It just goes to show, you can take the girl out of the library and put her in a store full of yarn, but apparently, you can’t take the library out of the girl!
Summer is the perfect time to make and use crochet bags! Crochet bags are beautiful, stylish, sturdy, and versatile. They’re fun to make, and make fast little projects which are also very portable (so great for plane/train/car trips to the city/country/beach/cottage). They’re made with cotton, which is perfect for humid summer weather (most animal fibres except silk hold humidity, which is less fun in hot weather). The Portofino bag set is crocheted with Berroco Modern Cotton and the Costa Market Bag is made with Berroco Modern Cotton DK (both are ON SALE until the end of August).
Portofino Bag Set (crochet)
The Portofino bag set is the ultimate duo in accessories! A roomy tote for market scores, beach day essentials, or picnic must-haves in addition to a chic bottle bag to ensure you are always hydrated make the perfect pair this season. These quick projects are stylish, quick, and functional – the best combo!
I made the Portofino Bottle Bag for myself this weekend (picture below), and I’m sold, it’s a great one and I want to make the larger bag now too! I added one row to the body to make mine a little taller to accommodate some of my big bottles, and I only put on 160 sts for the strap. The bag fits my big, wide bottle perfectly, the mesh of the body of the bag is stretchy but also sturdy. The strap is extremely sturdy, and I don’t think it’s inclined to stretch out.
I used 1 skein of Berroco Modern Cotton (on SALE until the end of August) and it was ideal – it’s strong, sturdy, but also has a gorgeous sheen and luster, giving the finished bag some polish.
The instructions were clear and easy to follow. The pattern is free on the designer’s blog, or you can purchase a printable PDF that’s probably more concise (you know how blogs are these days, lots of ads and pictures).
Skills: Single crochet, Double crochet, Slip stitch, Chaining and skipping stitches (my favourite crochet skill tutorials are from Bella Coco on Youtube)
Materials
Berroco Modern Cotton: 3 skeins to make both bags, or 1 skein will make 2 bottle bags (On SALE until the end of August)
Tote all of your beach essentials or market finds in the Costa Bag, available in three sizes to ensure it will work for any occasion. A simple stitch mixed with a unique construction makes this classic net bag look polished and professional! The Costa Market Bag is a refinement of the very popular French Market Bag, which we made a few years ago, so I know it’s going to be a great one.
Skills Level: Intermediate
Skills: Single crochet, Single crochet decreases, Half double crochet, Half double crochet decreases, Working into chain spaces, Working flat and in the round, Crocheting into the sides of a row. (my favourite crochet skill tutorials are from Bella Coco on Youtube)
Our SUMMER SALE is on now! Select products (including some clearance items) are 20% OFF until August 30, 2025, 11:59pm.
The discount is online and in-store, and it will be automatically be added at check-out, so you don’t have to jump through any extra hoops or remember to put in a discount code (this discount can NOT be combined with any other offers or discounts, including free shipping – you won’t be able to use another discount code when you check-out).
Our SUMMER SALE is on now! Select products (including some clearance items) are 20% OFF until August 30, 2025, 11:59pm.
The discount is online and in-store, and it will be automatically be added at check-out, so you don’t have to jump through any extra hoops or remember to put in a discount code (this discount can NOT be combined with any other offers or discounts, including free shipping – you won’t be able to use another discount code when you check-out).
While I was away on vacation I finished a project I was working on for myself, the Zeme (Earth) Sweater by Linda Skuja! I’m sorry it took me so long, I don’t seem to be fast these days, but I got it done and I’m enjoying wearing it in the store.
Observations
I’m really happy with this sweater. It’s pretty and light and interesting. The instructions were clear and the pattern well written. It is not a beginner crochet sweater, but it’s a good intermediate place. I used a summer yarn, Berroco Remix Light, but it would be just as lovely in a merino wool like Sandnes Garn Double Sunday.
Modifications
I made some modifications as I’ve gone along, and I included everything in my Ravelry notes.
I used a smaller hook than the pattern calls for because the finished sweater is pretty oversized (and make it harder for myself) – so CAVEAT, my tension is NOT matching the pattern and I played around with the pattern a little (see my Ravelry notes). I used Berroco Remix Light, which is super light and delicate, and it worked up beautifully with a little bit of texture. I’ll only used 2.5 balls for the smallest size. If you DO NOT want to jump through the hoops of screwing with around with the tension I suggest using the 5mm crochet hook recommended in the pattern. You can also use a slightly thicker yarn like Sandnes Garn Line.
I’m used a thinner yarn and hook, so my size has came out smaller. This is fine through the body since the style is oversized, but the arms were a bit too tight for me. I followed the Size 1 instructions for the body, but I adapted the sleeve instructions for Size 2.
