Whimsical Works

Project of the week

COLOR BLOCK BAG CROCHET PATTERN
From dabblesandbabbles.com
“This cute crochet tote is the perfect size for an everyday bag. It’s small and convenient to carry around,
while still being roomy enough to fit all of your essentials. I’ve pretty much replaced my crossbody bag
with this one as of late.”

(5 mm) crochet hook or size
needed to obtain gauge
DK / Light worsted weight yarn
– 200 yds yellow (A)
– 200 yds lt grey (B)
– 200 yds dk grey (C)
– Scissors
– Tapestry needle
– 1 inch metal D rings (4)
Size:
• Width: 12 inches

• Height: 14 inches, not including handles
Gauge: 17.5 sc x 18 rows = 4 inches
Abbreviations
ch- Chain
dc- Double crochet
RS- Right side(s)
sc- Single crochet
sk- Skip
sl st- Slip stitch
st(s)-Stitch(es)
WS- Wrong side(s)

PATTERN:
With A, ch 54.
Row 1 (WS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (53 sc)
Rows 2 – 4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across.
Row 5: Ch 1, turn, (sc, dc) in first st, sk next st, [(sc, dc) in next st, sk next st]
across to last st, sc in last st. (27 sc, 26 dc)
Rows 6-18: Repeat row 5. Change to B.
Rows 19 – 36: Repeat row 5. Change to C.
Row 37 – 75: Repeat row 5. Change to B.
Row 76 – 92: Repeat row 5. Change to A.
Row 93 – 106: Repeat row 5.
Row 107 – 110: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across.
Fasten off. Weave in all ends.
HANDLES:
Crochet 2 cords of your choice, approximately 18” long each. You can do an I-cord, Romanian cord or any other type of cord you prefer. For an easy cord: Ch 80, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Weave in all ends.
ASSEMBLY:
Fold the bag in half with RS together, so that the first and last row meet at the
top. The stripes should line up along the side edges.
Sew the side edges together, matching the color of the yarn in each section.
Fold the bag right side out and lay it flat.
Place 2 d-rings on the front, in line with row 109, and about 1 inch in from
each side edge. Use A to sew the d-rings in place.
Tie each end of one handle to one of the d-rings with a tight knot.
Turn the bag over and attach the other 2 d-rings on the opposite side in the
same manner. Tie each end of the other handle to these d-rings.
Weave in any remaining ends.

If you liked this pattern, check out more by the artist!

EXPLORING TECHNIQUES –
WIRE WRAPPED JEWELLERY

By Ethan Carney at blog.folksy.com
Wire wrapped jewellery is one of the oldest jewellery making techniques in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s a thing of the past. Its timeless quality and straightforward process continue to keep this technique popular As part of our Exploring Techniques series, we’re delving a little deeper into the process of wire wrapping, with tips on how to get started and advice from an array of our own talented Folksy jewellers. What is wire wrapped jewellery? Essentially, wire wrapped jewellery is jewellery that has been created either by wrapping wire around itself or around other elements (cabochons, gemstones, crystals or beads). It’s crafted using metal wire, which is bent, twisted and manipulated into shape, rather than being soldered or moulded. The wire can be wrapped around objects
to secure them in place, but it can also be a decorative design element in itself. There are many different wire wrapping and weaving techniques, such as figure-ofeight weave and filigree or herringbone wrapping. In this respect, learning to make wire wrapped jewellery is similar to learning to knit, crochet, stitch or weave – in fact, Dee from Oruki Design describes it as “a bit like sewing with metal” Because the tools needed for wire-wrapping are relatively few and inexpensive, wire wrapping is a great technique if you’re just starting your jewellery-making journey. Wire wrapped jewellery throughout history Wire jewellery has been around for millennia. Historians agree that it’s been a feature of human civilisation since the Mesopotamian Ur Dynasty around 4,300 years ago and certainly since the Ancient Egyptian times. Gold, silver and copper were most commonly used to make wire jewellery because they were easy to hammer into thin sheets, then cut into strips and roll into tubes to form the wire. Even without the luxury of electricity and modern technology, ancient civilisations were able to create beautiful work entirely by hand, to be excavated by archaeologists centuries later. Over the following millennia, wire wrapping made little progress as a process, and is rarely recorded up until the early to mid 20th Century, when artists Alexander Calder (who claimed to “think best in wire”) and Ruth Asawa (inspired by traditional crochet techniques of Mexican basket makers) introduced the art world to the versatility of wire and its ability to mimic the drawn line in their sculptures. More recently, the emergence of online selling platforms like Folksy has enabled more people to try making and selling craft. As a technique that is easily accessible and doesn’t require huge investment in terms of materials, tools or space, wire wrapping has consequently grown in popularity. How can wire wrapping be used? As wire wrapping is so versatile, it can be used to create all sorts of different effects. Wire wrapping can be used to encapsulate small objects such as gemstones, sea glass, broken pottery and crystals. The only limit to what you can wrap is the weight of the object and how easily the wire can hold it. You can also create pieces entirely made of wire. There are lots of different wires to choose from, with different weights and characteristics. It’s worth experimenting with different types of wire to see which you prefer to work with – some are more pliable than others and it also depends on the finish you prefer. Wire wrapped jewellery ideas Wire wrapping can be used to create beautiful wire earrings, pendant necklaces or intricate bracelets and bangles, encapsulating gemstones and other treasures, or using wire alone to create shapes and patterns ranging from simple swirls to complex knotted designs.
Wire wrapped earrings usually feature ear-wire findings such as the ‘Shepherds Crook’ or ‘Marquise’ variations, rather than a stud backing, as wire can easily be looped into the findings, whereas stud backings would have to be soldered. Rings can also be crafted using the wire wrapping technique. Wrapping wire to create a ring requires plenty of patience and a steady hand. Remember to measure the ring size and make sure it fits – you won’t be able to resize it once you’ve wrapped all the wire into the ring shape. Gemstones held in place by wire finish off any ring perfectly. Top tips from our wire wrapped jewellery experts “It’s difficult to create very dainty pieces like you see in jewellery stores, tiny pendants, or tiny earrings. Use tutorials to help you and have a good set of wire cutters, you will be using it a lot. Practice, practice, practice to improve your craft. It’s okay to put a piece down and come back to it.” – Gabriella Szekely on Folksy. “For anyone wanting to start wire wrapping I would say get yourself some copper wire, which is easy to work with, and some good tools. Be prepared to spend lots of time practising different weaving patterns.” – Rhiannon Rose on Folksy. “Have good eyesight and strong fingers (it’s not for anyone who suffers from arthritis!). A good set of pliers will help. Keep things simple to start with – don’t over complicate wraps.” – Tammy, Hare Today Gifts on Folksy. “If your wire weaving doesn’t look great to begin with, don’t feel disheartened. Practice makes perfect! Also, although patterns state which gauge wires to use, don’t be frightened to experiment and mix them up a bit. If your work is going out of shape, try a thicker wire that will give you more stability.”

– Rachel, Beads by Verchiel on Folksy.
“Wire can be quite unforgiving, especially very fine weaving wire – once bent it can be tricky to get straightened out again without hardening and you run the risk of it breaking. If you spot a kink forming, stop and fix it! Other than that, just have fun – once you have the basics down, then there’s really no right or wrong way to do it!”

– Denise, Oruki Design on Folksy.
“I would advise newcomers not to be too rigid or precious about their final products, as the design can often develop during the process itself. Perhaps start with cheaper metals, have a play and don’t worry about the failures but keep them as a learning tool.”

– Anna King Jewellery on Folksy.