The loopy, lacy, textured patterns of crochet are taking the fashion runways by storm. And millions of crocheters have their hooks poised, waiting for trendy new patterns for handhooked, high-fashion accessories. Noted crochet designer and author Candi Jensen is transforming the look of crochet with two great new books.
Crochet Bags! includes 15 projects ranging from a swinging cotton bag in hot summer colors to an elegant evening purse adorned with feathers. Specialty techniques include working with suede yarn, integrating beads into crochet, creating a fan-shaped purse, making a string market bag, and even crocheting with recycled plastic shopping bags to create a colorful and waterproof beach bag.
Packaged in Storey’s best-selling die-cut series, with the signature at-a-glance, chart-format instructions, Crochet Bags! will be irresistible to all the fashion-conscious crocheters who want to show off the new range of styles and looks that are achievable with a hook, a ball of yarn—and Candi Jensen’s great patterns.
So far I have tried only one pattern, "Shopping Buddy." I can't get past row 1. Seriously. I'm an experienced crocheter, but after a couple hours spent trying to figure out what this pattern wants me to do at the end of row 1 and the beginning of row 2 and tearing out a few guesses I'm still completely mystified. This is not fun and relaxing.
I LOVE the other Jensen project books (crochet hats and crochet scarves), but this one on bags was less inspired and included a narrower variety of patterns. Though it was a bit of a disappointment, I still used a few of the patterns and they were clear and easy to follow as ever.