Aran Sampler Tote and matching wallet

[Cocoa Cream]

I just finished lining these Christmas gifts for my MIL. The Aran Samply Tote pattern can be found here. I improvised the design for the wallet using some of the same stitches from the tote, only on a smaller scale. I used some old yarn that was given to me, Caron One Pound Plus in off white. The lining material was from my fabric stash, and just happened to add a nice homey contrast to the neutral yarn.

 

 

 

 

 

I made some substantial modifications to the tote pattern: widened the gusset by 2 stitches, so I didn’t use the decorative lsc as suggested. Then I shortened the top edging to 4 rows of sc and 1 row bpsc. I didn’t understand if the straps were supposed to be added from the outside or inside, so I went with the inside since it looked better with the short top edging. I had to adapt the lsc repetitions since I made the gusset wider. I left off the rings and beads, mainly because I didn’t have any beads, so when I crocheted the strap, I just did it all in one piece, slipstitching it to the opposite side of the gusset. I also added a tab and a button for closure.

[aphelia]

I love this! It almost looks like it's knitted... Offcourse I like crochet better than knitting (since I don't knit.. ), but I think the cableknitting looks so good.. And this look like something like that! Yeah.. Just me trying to say that it's beautiful, but as always I babbel.

[cher49]

lovely

[Debbi-a1]

Beautiful! You did a great job!! Thanks for sharing.

[Nonie]

That is beautiful! You did a great job!

[hmcquigg]

VERY nice! What a great gift!!

[RecycleCindy]

The aran purse is so beautiful. What a lovely Christmas gift it will make.

[misssmaggie]

What a pretty set !!! Thanks for sharing !!!

 

Merry Christmas !!!

[hhensler]

Absolutely wonderful!!! Great job...

[smokeyp81]

Beautiful! I'm sure your MIL will love it!

[frugalmel]

Oooh! I like this. That is very pretty. I think your Mom will love it.

 

How did you line it?

[kittyloverdeb]

How pretty! What an awesome gift!

[Cocoa Cream]

How did you line it?

 

A long time ago I posted a little tutorial on my blog about how to line an Eight Pocket Tote. I pretty much did the same thing with this one, only I didn't line the straps. I sew quite a bit, so lining a bag is usually no big deal for me...but I know alot of people don't like doing it. I felt it was necessary with this pattern because some of the cable stitches created larger than usual spaces/holes in the body of the bag.

[crochetgal]

Gorgeous!!

[auntbubbels]

Wow, that is gorgeous

[khammill]

Beautiful! Your MIL is a lucky lady! I would LOVE to receive a gift like that!

Kris

[Jempast]

The set is amazing looking.

[DesertCrocheter]

Wow, that's beautiful! Patty

[Rochelled]

Great design! I'm going to make it too. thanks for the inspiration!

[kbieze]

I have the pattern downloaded now.. Can't wait to start!

[rolling_backpack]

Oh wow! I'm lovin it very pretty

[RoseRed]

That is beautiful!

[RoseRed]

That is beautiful! Gotta make it for mom!

[krazy-kitty]

Very pretty.

[Carousel]

Great bag. Thanks for the link.