base. At the corners and
ends, the spaces are wider
than the triangles and this
creates the shaping so
you’re forming a bag rather
than a rug.
Add another double row
of triangles in the same
way as the first one. The
total triangle count is 10 for
the base, 16 for the first row
and 16 for the second row:
42 in all. You should have
an oval-shaped, loose-
topped bag at this stage- the top band and
drawstring shape the top.
Sew in all the ends.
Finishing
Top band
Sue’s colour sequence for
this band was white-black-
white-black.
Round 1– Attach the yarn in
any first st of a triangle, 1 dc
in each st of all the triangles,
sl st to complete the first
round ... 19 sts in each
triangle for a total of 152 sts.Rounds 2-4– Rep Round
1, changing colours as you
go ... 152 sts.
Round 5– For the
drawstring round, in white,
work 1 tr in each st, sl st to
complete ... 152 sts.
Rounds 6-9– Rep Round
1 in the colour sequence
black-white-black-white.
Handles
The handles are worked
onto the top band at the
sides of the bag with the
centre section worked ona line of chain. The colour
sequence that Sue used
was orange-pink-turquoise-
lime; change colours for
each round.
Round 10– Divide the
152 sts over eight triangles
into four sections: two
two-triangle ends and two
two-triangle front and back
sections. Attach the first
colour yarn (orange) at the
beginning of the first end
section, dc in the first 38 sts
(two triangles), ch 58, missBag baseFirst row around baseDiagram 1SUE PINNER
Where do you live and work?I ‘live’ and
workin a large dent in my cosy sofa, in
my large, light-filled conservatory in my
home of six years in the medieval town
of Shrewsbury in the county of Shropshire,
close to the Welsh border.
What’s your family structure?Wonderful
partnerof 11 years; a son who moved
in a couple of years ago; son’s girlfriend,
who’s here half of the week, too; and
four fur babies.
How and when did you start crocheting?
First serious crochetsessions in the early
’60s; big gaps with a dabble here and
there over the years; then really seriously
in 2009. And I haven’t stopped since.
What would you do without this craft?
Just can’tpossibly think about doing
without this craft. I am a total addict.
Do you have a regular daily routine for
yourdesigning and crafting?First thinginthe morning, you'll find a hook and
scissors around my neck, cuppa on a table
and me diving into the yarns.
Do you cherish the time you spend in
yourworkroom/studio? Love my cosy
sofa overlooking the garden. I have
everything I need around me on the
shelves and the coff ee table in front of me.
What would you like to change about
your workspace? I have a large
conservatory workspace. The light is
fabulous but I’d love to double the height
of the room – make it into a two-storey
area with a mezzanine floor for more
storage and table space. Oh, and with
a huge sample wall space, so I could see
all the current ideas at the same time, and
with a wood-burner stove so it’s usable
in the three winter months.
What is it that you love most about
crocheting?All the textures and colours,
and that I can take it with me anywhere.
How many different crafts do you do?
Now, mostly crochet; some paper and
fabric flower-making, especially at
Christmas time; a little embroidery; and
occasionally I’ll make a cushion or two.
What’s your favourite – and why?
Crochetby far, because there are so many
creative variations – modern or vintage,
textured or plain, colourful or natural, and
combinations of some or all of them. And
it’s portable – it goes everywhere with me.
Do you take your crochet with you on
holidays?Of course, and I buy moreyarns
while there, too. I have, on occasion, had
to make a complete project so I can wear
it home, as there’s no room in my case.
Have you got lots of projects waiting
tobe done?Shhhhh!!!! Dozens.
If you were granted a secret crafting
wish,what would you want it to be?
Todo only experiments and samples
and have a team who would make up
all my ideas for me.Gett ing to know ...
Homespun 45HSP1702_p042-046_The Rainbow Collection PROJECT.indd 45 12/14/2015 11:35:41 AM