Crocheting a Simple Tote Bag | Work In Progress (WIP Challenge).

Hello needleworkers! Happy New Month!
You really need to see the excitement written all over my face as I type this 😅. I have so much to say but first, allow me introduce myself…
I'm Dimma and I joined this community because I'm a fan of craftwork and I love to behold the beautiful arts of talented people here. Honestly, they've been truly inspiring 😍.

Now, about the ongoing wip challenge, I really had no idea about it until I stumbled on @nkemakonam89's post on my feeds. I think I'd say her wip post motivated me to join the train because it related with me. I had told myself that I would participate but I kept procrastinating until 3 days ago when I went grocery shopping at the market with my mom; I came across a needlework shop and it immediately reminded me of this community's challenge, so, I had to quickly stop by to get some yarn and a crochet hook for myself.

And having fully read and understood this challenge's rules, I'm officially on board! 🤩

INTRODUCING MY WIP.

Well, my work in progress isn't an abandoned old project, it's actually my first project in 6 years. Yes, you heard right! 😂. The first and the last time I used a crochet hook and yarn was 6 years ago. It was for a junior school project that was to be submitted and graded (my project back then was a muffler). And after that, I totally abandoned my crocheting skills to the point of rust. I guess it's because I was caught up with other things and I didn't care to practice crocheting any further despite having developed a liking for it.

So, for me, this challenge is more like an opportunity to redeem my long lost skill. And as my wip project, I'm working on crocheting a simple tote bag. It's only 2 days old and this is currently how far I've come.

What inspired my project choice?

Seeing as I haven't been in the game for a long time, I wanted to start with a simple style and I felt that bags would be a lot easier for me to crotchet. Deciding on the kind of bag I wanted wasn't a hard choice at all, I knew that I've always wanted tote bags, it's a vogue in style that is quite versatile, comfortable and handy. I simply love it. Plus, rather than my usual backpacks, a tote bag would make a great alternative for me when I'm back in school.
So I thought, why not crochet one while I redeem my skills and keep myself busy?
I chose the colour red because it's my favorite colour and I wanted something a little unique too.

MATERIALS IN USE:

• Two 40gram Acrylic yarns (Red colour).
• A 5.0mm crotchet hook.
• Scissors.
• Measuring tape.

THE PROCESS:

I started by joining both my yarns together (doubling) because I wanted it thicker since they aren't the chunky kind.

Then I made a loop and started knotting my foundation chains using my crochet hook (I chose the big size pin because I wanted bigger stitches which would make my work faster and it's much more comfortable for me).

I did a number of 50 double crotchet chains, wide enough to contain the biggest size of my textbook and it measured 11 inches wide.

Then, I began stitching round and round from the base up to this part of the body and of course, I'll continue crocheting more stitches until it reaches my desired length.

Afterwards, I plan to separately crotchet two handles and sew them on to each side of the bag. I thought about using a different colour for the handles (black) and maybe attach some buttons for a finishing touch. What do you think?

I'm aware that this project will cost me more yarns, I just decided to get these two first because I ran short of money. But I'll definitely buy more later on.

Anyway, I'm just super excited to be back on crocheting after ages of neglect. This project has made me rediscover my abandoned passion for crocheting, it's been helping me kill boredom as well as sooth my mind. It's like a new sort of addiction that feels really nice 🤭. Once I pick up my yarn and hook to crotchet, I become literally hooked on it. I must say, I'm proud of my progress so far within these past two days of crocheting.

Although, the beginning wasn't easy as I forgot some basic steps and completely lost track but thankfully, I got through at last and it's been pretty smooth ever since. My skills may not be perfect yet but I'm determined to see this project to the very end and I look forward to sharing with you all, my next update on my ongoing progress 🤗.

Lastly, asides the fun and skill renewal motives, being able to finish what one started, with productive end results, is a gratifying feeling I hope to achieve from this challenge. Also, your suggestions, advice, corrections or recommendations will be very much appreciated in the comments 🙏.

P.S. All images are mine and taken with my cellphone.

THANKS FOR READING! ❤️