Simply Stunning Crocheted Bags
By: Coats Design Studio
Rating: 5 of 5
This is a book of 23 truly stunning crocheted bags. I am inspired to crochet at least one of each bag for myself and then, perhaps, a couple of others for family and friends.
The book apparently was published in Germany in 2014 (though it is unclear if it was as a book or simply that the patterns were available from Coats GmbH), then in Great Britain in 2015, and finally, here in the US, also in 2015. The translators did a good job in providing directions in both the US format (default in this book) and in the English format.
The only thing I wish that they had also done was provide the weight of the yarn used in each of the projects. I can understand why they didn’t include the specific yarns as those may not be available in markets outside of Germany and, in some cases, may not be available at all anymore. However, they could have included the weight. I can guess at some of them but I wish that I didn’t have to. As an experienced crocheter, I will make make my gauge in the yarn that I prefer and adjust accordingly. It may make working these patterns a little more difficult for the novice crocheter. In doing this, be sure to buy enough yarn to finish the project as it may differ depending on what weight you use.
Having said that, I still like the book so well that I easily rate it at 5+ stars. The bags are all very stylish and usable. The Look Inside sample shows the table of contents for the book and gives you an idea of how the patterns are laid out with the first one (handbag in apricot) which appears to be made with a bulky or super bulky yarn. A few of the patterns also have illustrations showing the stitch chart but for the most part the patterns in given in written language.
I’ve included pictures of the bags that are my favorites apart from those already shown. The other bags are also lovely but these are the ones that I will be doing first.
The basic instructions at the front of the book are very well done. The illustrations show the new crocheter just how to do each stitch and serve as a reminder for the rest of us, too. The pastel mesh bag calls for basic knitting for the strap but unfortunately, does not give instructions. The blue clutch bag calls for a knitting dolly to make a cord strap but again does not give instructions. For the rest of the bags, you either crochet straps or purchase pre-made ones. I think you could easily crochet straps for both of the two bags above if you are not familiar with knitting. I also think that the knitting skills involved are fairly basic and you could learn them pretty easily.
I really like this book and am glad that I purchased it. I plan on buying a copy of the book for my younger daughter (who also crochets) and will, over time, make a bag or two for my older daughter (who does not currently crochet.) Who knows, the bags are so cute, it may inspire her to finally learn to crochet.
This is a book of 23 truly stunning crocheted bags. I am inspired to crochet at least one of each bag for myself and then, perhaps, a couple of others for family and friends.