The making of the Salt Spring Bags collection
The 3 bags that make up the Salt Spring Bags collection
My latest designs - The Salt Spring Bag collection is out now! Three bags; a tote bag, bottle holder, and phone holder.
The patterns are available to buy from my pattern store on this website, Etsy, and Ravelry.
I was first inspired to make these bags after seeing THAT Prada bag last summer. I saw it, saw the price (2700 CAD*) and I had the classic crafter thought “I can make that”. Of course, my end designs are not the same as the bag, but I’m glad it gave me the inspiration.
If you’d like to watch my full design process, from inspiration to the finished collection, you can watch my vlog on Youtube (below)
* not that crochet is cheap, but I feel that kind of money is too much, and probably doesn’t all go to the maker!
The name
Why Salt Spring bags? Well, the majority of my patterns to date have been named after locations here in British Columbia. Salt Spring Island is just one of the many stunning Gulf Islands here in B.C. and the vibe of the island is just perfect fit for these bags.
I was lucky enough to spend a long weekend there a few years ago. I loved all the shopping opportunities, with weekend markets and independent stores. When I had the design idea, all I could see was using them while I explored that beautiful island.
Bag details
Let’s take a quick look at each pattern:
The Tote Bag
The tote bag is perfect for walking around and picking up some local produce at farmer’s markets and produce stores. I’ve also been using my bag to take to the beach, it’s roomy enough for a beach towel, book and refreshments!
I intentionally designed the bag in such a way that the crochet stitches towards the bottom section would be solid. That way you can put smaller items in the bag and not worry about them falling through the gaps that the mesh design creates.
The Bottle Holder
So far, the bottle holder has been the bag I’ve used the most this collection.
If you’re a millennial like me, I’m sure you have the Uniqlo half moon bag that just about everyone has! I find it so useful, especially for travel. However, although you can fit a good lot of things in those bags, my rather wide, 1 litre bottle is not one of them. Using this bottle holder has allowed me to keep my hands free by using in combination with my half moon bag. The size of the holder is perfect for a variety of water bottle sizes.
The Phone Holder
Finally, the phone holder is perfect for those walks where you really don’t want or need to take anything other than your phone and keys.
It’s very light weight and extremely quick to make. If you watch my Youtube episode related to this bag collection, you’ll see just how little time it takes to make one. So consider it the perfect handmade gift idea too!
What you need
The materials and tools needed to make these bags are as follows:
Loops and Threads Everyday Cotton yarn, 100% cotton, 120 yards | 109 metres per 2.5 ounces | 71 grams in colour Jade Green.
5mm (US size H-8) crochet hook - or whichever size needed to obtain gauge
Tapestry needle
Scissors
So, which one are you excited to make? Let me know which bag you’ll be making first!
Purchase from my pattern store
Purchase the pattern from my Etsy store
Purchase the pattern from my Ravelry
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