Review of Carry Alongs by Carrie A Sullivan

Learn How To Crochet 15 Handbags & Purses For Every Occasion

Dec 21, 2008

Carry Alongs, 15 Crochet Handbags and Purses For Every Occasion by Carrie A Sullivan is a book that shows crocheters how to crochet great bags and add sewn linings.

Carry Alongs: 15 Crochet Handbags and Purses For Every Occasion by Carrie A Sullivan is a useful book for any crocheters interested in making handbags.

Carry Alongs is a book that is all about the making of handbags and purses. In addition to the crochet patterns, Carrie A Sullivan has included in Carry Alongs plenty of essential information about lining and finishing the bags using crocheted or ready made handles and fastenings.

This is a crochet book, however basic sewing skills are also required. All of the bags in the projects are lined. This both gives the bags a professional finish and also is a practical solution to the open nature of some crochet stitches.

Basic Information

Step by step instructions are provided to help make the basic crochet stitches used in Carry Alongs. This includes decorative stitches and embellishments. While this is not a 'how to' crochet book, there is enough information to help a novice crocheter get started and there is certainly enough detail to act as a handy reference for more experienced crocheters.

The Projects

There are fifteen projects included in Carry Alongs. These are broken down into two sections – Spring and Summer, and Autumn and Winter. A handy skill level project guide also breaks the projects down into beginner, easy and intermediate categories.

The bag projects range from small purses through to large holdalls, with plenty in between. These include circular, barrel, drawstring, oval and gusseted bags. Each bag is substantially different from the others, meaning that there are fifteen very different projects for crocheters to undertake.

Each project is complete with a schematic,which many crocheters will find helpful. In addition to the crochet pattern, full information and instructions is given explaining how to make the lining, attach the handles and finish the bag.

Yarns are stated for each project with a substitution. Yarn weights are not given, however, which means that crocheters will need to use the crochet gauge to make their own yarn substitutions.

Experience Levels

The projects in Carry Alongs are suitable for crocheters of all experience levels. Beginner crocheters will be able to undertake many of the projects and most of the projects are suitable for a crocheter with the basic crochet skills.

One important thing for crocheters to consider in addition to their crochet skills, is their sewing skills. A working knowledge of a sewing machine will certainly be helpful in the creation of some of the bag linings.

Conclusion

Carry Alongs is an excellent book for crocheters who are interested in making bags. The information about linings is extremely useful and helps to turn the projects from being decorative accessories through to really practical and professional looking bags.

The bag designs are simple to adapt, however crocheters should be aware that if they adapt the size or shape of a bag then the lining will also need to be adjusted.

Further Information

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