Suppa,
I haven't made it, but in reading through the directions and looking at the picture of the finished piece I did notice it never stated to make 2 pieces, but the assembly directions refer to 2 bag pieces in addition to the handle. When I read the follow from the assembly it specifically states "one of the bag pieces" and then after that one is assemble, tells you to do the same with "the other bag piece":

"...Sl st row 16 of one of the bag pieces to 130 stitches of row 5 of the handle, then continue working sl stÂs in the remaining 90 handle sts; join with a sl st to the first sl st; fasten off. Sl st row 16 of the other bag piece to 130 stitches of the free loops of the foundation ch of the handle, then continue working sl stÂs in the remaining 90 handle sts..."

It looks like the handle is worked into a circle to which the sides of the bag are joined.
Hope this helps,
Deb

Hi Deb,

Thanks for your help. I am VERY literal, which I think works when following pattens, but perhaps not always.

I noticed the part about the two pieces when assembling too, but was surprised that the instructions didn't start with the regulation "Make Two."

Thanks again for your help - I'm about to start the second piece.

Suppa

It is weired that your pattern didn't specify to make 2. Just an oversight I guess. It's a really cool looking bag you're making! I've been into the bag thing too, lately, only with knitting and felting. I'm sure you'll reciprocate the help sometime! Good luck finishing it.

Deb

I'd been knitting all winter and I thought it would be a nice change to do a crocheted project. I find crochet so much easier than knitting, probably because I learned it when I was young.

Deb, what kind of bag are you knitting? I knit sweet suede from knitty a few months ago (but it isn't felted).

S

I'd been knitting since I was 10 and finally learned to knit a couple of months ago. I was inspired by a coworker who was knitting her niece this gorgeous dress! It's funny that you find crochet easier than knitting because I find it just the opposite! So the first thing I knitted was a Fiber Trends tote bag that was knitted in the round--all knit stitches except for the handle that was sort of a modified i-cord. Very easy for a beginner! I lined it with fabric and gave it to my mom for Mother's day. The bag I am making now will be a purse. I found it on the web at this URL:
http://www.magknits.com/warm04/patterns/sophie.htm
I'm making it with Lamb's Pride worsted 85/15 in this gorgeous sable color. It will be for my sis-in-law for Christmas as her winter coat is the same color. Seems I never make anything for myself, but I don't mind--I just enjoy the hobby.
So what is "sweet suede from knitty"? Is that the name of the pattern? Where did you find it?
Deb

Jeez, do you ever read back over a message you've posted and wonder how it ever made any sense to you at all when you previewed it? I was just re-reading the first message I posted to you as the supposed help in your bag directions, and I can't imagine how it was helpful to you!! It's all gobble-de-gook!

Deb, thanks for pointing out that purse pattern. I like the twisted handle. I have red yarn I'd like to use for it.

Wendy,
Ooooo... it would look really nice in red! Do you line your bags? I lined the one and only that I've made thus far, and it was somewhat disastrous. I tried to put pockets along the sides and elastic pockets on each end, and they did alright, but the side pockets were all droopy. I ended up having sew on velcro to keep them closed and more upright, which was a total pain as I had to hand sew most of it on. Any suggestions for my next attempt?
Deb