One of my felted bag patterns has been published by a new UK magazine! In addition to this project, which they call Aztec Bag, the Spring 2008 issue of Yarn Forward includes reviews, articles, tips, and instructions for eleven other original designs, including a sexy crocheted top and several exquisitely knitted socks and pullovers.
This Aztec Bag Pattern was tapestry crocheted with Yorkshire Tweed Chunky.
The motif is based on a Tukutuku Panel pattern that I saw in a Maori Meeting House from New Zealand at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. After a few adjustments, it has another life!
Detail of a Tukutuku Panel in the Field Museum of Natural History.
I don’t copy patterns from other people or cultures, but they often inspire new motifs. In this case, I reversed the direction of the “steps” and put the horizontals on the same level and chose different colors.
Although the Aztec Bag was tapestry crocheted with Rowan’s Yorkshire Tweed Chunky wool, this fiber is no longer listed on their web page. Don’t worry, though, because Rowan’s Scottish Tweed Chunky is very similar and any other heavy feltable fiber would work, like Lamb’s Pride, for instance.
This is how it looked before being felted in the washing machine.
The bag below was tapestry crocheted with Lion Brand wool. I made the handle a little longer and the felted fabric is thicker because the Purple Lion Wool was doubled to approximate the weight of the Latte Bolero.
Aztec Bag tapestry crochet with Bolero and Lion Wool.
I hope you’ll give this bag a try! If’ you’ve never tapestry crocheted, this project would be a great introduction.