I made the body shorter to a slightly cropped length since I’ll be wearing it with my little summer pants and skirts. I skipped a few rows on the bottom section and went straight to the ribbing. It is VERY easy to make it longer or shorter, there are instructions in the pattern and you can try it on as you go.
Hacks
I learned to count my stitches at the end of each round. When the count is off it make a big difference moving forward, and I’d rather rip out one round than several. Locking stitch markers have always been my friend, but became especially close on this project. I used them to count my stitches, and the two colours helped me keep track of which stitches are which.
Before I started the sleeves I tried it on and I gotta say, if you like to knit or crochet tees it works perfectly without the sleeves, you could skip them completely.
When I started I was feeling a little overwhelmed by the techniques in the pattern, but they really weren’t a problem. I initially made a youtube playlist for the skills I was a bit iffy on, but the pattern has good written instructions and the only video I’ve ended up using was the first, the foundation single crochet (which I’ve honestly always needed a video to do, I can never remember how to do it without instructions). If you feel like you want to make something similar but need more video support, the designer has a different sweater she teaches in her online Madara Domestika Sweater course.
A little while ago I shower you my personal project, the Zeme (Earth) Sweater by Linda Skuja, and I feel like it;s time for an update! I’m sorry it’s taking me so long, I haven’t had as much time at night to focus on it and my progress has been slower. By the way, it;s not the pattern, it’s me, if you’ve got time you should make your way through it easily, I just needed to get new glasses and a bit more sunlight!
Mods
I’ve made some modifications as I’ve gone along, and I included everything in my Ravelry notes for both of us.
I’m using a smaller hook than the pattern calls for because the finished sweater is pretty oversized (and make it harder for myself) – so CAVEAT, my tension is NOT matching the pattern and I’m screwing around with the pattern a little (see my Ravelry notes). I’m using Berroco Remix Light, which is super light and delicate, and it’s working up beautifully with a little bit of texture. I’ll only use 3 balls for the smallest size. If you DO NOT want to jump through the hoops of screwing with around with the tension I suggest using the 5mm crochet hook recommended in the pattern. You can also use a slightly thicker yarn like Sandnes Garn Line.
I’m using a thinner yarn and hook, so my size has come out smaller. This is fine through the body since the style is oversized, but the arms were a bit too tight for me. I’m following the Size 1 instructions for the body, but I adapted the sleeve instructions for Size 2.
I made the body shorter to a slightly cropped length since I’ll be wearing it with my little summer pants and skirts. I skipped a few rows on the bottom section and went straight to the ribbing. It is VERY easy to make it longer or shorter, there are instructions in the pattern and you can try it on as you go.
Observations
I’m learning to count my stitches at the end of each round. When the count is off it make a big difference moving forward, and I’d rather rip out one round than several. Locking stitch markers have always been my friend, but we have become especially close on this project. I use them to count my stitches and the two colours help me keep track of which stitches are which.
Before I started the the sleeves I tried it on and I gotta say, if you like knit or crochet tees it works perfectly without the sleeves, you could skip them completely.
When I started I was feeling a little overwhelmed by the techniques in the pattern, but they really haven’t been a problem. I initially made a youtube playlist for the skills I was a bit iffy on, but the pattern has good written instructions and the only video I’ve ended up using was the first, the foundation single crochet (which I’ve honestly always needed a video to do, I can never remember how to do it without instructions). If you feel like you want to make something similar it but need more video support, the designer has a different sweater she teaches in her online Madara Domestika Sweater course.
It just goes to show, you can take the girl out of the library and put her in a store full of yarn, but apparently, you can’t take the library out of the girl!
It just goes to show, you can take the girl out of the library and put her in a store full of yarn, but apparently, you can’t take the library out of the girl!
Jethro is a “throw it on and run out the door” kind of cardi …. my favorite for spring, and like the author says in her pattern blurb, I’m not over granny sweaters! It’s worked in a combination of crocheted granny squares (a great simple skill for inexperienced crocheters) and then the sleeves and ribbing are knitted, creating a really pretty, finished look.
Jethro is designed with a DK weight yarn, so it’s not too light, not too heavy … perfect for variable spring weather. I’m inclined to make it with a springy merino wool, like Sandnes Garn Double Sunday, but it would be equally awesome made with a blend like Berroco Vintage Baby and Berroco Vintage DK (which can be used interchangeably).
The desinger has graciously created a Youtube Playlist with support for skills.
Size
The sizes given are the actual finished full chest measurement of the garment. Choose a size that corresponds to 30-43 cm / 12-17” larger than your upper bust measurement, or the size that will give you the amount of ease you like. I recommend wearing this drop-shoulder style with a lot of positive ease.
