Get It Together (free tutorial for assembling the Blog Collection Windmill Bag)

Okay, last week you got the pattern for the panels of the Windmill Bag based on my signature, Blog Collection, motif. This week, I'm going to show you how I assembled the bag. There are many, less complicated, ways of putting the pieces together, but I use this one because it only requires two seams. (We have already established that I hate to sew, right?)

If you're a newbie, I'd recommend trying a simpler assembly method first. You'll find numerous tutorials on various blogs and on Youtube.

Lay all four of your pieces out so they are set the same way. The bottom is your beginning chain; the top is Row 17.

On the bottom, place a marker at the 17^th stitch from the left (mine is green). On the top, place a different colored marker at the 18^th stitch from the right (mine is blue).

Lay your pieces out end-to-side as shown so they resemble a windmill. Attach them using your stitch markers. Each row at either end will require one stitch, hence the count of 17.

At the center (which will be your bottom), hold all 4 together with one marker.

Fold up your opposite ends and attach them to one another using the stitch markers so they resemble the picture that shows the assembled piece. The corner of one panel will meet the blue marker of the next panel. This will give you the zig-zag effect at the top. You may want to pin the sides or use additional stitch markers to hold them together as you might if you were sewing a fabric bag.

At this point, you should be able to visualize a finished sack.

Hold the bag inside out with right sides (outside) facing. *Attach your yarn with a slip stitch at the open end (top) of the bag through two layers and slip stitch the pieces together.

Continue stitching through the center where all four pieces join and end at the opposite side, on the top of the bag.

Repeat from the * for the remaining seam.

Note: Assuming the seams would go through quite a bit of strain, I chose to crochet through all 4 loops to give the bag more strength.

You should now have a sack that resembles the one pictured except for the border and shoulder straps.

I will publish the pattern/tutorial for the border and straps next week.

Happy Crocheting!

Don Quixote Eat Your Heart Out (free pattern)

I began working on this pattern about a year ago. This is why I haven't posted any free patterns on the blog in so long. Finding the time to crochet has been tough enough, but finding the time to design and work a prototype has been darn near impossible.

However, a few weeks ago, I stumbled across the pattern and supplies again while cleaning and decided I was so close to done that I should go ahead and finish the job. It has been my go-to project whenever I feel the need to procrastinate.

I planned, initially, to do two bags: the Windmill (aka pinwheel), and a basic hobo style. Because I love a hobo bag, but I enjoy having several sizes at my disposal, I later came to the conclusion that two hobo bags -- one round, one oval -- might be a better idea.

But the ideas kept expanding and changing as I got further and further into the project. Now, it's quite likely you will see a collection of four bags and a wristlet. I'm testing each of the patterns here on the blog where you will eventually find them all at no charge, released as each pattern and prototype is finished.

I also plan to group the whole collection and make it available as an e-book for Kindle. If all goes well, you'll eventually see it in print and on other e-reader platforms as well.

I also intend to keep the promise I made to my blog readers the first time I posted a free pattern here: Although you may find these patterns for sale elsewhere, any pattern bearing my signature (Big Girl/Blog Collection) motif will be available here on the blog at no charge.

The Blog Collection

Windmill Bag

Supplies:

about 400 yds (4 balls, 8-10 oz) worsted weight yarn

size H-8 (5mm) crochet hook

stitch markers or pieces of scrap yarn in two colors

yarn needle or smaller crochet hook for weaving in ends

Note: If you plan to sew the pieces together rather than crochet them, you will need a yarn needle regardless of how you plan to work your ends. Do not weave in ends as you go since you may wish to use long ends to connect your pieces. The assembly tutorial does not make use of the long ends. Instead, it illustrates my preferred method of assembly which is not recommended for beginners.

Make 4:

chain 58

Note: All rows count 57 stitches.

Row 1: sc in 2^nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn

Row 2: ch1, sc in each st across, turn

Row 3: repeat Row 2

Row 4: repeat Row 2

Row 5: ch1, sc in BLO of each st across, turn

Row 6: ch1, sc in FLO of each st across, turn

Row 7: ch1, sc in BLO of 1^st st, [dc in BLO of next st, sc in BLO of next st] across, turn

Row 8: ch1, dc in FLO of 1^st st, [sc in FLO of next st, dc in FLO of next st] across, turn

Row 9: repeat Row 7

Row 10: repeat Row 8

Row 11: repeat Row 7

Row 12: ch1, sc in FLO of each st across, turn

Row 13: ch1, sc in BLO of each st across, turn

Row 14: ch1, sc in FLO of each st across, turn

Row 15: ch1, sc in each st across, turn

Row 16: repeat Row 15

Row 17: repeat Row 15

finish off, leave long end unless you plan to use the assembly tutorial

one completed panel

The tutorials for my methods of assembling the pieces and crocheting straps will follow in upcoming posts over the next few weeks. My method is kind of advanced, not meant for beginners. I came up with it to minimize working with multiple pieces. (I can't stand having to sew/crochet pieces together.) You will likely find simpler methods on youtube.

As always, please don't re-post or share the pattern. You are welcome to link to my blog and I would encourage you to make more than a few to sell at craft fairs or in your Etsy shop. All I ask is credit for the pattern and design.

Happy Mother's Day!

It's All in How You Phrase It

I have been writing a lot lately. A LOT. To most people that means fiction. To me that means quite a bit more. This is why, when asked, I'm more likely to refer to myself as a writer rather than an author. I realize it's a fine distinction, but there's a difference. Truth be told, I'm both.

Most people call anyone who writes, not just writes for a living, but anyone who writes, a "writer." To be considered an "author," one must publish. I have. Not only have I published, I've been published. Ah, semantics again. Heh.

When I say, "I've been published," I mean someone else has taken my work, honed it, and chosen to publish it. When I say, "I have published," I mean I have taken my own work, honed it, and self-published. I am an author.

But more than that, I am a writer. I've spent the past few weeks writing like a mad woman because I know this window of opportunity will soon close for me. You see, I love to write. I do it for the love of the craft. And I write many things in may ways, both fiction and nonfiction. I take advantage of these open windows to write more than just publish.

You see, the editing is what pays. For me. So I write with all the pleasure that a hobby brings. And my writing is never a chore. Even when I'm wide awake at 2 a.m. on Sunday morning knowing that I need to post a blog entry within an hour or miss my own deadline.

So what have I been writing you ask? In the past month I have written no fewer than six guest blogs (including one that was actually just a Q and A interview). I've written my own blog weekly for my faithful followers, but that's a given.

And here's the curve ball:  I've been pattern writing again.

I hadn't designed and written new patterns since last October. However, I've completed a pattern for a coaster, and mostly written a pattern for a pinwheel-style handbag. I've also roughed out the patterns for two other bags and yes, the coveted Big Girl Beanie (finally).

Don't get me wrong, I've also been writing fiction. Writing with the intent of publishing. I currently have two groups of stories waiting to be honed, and built upon, and finessed. They will need to wait a little while. They'll sit and rest until another window opens and I find time in my schedule between edits to finish them. They are patient. They will wait. And I will find them again. I will embrace them again. Perhaps I will even finish them. Next time.

Oh, by the way, the Big Girl Beanie will be the free pattern for Christmas in July. So long as I can perfect it by then. Wish me luck! Until then you get a teaser. The photos for this post are the prototypes of the Big Girl Coasters and the Big Girl Pinwheel Bag (in progress).

Namaste.