If you follow me for a while, you know I like to change bags every season. And here is my Spring/Summer 2016 edition !

Initially I did not want to make anything: I had the idea of finding myself a bag or basket, medium height, shoulder straps, and neutral enough to be customized. But after traveling all Marseille, visiting shops, markets, even thrift stores … I had to go to the evidence, it was impossible.

Foolish I was, I even tried to crochet Hema Sisla Rope so I can confirm: you can’t crochet it. Unless you are a masochist and like fingers bleed. : D

And while shopping in a Cultura shop I fell on Natura XL hanks from DMC: a bulky cotton. I took 2 hanks, and started a bag shape by improvising: from 15 chains, single/double crochet, increasing on each side of 3 sts for 9 rows up not having wire.

In the end the bag measures 33 cm wide by 26 cm high. I did not know how to customize it … until I remember that pin on Pinterest.

Cross-stitch on single/double crochets, isn’t it a great idea ?? And thanks to the grid here, I was able to try cross-stitch for the first time.

Cross-stitching is very funny, and especially on single crochet in 7, it goes very fast! I used Drops Paris cotton, in double, with apricot / pistachio / pink / red / white / brown colors.

To close it, in the last slip stitchs, I just crocheted a few chains to form a loop, and I chose an old button. The bag is lined with leftover Ikea fabric, hand sewn on the edge of the bag and in which I sewed 2 buttonholes (interfaced) to get the handles.

Handles recycled from a braided belt that I was no longer using. I wear it every day for one week and the matter stands rather well, I’m happy!

Conclusion : the result is not at all what I planned at first, but I’m really delighted with the result. I like his vintage and romantic style, and it sticks well with my little summer dresses. (Juliette already made an option on it for September, the sweetie ! ❤)

Have a good week-end Ladies ! ❤