February 2013
Finally finished. Completed handles and added lining!!!

16 Oct
I have finished my freeform bit for my bag and now want to work on the construction. I always crochet a facing on the top of my bags, which I stiffen with sew- in interfacing. It will hold the handles (leave holes in facing at right place), the fastening and cover the top of the lining. My favourite handles are thin plastic tubing which are covered with a crocheted strip.

11 0ct
I added a strip on net/lace fabric to my bag. The colour and texture resembled the outer edge of the shells I had. I pinned it in place and then used a matching sewing machine thread to stitch it in place. A crocheted strip was then stitched to the back of the fabric so further crochet can be added. I continued working round the bag and pinning it to my template so the only join will be at the base.

This is my freeform bag. I had a hard time starting this CAL because I work much better when I have a theme / subject to work on. I liked the colour of the yarns and then remembered that I had done a damp sand bag, using these colours some months ago. After some thought I decided to base this one on shells, using shell shapes and shell crochet stitches.
I used an old piece of interfacing (patched together) as my template for the finished shape of my bag. This is useful because this template can be used to make the lining.
I have worked my freeform in one piece, so far, adding different elements onto the starting spiral shape.
I also love embroidery and like to embellish the crocheted fabric with surface stitches.