HIGHLANDER TOTE BAG - Scottish Inspiration

HIGHLANDER Tote Bag has been inspired by ancient Scottish designs and symbols which are steeped in Celtic history. 

LARGE CROCHET BAG

The design in the squares in this crochet tote bag is my interpretation of the various Celtic knot designs I came across whilst travelling in Scotland. I love how different each square looks when you change the colours. 

I have named this tote bag pattern Highlander to commemorate my Scottish travels.

Did you know that the Celtic knot is called Icovellavna?

AND THAT artistic use of interlaced knot patterns are found in Byzantine architecture and book illumination, Coptic art, Celtic art, Islamic art, Medieval Russian book illumination, Ethiopian art, and European architecture and book illumination. ALSO Interlaced and/or knot patterns were used in 4th and 5th century Roman floor mosaics. 

CROCHET TOTE BAG DESIGN

My design focus for this tote bag was that it be colourful and fun to make. Not to mention the perfect size for farmer's market shopping, and ideal for spring/summer day trips to the country, or the beach. I love the way my unique Celtic-based design turned out, and this HIGHLANDER Tote Bag is simply the right size for my outings.

Highlander Tote Bag crochet PATTERN includes written instructions for a bag with approximate circumference 37in (94cm) and 13in (33cm) deep; handles 23in (58cm).  Bag is made using crochet square motifs measuring approximately 5in (12.5cm) x 5in (12.5cm). The pattern includes accompanying photographs at the end of the written instructions.

HIGHLANDER Tote Bag has been inspired by ancient Scottish designs and symbols which are steeped in Celtic history. 

FINISHING TOUCH

To finish the bag I attached these large flower buttons which I found in my local Haberdashery, I think they add a bit of fun to the bag.

SO MANY CROCHET BAGS

I know there are many CROCHET patterns for market bags and tote bags out there, which is why you can choose to use the square motif design to make an afghan, blanket, throw or cushion cover.

YOUR CHOICE make whatever you like, the pattern gives instructions for assembling a tote bag but you can make whatever you like. You can have some fun, use different yarns, make varying sizes.

HOW TO FIND YARN SUBSTITUTES

I recommend going to YarnSub for replacement yarns, when the yarn in the pattern is no longer available, or if you prefer to use a yarn which is more suitable to your budget, or to find a yarn which is available in your country. This website is absolutely amazing, it is definitely the best resource on yarn substitutes, I love it!

PATTERN DETAILS:

DIFFICULTY:  Easy

SIZE: One size

YARN USED:  Debbie Bliss Cotton Cashmere ● 85% Cotton 15% Cashmere ● 50g = 94m (103 yds) ● 6 colours

TOTAL YARDAGE: 310g = 583m (638yds)

SUBSTITUTE YARN:  Any DK / Light / Worsted weight yarn OR King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK ● 50% Bamboo 50% Cotton ●100gr = 251yd (230m)

TENSION:  Not critical to this pattern

NOTIONS:  G-6 (4mm) and E-4 (3.5mm) Hook, Yarn needle

PATTERN NOTES:   Instructions in this pattern are for a three colour motif.  Motif can be made using one, two or three colours.  The tote bag in this pattern is made using six colours.  This bag can be lined. 

This pattern is available in 

USA American Crochet Terms

Pattern is available from my online stores

CRAFTSY       RAVELRY 

Enjoy!

ciao, ciao!

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet   www.crocknit.com
(C) Copyright - All rights reserved.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

LET'S PLAY - CROCHET FUN - FREE PATTERN #3

FRESHEN UP with SPRING MAKEUP REMOVER PADS

Week #3 of Let's Play - Crochet Fun

How did you go last week?  Did you enjoy making the Spring Flower Motif? and did you manage to make the garland as well?
I had heaps of fun making my garland and they have brightened up my lounge room way more than I expected.  I am very pleased, indeed!

