This is the perfect bag to take with you on your winter vacation to that nice, warm destination you've been dreaming about. Or, let's face it, it's also just a great summer bag. It’s durable, roomy, and easy to clean – just toss it in the washing machine!

• 7oz. / 200g of plastic yarn in your choice of colors (I used Adriafil SUN yarn in color 172)
• Size F / 3.75mm crochet hook
• Plastic purse handle rings
• 1.5 yards / 1.5 meters of 1” / 2.5cm wide ribbon
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

US pattern notations used
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
tr = triple crochet
sl st = slip stitch
cl = cluster stitch*
yo = yarn over
x = times

*Create the cluster stitch as follows: * yo, insert hook in st, yo, pull through st, repeat from * 4x, yo and pull through all sts on hook.

Long, long ago, I found a web site with instructions called “Diagonal Crochet.” There were no pictures and my visualization skills aren't the best, but luckily I figured it out and proceeded to use the stitch to crochet numerous square-shaped things. Later, I was ecstatic to find a picture tutorial explaining how to make rectangles using Diagonal Crochet, and I went on to crochet the first of many Pinch of Brown Sugar Bags. Now you, too, can add a touch of sweetness to your wardrobe.

Choose a yarn and appropriately sized hook. The stitches should be neither too loose or too tight -- they should be snug. Gauge (tension) isn't terribly important right now.

One size

I would like to thank all the people who helped me test this pattern: rozeecheeks —for proofreading my first draft, and SamplerLady and rebeccav for testing the pattern and providing pictures of their finished bags.

This is a pattern for the rainbow bag (below), written in US terms.

Front

Just as quickly as it arrived, summer has gone. In it’s place are shorter days, crunchy, amber leaves, and a brisk chill in the air. As the weather cools, we find ourselves drifting towards hot cocoa, warm soup, and soft wool yarns. Anyone who lives in a cooler climate has a favorite sweater. It’s soft, cozy, and makes us feel warm. I was inspired to combine my favorite sweater with my love for bags after seeing a recycled sweater dissected then reconstructed into a beautiful wool bag. Have fun with this idea and try playing with different collar structures. How about a cowl or split neck? Add a brooch, small pocket, or even buttons. The simple variation on the basic half double crochet captures the drape and texture of a soft wool sweater perfectly. A simple lining is necessary to contain pointy items like keys.

• Brown Sheep Lambs Pride (85% soft wool, 15% mohair/190 yds), 1 skein each of M23 Fuchsia (MC), M105 RPM Pink (A), M06 Deep Charcoal (B)
• Size F/3.75mm and size G/4.5mm crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Remnant of fabric for lining (cotton works best) and matching sewing thread
• Sewing needle
• 1/2-inch magnetic clasp with backings (optional)

Body of bag: 11 inches wide x 4.5 inches high; collar adds another 2 inches in height.

3.5 sts x 2.5 rows per 1 inch in herringbone hdc

Hhdc - herringbone half double crochet: yo, insert hook into st, yo, draw up loop and pull through one loop on hook, yo and draw through both loops on hook

Hhdc2tog – herringbone half double crochet two together: yo, insert hook into first st, yo, draw up loop and pull through one loop on hook, yo, insert hook into next st, yo, draw up loop and pull through one loop on hook, yo and draw through all three loops on hook)

Bottom

With smaller hook and color (B), ch 37.

Row 1: Hhdc in 3rd chain from hook. Hhdc into each stitch across to end (a total of 36 hhdc). Turn.