For the Granny Squares you’ll needa total of: 615 (747, 893, 1348, 1385, 1503) metres or 675 (820, 980, 1480, 1520, 1650) yards.
NOTE: The joining round, which is shown in the picture in the main colour, is included in the yardage for the granny squares. If you are planning to make multicoloured granny squares with the joining round worked in your main colour (like the one in the picture), approximately 210 (227, 250, 410, 328, 365) metres or 230 (250, 275, 450, 360, 400) yards of your “granny square” yardage will be in your main colour.
For the sleeves and ribbing you’ll need: 227 (273, 328, 373, 419, 455) metres or 250 (300, 360, 410, 460, 500) yards of the main colour.
I think I might be sliding into the granny square bandwagon … last spring I blogged a bit about grannies but I didn’t really get the itch to join the gook until the summer yarns started drifting in (it also didn’t hurt that I saw a lady at the art gallery wearing. groovy crochet granny cardigan and I saw how beautiful they can be).
Anyway, I found the Granny Square Market Tote and thought it was a fun, cute simple project. The pattern is available for FREE with some support video tutorials, or if you want a more succinct printable version you can pay for that. It’s a simple construction, just 3 big granny squares that are joined together and folded up, so it’s very easy crocheting. I used 3 skeins of Berroco Modern Cotton and a 4.5mm/US7 crochet hook, so it was easy on materials too. I definitely recommend using a plant-based fibre for bags, they wear better. Berroco Modern Cotton is a blend of Cotton and Viscose (a cellulose based fibre made from plants … bamboo yarn is a cellulose fibre), which makes it soft, strong, and the viscose gives the yarn a smooth surface and slight sheen.
You can see notes on my modifications below (I didn’t do anything too intense to change the pattern, mostly I just added a strap and the instructions for that are below and in my notes on Ravelry.
Overall, I think it worked out really beautifully and I think the Trinity Tote will be next! Or maybe the Salena Sweater ….
I did the JAYGO (join-as-you-go) with the wrong sides facing (as described in the instructions), but the seams looked messy that way (I thought I did it correctly according to the video, but I could be wrong), so instead of ripping it all back I turned the bag inside-out and finished it with the wrong side out. The JAYGO technique is fast and avoids seaming, but for a nice straight seam you could skip it and just make 3 squares and sew them together.
I skipped the part in Square 3 round 13 where you join the tops of the two sides of the work together (I think it’s in the 6th line “(3Dc, Ch 1, JAYGO into Square 2 unworked Ch-3 space ….)” and just kept going around because I wanted to add a strap.
The pattern instructions don’t include a strap, despite the fact that there’s a strap in the picture. I added a strap, the instructions for how I did it are below.
Strap 1. Make the strap chain: after finishing joining the squares together, i rejoined the yarn at the chain space of one of the top-pointy parts (where you would want to attach a strap, and chained 62 sts (or about 15″ of chain).
2. Reinforce the strap chain: making sure not to twist the stitches, make 1 slip stitch in the chain space on the opposite pointy part, then 1 more slip st into the chain space to anchor things securely.
3. Work back across the strap chain: make 1 slip stitch in each chain, ending with a slip stitch in the chain space where the strap is joined.
4. Work around one side of the mouth of the bag: make 1 slip stitch in each DC stitch down 1 side of bag opening (skipping the ch1 spaces between the DC clusters), until you reach the other side of the handle chain, then make 1 slip stitch in chain space to anchor it.
5. Work back across strap chain: make 1 slip st in the outer leg of each stitch. At the bottom you can either fasten off and reattach on the other side of the strap, or slip stitch across the back (inside) of the base of the strap where it meets the chain space of the granny square.
6. Work back OPPOSITE side of strap: make 1 slip st in the outer leg of each stitch. slip stitch in chain space at bottom to anchor it.
7. Work around other side of the mouth of the bag: make 1 slip stitch in each DC stitch down 1 side of bag opening (skipping the ch1 spaces between the DC clusters), until you reach the other side of the handle chain, then make 1 slip stitch in chain space to anchor it.
Crochet has been gaining ground over the last few years, which lots of new crocheters coming taking it up during the pandemic, so I thought I’d share a few simple crochet projects for spring & summer!
Kyrie
Kyrie is the perfect cardigan for spring. Crocheted in a simple allover lace pattern, this has built-in air conditioning. Fronts and back are worked separately with curved front hems and seamed together. Pattern includes both charts and written instructions.
The Yarn
Berroco Remix Light is a multi-seasonal yarn that’s so comfortable you’ll find yourself wearing your garments made with it become some of your favorites. It’s super soft, light, breathable, machine washable, and it’s made in France from an eco-friendly blend of 100% recycled fibres (10% silk, 9% linen, 27% cotton, 30% nylon, 24% acrylic). Read more about how Berroco Remix and Remix Light are made HERE. 100g/400m (432 yds), machine wash, lay flat to dry.
