReplyDelete
  35. Oh wow! I love this bag!!! I never thought your granny square was going to turn into this! It looks very 'bohemian' and gorgeous! The flowers with dangly bits of yarn are perfect! What a beautiful explosion of warm colors! great job!!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Ohhh wow this bag is absolutely gorgeous! Love everything about it! ♥ x

    ReplyDelete
  37. Oh my goodness, this is so fantastic! All your embellishments really make it something special. Great job! I think I know what my next project will be... :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. What a beautiful bag! I love the colours and fabulous flower details :-)
    Can you tell us how you completed the sides/top of the bag please.....it would be great to make one!
    Carole

    ReplyDelete
  39. oh my god this bag is AMAZING! the colours are to die for, oh i love it so much :D i will have to save a couple of these photos for my own inspiration :D looovvveeeeee x

    ReplyDelete
  40. Very Bohemian. Love it! Have a great day. Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  41. Oh my, your bag is gorgeously boho! Pure crochet genius - I love it!

    Heather x

    ReplyDelete
  42. This is THE nicest crochet bag I have ever seen. Absolutely love it, just brilliant.
    Carol xx

    ReplyDelete
  43. That is incredible and so cheerful to look at with all those lovely colors. Great idea for using up left over yarns. Well done! Amanda :-)

    ReplyDelete
  44. What a great version, I love it so much. And thank you very much for the link. Merci. Cecile

    ReplyDelete
  45. It is gorgeous, absolutely the bees knees, and totally boho gypsy. Love it :D

    ReplyDelete
  46. muy muy bonito!!! me gusta mucho,mucho....

    ReplyDelete
  47. Absolutely gorgeous bag! Can you show me more of how you shaped it to attach the handles?

    ReplyDelete
  48. How sweet!!! Do you all think I can make this beauty into a shoulder bag? I love how the bamboo handles keep the shape. But, love to carry shoulder bag!

    ReplyDelete
  49. It is Gran-de-lish-us! How about that a new word! the bag is awesome!
    Susanne :)

    ReplyDelete
  50. Pięknie u Ciebie!!
    Torba wspaniała :)
    Pozdrawiam z Polski :)*

    ReplyDelete
  51. It's so beautiful!! I'm going to make one to go with my Granny Jacket!! Can you tell us how big the square is? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  52. New follower... I just love your work :)

    ReplyDelete
  53. Oh my goodness!! I found this bag on Pinterest and have just started it ( www.purplechaircrochet.blogspot.com ). Yours is fantastic! :):)

    ReplyDelete
  54. Just found your lovely blog via FB - will follow it, and your Pinterest boards! What beautiful woolly loveliness - thanks for sharing!

    Sarah
    Sew now we are four
    http://sewnowwearefour.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I LOVE these colors! Thank you for giving me the inspiration I needed to get some granny square pillow covers done this weekend :)

    ReplyDelete
  56. Thank you for sharing and I now have a lovely bright crocheted bag and the envy of lots wanting it. hehehehe

    ReplyDelete
  57. I just finished mine!! I posted pics on my Facebook page. Come and say Hello! http://www.facebook.com/shelle.hendrix

    ReplyDelete
  58. I really love this. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  59. A bolsa é linda! fantástica!!!! Gostaria de saber a maneira como foi armada! onde fazemos as dobras para que um quadro se transforme nesta linda bolsa? Você poderia mandar para o meu Email a maneira certa de como fazer isso? Ficaria imensamente agradecida!
    email: edalyesteves@yahoo.com.br
    Recebe aqui do Brasil, um grande abraço. Edaly

    ReplyDelete
  60. beatufull !!! I started the square but I realy don´t know how to do the border and how to put the bamboo rings. I just want it to look just like your´s. I t is posible to have some instructions on how to do it?
    thank you very much
    soniavieirav@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Ooh that's lovely! I need to make one right now!!!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Oooh la la.... amazing. Fabulous what a brilliant choice of yarn can do for a pattern! Love it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  63. You're very welcome. I love this bag and yours is completely amazing! I MUST have one of my very own. Thanks for letting me share this. Happy Wednesday! :)

    ReplyDelete
  64. Wow! That bag is gorgeous, lovely colours :)

    ReplyDelete
  65. Fabulous bag, I spent sooo long trying to work it out like many others above...
    Then I found this! http://atadplaid.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/granny-bag-tutorial.html
    Really helped me understand what was needed, so simple when you know how!

    I'm new to the bloggy thing, hope it's ok to link across?

    Happy hooking all :-)
    Di

    ReplyDelete
  66. very nice boule bag... i like the lace you have put it brought some more construction to the bag... i also love to do bags.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Lindo blog trabalhos lindos!!!
    bjus
    Marlene

    ReplyDelete
  68. I adore this bag soooo much and I am currently using the teeny flower embellishments on a granny heart bunting that I spotted on your blog too! I should really be doing the ironing though but...hey ho!!! Thank you for your clear picture tutorials too as I am just a beginner.. xx

    ReplyDelete
  69. How do you get a square granny to become a round and fluffy bag? ;) Love it!

    ReplyDelete