DIY TWINE BAG:Crochet a beginner friendly bag with me.

Good day family @diyhub. Welcome to my blog. Today, I'm not just going to share a diy tutorial. But, I'm going to share how I explore an entire new project. Many may be aware that crochet is a very broad art and my advice to every crochet artist is “know your audience.” Because in the crochet world, you can't serve everyone so choose who to serve.
However,try to explore because you don't know when an opportunity may come. Today I will be sharing a tutorial on how I made the stunning crochet bag with Twine and also reveal everything behind the scenes.

A quick question please. “Have you ever experienced anticlimax?” That painful feeling when you lose a client you thought you've got. I believe every entrepreneur can relate. Experiencing disappointment from a client.

JUST A SHORT STORY BEFORE THE TUTORIAL.
Ever since the year began, I haven't had any clients. It was discouraging, trust me. But I kept assuring myself that things are going to get better soon.
As though heaven was listening, a client ordered a bag.
“I should be happy right?”
But I have never crochet a bag before. But at the same time this is my first order of the year. I can't just turn it down.
I was contemplating on deciding whether to accept the order or not. While pondering over my thoughts I requested that she send her inspo which she did and my mind was at rest because the pattern wasn't difficult. It's a pattern I have crochet with before (reversed single crochet).
We agreed on the price, she paid upfront and I started the project. I was still nervous but I promised to ask questions from my fellow crocheters. Infact I discussed it with a few of my hive friends @daverick @yechee @soma18 @chefqueen @treasuree and they really encouraged me.

LETS DIVE INTO THE TUTORIAL FAM.

MATERIALS USED:
1.3 Balls of twine.

1. 3.5mm hook ( I'm so obsessed with this size of hook).
2. Measurement tape.
3. Bag accessories
4. A pair of scissors.
5. And Darning needle.
   

NOTE:There are crochet terms you will come across in this tutorial which are: Reversed single crochet, chains and slip stitch.

PROCEDURE:
STEP 1: I made a slip knot.

STEP 2: I chained 36.

STEP 3: In the second chain from the hook, I placed a single crochet. Then I repeat a single crochet across the row.

STEP 4: I chain 1, turn my work and start working Reversed single crochet all across the row. (Total of 35 reversed single crochet)

STEP 5:At the end of the row, I Chained 1, turn my work and repeat reversed single crochet across the row.

This is a very easy and beginner friendly bag. Since I'm working in rows and this process is the body of the bag. So I kept increasing my rows with the same process ( reversed single crochet). Until I have my desired length.

BELOW IS THE MEASUREMENT I USED
. Width of the bag (Top section) : 5 inches.
. Middle section: 2.3 inches.
. The depth (bottom section): 5 inches.

This is just a small, handy and classy bag. You can increase your rows and inches if you want something big.

Let's continue with the tutorial fam.
I can't help but rate my neatness and believe me I didn't get it right just at the first trial. When I say I asked a lot of questions about this bag you won't believe it.
I promised you all to share behind the scenes of this project and I will definitely fulfill my promise.

Below are my mistakes when I started this project.
Everything about this project is new to me. From the twine to the accessories and the project itself are all my first trials.
So I can't count how many times I frogged this project because in the beginning it kept curling which it was not supposed to be.

And thanks to my fellow crochet artist who has used twine before. They gave me a lot of suggestions.
So I made sure to correct my tension and also double my strands. So instead of the two strands I was using, I doubled it to 3 strands.

While using 3 strands of twine it was better but it still curled a bit. My mum encouraged me not to give up and suggested it might become straight probably if I add a few more rows.
She is not a crocheter but her suggestion helped.

It was finally straight when I got to row 10. I was so excited that at least I can move on with the project.
STEP 6: I added more rows and stopped at row 71.

STEP 7: I used the same method of reversed single crochet to crochet the bag sides which is a total of 22 rows.

STEP 8: I already marked the width, middle and depth section of the bag.

STEP 9: I picked both sides and attached it to the body of the bag with a slip stitch.

STEP 10: No we are not done. I slip stitch all over the edges of the bag. So each side can align firmly.

And finally I added the accessories. And wow! I made my first bag as a crochet artist and also my first time using a twine. Honestly I'm proud of myself.

My dear readers, I know you all are going to be surprised when I share this news.
The owner of this project rejected it before I finished the project. 😔😔
I felt so bad because the reason she gave for rejecting the bag was “she doesn't want it anymore.” It was strange and also weird. Though she didn't ask for a refund, I decided to cheer up.

Wondering why I was sad?
I felt deflated because all the energy to deliver a perfect project felt wasted and also not going to get a customer review.

But staring at the result of my effort, I was so happy and I decided to keep the bag for myself. Because it's not just a bag it is a story of hardwork, creativity and my determination.

Thank you all for reading until the end. I will appreciate your corrections and your support.
If you have ever lost a client you thought you've got or about your first craft kindly share with me in the comment section.

ALL PICTURES ARE MINE.