I would love to hear and see your creations so PLEASE DO SHARE THEM 

BELOW IN THE COMMENTS OR ON MY CROCKNIT FACEBOOK PAGE

THIS WEEK #3
Spring time is all about new life, new beginnings, and we all know about Spring Cleaning.  So, with cleaning in mind I thought these little crochet cotton pads would be a great way to help with REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT. Simply by making a batch of these reusable cotton makeup remover pads, we can help SPRING CLEAN and save the planet, in our own small way.  What do you think?  Is it a great idea?  or not?

Lovely cotton makeup remover pads

This week's free crochet pattern involves one of my favourite stitches, the front post double crochet.  You get so much texture and a lovely stretchy, springy fabric with this one stitch.  So you will need to be comfortable with this FPdc stitch, to complete these makeup remover pads.

I had a play with some different yarns, and really liked using the finer cotton yarns like DMC PETRA, I also tried Wendy Supreme Luxury Cotton 4ply, which made a slightly larger pad, but I am sure you could also make these cotton pads with any similar soft cotton yarn.

I know some of you are probably still enjoying an Easter break, and may not be ready to get into making these cotton pads, however, I do hope you manage to get some time after the break, and after the kids get back to school, because these are really fun to make.

So, for those who are ready to begin FREE PATTERN #3, gather your yarns and hooks, get yourself a cuppa, and let's play, let's have some crochet fun!

WHAT YOU NEED:  

Yarn:  Wendy Supreme Luxury Cotton 4ply or DMC Petra 3 or similar cotton yarn
Hook:  2.5mm or 2mm
Notions:  Scissors, Yarn needle

PATTERN DETAILS:

DIFFICULTY:  Easy Intermediate

PATTERN NOTES:  You need to know how to crochet in the round.  Stitch guide: single crochet, double crochet, front post double crochet, reverse single crochet.

This pattern is written in USA - American Crochet Terms.

USA - American Crochet Terms	UK - British Crochet Terms
Ch = chain
sc = single crochet	dc =double crochet
hdc = half double crochet	htr = half treble crochet
dc = double crochet	tr = treble crochet
tr = treble crochet	dtr = double treble crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st/sts = stitch/es
cont = continue
rep = repeat
rnd = round
beg = begin/beginning
yo = yarn over	yrh = yarn round hook
FDC = foundationless double crochet	FTR = foundationless treble crochet
BL = back loop	blo = back loop only
FL = front loop	flo = front loop only
BPdc = back post double crochet	rtrb = raised treble back
FPdc = front post double crochet	rtrf = raised treble front

ADD THIS PATTERN TO YOUR RAVELRY QUEUE AND FAVOURITES

PATTERN STARTS:

Rnd 1:  Magic loop, ch3, 11dc in loop, join in 2^nd ch of ch3. (12sts)

Rnd 1 and 2:  Showing Front

Rnd 2:  Ch3, FPdc in ch3 below, 1dc in top of same ch3, * (FPdc, 1dc) in next st, rep from * around, join in top of ch3.  (24sts)

Rnd 2:  Left Photo showing back; Right Photo showing front.

Rnd 3:  TURN, Ch3, *FPdc in next st, 2dc in next st, rep from * around, ending with 1dc in last st, join in top of ch3.  (36sts)

Rnd 4:  TURN, Ch3, *FPdc in next 2sts, 2dc in next st, rep from * around, ending with 1dc in last st, join in top of ch3.  (48sts)

Rnd 4:  Showing Front.

Rnd 5:  TURN, Ch3, *FPdc in next 3sts, 2dc in next st, rep from * around, ending with 1dc in last st, join in top of ch3.  (60sts)

Rnd 5:   showing Back.

Rnd 6:  Ch1, sc in same st, sc around, join in ch1.

Rnd 6:  Sc - LEFT PHOTO showing back, RIGHT PHOTO showing front.

Rnd 7:  Ch1, rev sc around, join.  Fasten off, hide ends.

Rnd 7:  Rev sc - LEFT PHOTO showing back, RIGHT PHOTO showing front.

Make as many as you like.  You can change colour in last two rounds for a different coloured edging.  Make a variety of coloured cotton pads.   