You can also make this project with Berroco Vintage Sock (it requires the same number of balls).
Size
Bust: (34½, 39, 41) [45½, 48, 52½, 55] {59½, 64, 66½}” / (87.5, 99, 104) [115.5, 122, 133.5, 139.5] {151, 162.5, 169} cm. This includes (5¾, 5¾, 5¾) [5¾, 5¾, 5¾, 6¾] {6¾, 6¾, 6¾}” / (14.5, 14.5, 14.5) [14.5, 14.5, 14.5, 17] {17, 17, 17} cm gap in front
These kits as a special-order, but we stock the yarn, Berroco Remix Light, seasonally, so you can check to see if the colour you want is in stock. You have the option to order this kit at any time, and we will order the yarn if it is not currently in the store. Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible. It normally takes one to two weeks to get stock, as long as it is in stock with the distributor. If we think it will take longer to get your yarn we will contact you to confirm.
Zelie is a boxy, loose-fitting, simple summer crochet top that lets the yarn do all the work! The back and front are worked separately and seamed.
The Yarn
Berroco Summer Sesame is a soft, light, and comfortable summer yarn with texture and colour. Its bright, happy shades of colors ebb and flow to make this self-striping worsted weight yarn a perfect summer choice. This cotton blend yarn is light to the touch, breathable, easy to work with, and machine washable. 100g/270 m (295 yds). 47% Cotton, 44% Acrylic, 9 % Nylon. Machine wash separately in cold water on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry. Made in Italy.
You can also make Zelie in a solid colour with Berroco Modern Cotton (swatch first to check your tension, you may need to go down a size in the pattern and up a hook size).
These kits are a special-order but we are stocking this yarn in the store on a regular basis through the spring and summer – you have the option to order it any time (it will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible.
In Part 1 of Crochet Grannies, we looked at granny squares. Today lets take a look look at the super-fun Granny Stripe! Granny Stripes are a bit scrappier than their cousin the square, but they are also simpler in some ways because they don’t need to be seamed. These projects are great stash-busters, and are marvellous opportunities if you like playing with colour and a little bit of chaos.
In honour of the granny STRIPE, here are some project ideas that bring crochet’s casual boho-chic back for some love …
Want a quick tour of the granny stripe? No problem, check out this video from Bella Coco, one of my favourite youtube crochet instructors (just remember that she’s British and uses UK crochet terms … see this chart converting American and British crochet terms)
Holly Woodward Designs
One of my favourite designers of the granny (stripe AND square) is Holly Woodward. Her designs are colourful, classic, elegant, and size-inclusive (to me that doesn’t just mean they are available in larger sizes, but that they also fit and look great on curvy bodies). She tends to design in DK weight yarn, so any of the following will work for her patterns:
The Attic 24 Granny Stripe Blanket is the ultimate in versatility … I can attest to this myself, I’ve made it, and it’s one of my favoruite throws at home (just kidding, I love all my babies equally). Simple strips of granny stitch mean there’s NO SEAMING! The pattern works two rows per colour to make a rick-rack-like effect, but you can go off-grid and do as many or as few as you like (I changed my colour every row – my appraoch to colour was leveraging contrast).
From time to time I muse about making this blanket with a mish-mash of Scandinavian colours from Sandnes Garn Double Sunday …. just. a whole bunch of beiges, roses, golds, yellows, dusty greens, blues, greys and neutrals.
If you want the extra vibrance and excitement of a yarn that shifts colour on it’ s own try a bright, ombre striped cotton like Berroco Vivo or a marled ombre merino like Schoppel Edition 3 (makes a great baby blanket).
Stashbusting Suggestions
You can use this project as a great way to use up stash, get creative with colour, or plan it out completely with a comprehensive palette. You can use any thickness of yarn you like, it’s easy to make it larger or smaller, just stay with the same thickness of yarn throughout (I recommend DK/Sport weight yarn or Worsted weight yarn, but lots of people have made it with fingering weight).
I made my blanket in left-over fingering weight yarn, and it took a while to complete and is a bit on the light side (I like to snoodle up under a blanket with a little weight to it). If you’re thinking this might be a great way to dispose of your sock-yarn stash (it is), you might want to consider combining yarns and holding a seocnd strand of a unifying colour throughout – either a simple fingering like Cascade Heritage or Berroco Vintage Sock, or a strand of lacewieght mohair like Drops Kid-Silk. A strand of neutral coloured mohair can do miraculous things to soften colour, texture, and bulk up a thin base yarn so your project moves faster!
Granny stripes can also be wickedly sophisticated in solid, neutral blocks … the crocheting might get a bit boring, but the finished product is simple and stunning.
