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CORFU BAG MAKE ALONG!
Week 1: get familiar with embossed crochet stitches, make a swatch, complete the bottom.

Week 1 post

(June 29th):

  • Getting familiar with front post, back post stitches.

  • Making a swatch.

  • Completing the bottom.

Week 2 post

(July 3rd):

  • Bag bottom, starting body. Special stitches: shallow BPdc, FPdc at the top of embossed element.

  • Switching between colors.

  • Enclosing non-working end in embossed crochet stitches.

Week 3 post

(July 13th):

  • Finishing bag body, upper edge backing.

Week 4

(July 20th):

  • Spiral cord straps, optional lining.

Our finished Corfu Bags so far (more coming!) File name is author's name:

Hey everybody! My name is Natalia. It's nice to e-meet you, and welcome to Corfu Bag MAKE ALONG!

​I am excited to introduce some of you to multi-color embossed crochet, and to see those who already participated in the Meadow Bag MAL or made other embossed crochet projects on their own!

This MAL is hosted at Outstanding Crochet and Friends Facebook group. This is a new group I created to have a dialog with my customers. I want to see your posts instead of just sharing news on Outstanding Crochet Business page. Another reason to start the group was to create an environment where you can help each other and me. I love to provide pattern support, but it's getting harder as number of customers grows. Thank you for joining!

This pattern is available in English (American crochet terminology), Dutch, and Russian  languages. Pattern is 10% off with code CORFU10 for MAL participants. 20% discount applies if you subscribe to my newsletter (form at the top of this page). You will also receive 20% off on all new patterns from the moment you subscribe.

To buy a pattern click on Etsy or Ravelry shop button above. This is a relaxing MAL without any dead-lines. Posts for the MAL remain on my website. The group is there to seek help for any of my patterns. Go with your own pace. Please don't post picture of pages or charts from the pattern, only particular rows you have a question about. Thank you!

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Skill level:

I found out patterns are rated by skill level only when I moved to USA in 2007. I always dared to start just about anything, and didn't give too much thinking to what level I was. We might try and fail, but our skills grow, so a failure doesn't exist. There is no progress in a comfort zone. Let's forget about the skill level..

This pattern is a combination of nothing more than front post and back post double crochet/treble crochet (in American/British crochet terminology), and their increasing, decreasing variations.

You can make this pattern in one color, and it will look beautiful. A bit of learning curve is required if you choose 2 or even 3 colors (I don't recommend more, but it's up to you), You have to enclose non-working yarn end(s) in stitches, It takes some time to get used to, and it slightly slows you down, but the result is worth the effort.

I have written instructions, charts, multiple videos, and step pictures to help you out.

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See Corfu Bag pictures and stories:

​​Materials:

  • Sheepjes Catona Yarn (100% Mercerized Cotton, Fingering weight, 50g / 1.7oz, 125m / 136.7yds), 6 skeins / 300g / 821yds in Moon Rock (Yarn2/embossed elements color), and 4 skeins / 170g / 465yds in Silver Blue (Yarn1/background color). Allow extra skeins (we all crochet differently). Check list of shops. There is also Yarn Thread in the group with some shops.

  • Crochet hook C-2 / 2.75mm, tapestry needle, hand-sewing needle, background color (Silver Blue) matching sewing thread.

  • About 7 x 80cm / 2 ¾ x 31 ½'' piece of buckram or other stiff interfacing for upper edge.

  • Optional for lining (measure finished bag before buying and cutting fabric): approx 40cm / 15 ¾'' long x 80cm /31 ½'' wide piece of fabric, 50cm / 19 ¾'' drawstring (can be crocheted with chain sts).

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Choose colors:

  • First option is to make it in one color. Check out Spica and Climbing Vine Bags. It's a good option to check out embossed crochet waters.

  • Visit Customers Pride Pinterest Board for Meadow Bag colors combos from MAL participants. Send me your pictures to get included!

  • Check out some Scheepjes Catona Yarn color combos I came up with, and made by your request.

 

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Scheepjes Catona Possible Color Combinations:

Embossed crochet stitches: front post and back post double crochet (FPdc and BPdc):

I will be giving all explanations in American crochet terminology. There is a lot to take in, so it might be better just to start following the pattern and getting familiar with things one at a time. :))

There are not so many embossed crochet patterns out there, but the ones that require extensive written instructions usually don't have them at all. They might be limited by crochet charts only.

When I started to draw charts for my first embossed crochet pattern I realized I can't use regular graphic symbols for stitches. They made charts very confusing, and embossed elements were not standing out. The difference between front post and back post stitches are hooks at the base of each stitch turned to the left or right. I had to come up with a way to provide all information keeping it as simple as possible at the same time, When I wrote instructions for Round 1 of my first embossed crochet pattern using regular abbreviations it became evident to me that nobody will be able to follow the instructions.

Here is what I am talking about:

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Rnd 30 (with common abbreviations): ch 2 (counts as 1st BPdc of BPdc2inc), BPdc in ch-2 from pr, [*2 BPdc, FPdc, 2 BPdc, BPdc2inc, FPdc2tog, 11 FPdc, FPdc2tog, BPdc2inc, 5 BPdc, BPdc2inc, FPdc2tog, 11 FPdc, FPdc2tog*, BPdc2inc] 3 times, rep bet *'s, ss in 2nd ch of beg ch-2.

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​​​Rnd 30 (with simplified custom abbreviations): ch 2 (counts as 1st B of B2i), B in ch-2 from pr, [*2 B, F, 2 B, B2i, F2t, 11 F, F2t, B2i, 5 B, B2i, F2t, 11 F, F2t*, B2i] 3 times, rep bet *'s, ss in 2nd ch of beg ch-2.

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Further more, starting with Corfu Bag pattern stitches made with Yarn2 (color for front post stitches) are highlighted, so you know when to switch yarn.

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There is a bit of a learning curve, but is well worth the effort.

​Take a look at stitches in the chart key. Don't try to take them all in right away. They are pretty much self-explanatory. If you don't read crochet charts, give yourself a chance with this pattern today. You might find it much easier to follow a chart rather than written instructions. Some people who never read crochet charts told me during Meadow Bag MAL that they took a chance and found out how much easier it is to follow charts.

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To cover the basics:

Front post double crochet / FPdc = F

Back Post double crochet / BPdc = B

Increases:

2 F in one stitch / FPdc2inc = F2i

2 B in one stitch / BPdc2inc = B2i

Decreases:

2 F together / FPdc2tog = F2t

2 B together / BPdc2tog = B2t

 

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Chart key:

Embossed crochet chart symbols

Now, with abbreviations and symbols being covered, get familiar with embossed crochet stitches by watching the following video:

Gauge / tension:

Gauge/tension is not critical for this pattern, but it is a good way to practice embossed stitches.

Row 1: ch 27, ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in 5th ch from hook, dc in each of rem 25 ch.

Row 2: ch 2 (counts as 1st BPdc/B), turn, B in each dc from pr (except 1st), B in post of ch-3 – 27 sts.

Row 3: ch 2 (counts as 1st FPdc/F), turn, F in each st from prev row (except 1st), F in post of ch-2.

Rows 3 – 16: rep Rows 2, 3.

23 sts x 15 rows approx = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4''.

First video from the pattern: bottom is made by front post double crochet stitch with increases. Beginning ch-2 doesn't count as stitch.

Feel free to go back to the group, and discuss any questions you might have. :)))

Next post is scheduled for July 6th.

Until then, I will stay in touch via Facebook group, Instagram, or Facebook page.

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Cheers,

Natalia

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