Have some fun, have a play!  

and 

YOU ARE WELCOME TO SHARE YOUR CREATIONS 

BELOW IN THE COMMENTS 

OR 

ON MY CROCKNIT FACEBOOK PAGE

BE CREATIVE

PLAY AND HAVE SOME FUN!

LET ME KNOW how you go with this pattern and please share your creations. 

 I am always happy to help if you have any questions in regards to the pattern.

more  LET'S PLAY - CROCHET FUN - FREE CROCHET PATTERNS:  

Enjoy!

ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008-2015  Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.  All rights reserved.  

LET'S PLAY - CROCHET FUN - FREE PATTERN #2

SPRING GARLAND - EASTER GARLAND - 5 PETAL MOTIF

Week #2 of Let's Play - Crochet Fun

How did you go last week?  Did you enjoy making the Spring/Easter Coaster?
How many did you make? and did you use different colours?  Did you have any difficulties with the pattern?
I would love to hear from you and also see your creations.

I had a hectic week, so only managed to make four, need to make another two more coasters for my Easter Sunday table setting, and I will be more than happy. 

But right now I am making these easy-peasy garland flowers...

Simple 5 Petal Motif
This week's free pattern is a very simple motif, where you can exercise and perfect your chain stitch.  

The pattern is an easy three (3) rounds of crochet.

I started with chunky yarn and then proceeded to make a few smaller motifs using a smaller hook with 4ply (Fingering) and 8ply (DK) yarn.  

You can see the different sizes below.

So are you ready to make a few spring motifs?  Get yourself a cuppa and grab some yarn and your hooks and let's play, let's have some crochet fun!

WHAT YOU NEED:

YARN:   Hayfield Baby Chunky OR any Bulky (12ply)
HOOK:  H-8 (5mm)
NOTIONS:  Scissors, Yarn needle

PATTERN DETAILS:
DIFFICULTY:  Easy
PATTERN NOTES:  You need to know how to crochet in the round.  Stitch guide: chain, double crochet, slip stitch.


This pattern is written in USA - American Crochet Terms.

USA - American Crochet Terms	UK - British Crochet Terms
Ch = chain
sc = single crochet	dc =double crochet
hdc = half double crochet	htr = half treble crochet
dc = double crochet	tr = treble crochet
tr = treble crochet	dtr = double treble crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st/sts = stitch/es
cont = continue
rep = repeat
rnd = round
beg = begin/beginning
yo = yarn over	yrh = yarn round hook
FDC = foundationless double crochet	FTR = foundationless treble crochet
BL = back loop	blo = back loop only
FL = front loop	flo = front loop only
BPdc = back post double crochet	rtrb = raised treble back
FPdc = front post double crochet	rtrf = raised treble front

ADD THIS PATTERN TO YOUR RAVELRY QUEUE AND FAVOURITES

PATTERN STARTS:
Rnd 1:  Magic loop, ch1, 10sc in loop, join in ch1. (10sts)

Rnd 2:  *Ch10, miss 1st, sl st in next st, rep from * around, join in 1st ch of ch10.

Rnd 3:  *Ch5, (1dc, 3ch, 1dc) in ch10-sp, ch5, sl st in last ch of ch10, rep from * around.  
Fasten off, hide ends.

Make as many as you like.  

"How long is your spring garland?"

Use as many colours as you like.  

Make it festive.  

Spring time festive.

Have some fun, have a play!  

and 

YOU ARE WELCOME TO SHARE YOUR CREATIONS 

BELOW IN THE COMMENTS 

OR 

HERE ON MY CROCKNIT FACEBOOK PAGE

BE CREATIVE

PLAY AND HAVE SOME FUN!

LET ME KNOW how you go with this pattern and please share your creations. 

 I am always happy to help if you have any questions in regards to the pattern.

more  LET'S PLAY - CROCHET FUN - FREE CROCHET PATTERNS:  

Enjoy!

ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008-2015  Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.  All rights reserved.