I considered it “taking advantage” in my younger days, but now I rationalize, “They can always say no!” So what did I do this time? Well, when I heard that Adele Recklies was going to attend an International Bead & Beadwork Conference in Istanbul last summer, I emailed her (no, we have never met) with a request – to buy a few tapestry crochet purses for me (if she just happened to see them in her travels). She graciously agreed to keep her eye out for them, but upon her return, reported that she had not found any. Of course, I understood. Then, out of the blue, she emailed me that she might have a lead to some Turkish tapestry crocheted purses – and sure enough – it all worked out and I’m now the proud owner of the tapestry crocheted bags below!
These 6″ high Turkish pouches were tapestry crocheted into the back loop with half double crochet stitches.
Detail of the half double crochet stitches done in the back loop. The color was changed before the stitch was completed.
The other thread was only carried in the row when it was needed and 2 threads were carried, when necessary. The colors where changed after each stitch was completed.
These tapestry crocheted drawstring purses were inspired by similar ones used in Ottoman times for coins. Crocheted into the back loop, some are half double crocheted, others double crocheted with very fine cotton and (what might be) nylon.
This 5″wide Turkish pouch was tapestry crocheted into the back loop with a double crochet stitch.
The next time you’re in Istanbul, make sure you visit Linda at the Deli Kizin Yeri (The Crazy Lady’s Place) in the Grand Bazaar! Unfortunately, she can’t do international orders, but she does have a great selection of these tapestry crocheted purses. I hope to eventually make my way there, but in the meantime, I have these wonderful treasures!
For my introduction to Turkish tapestry crochet purses, please look at my previous blog.
Very beautiful indeed 🙂
These are gorgeous… I’m in awe!
These bags are often used– even to this day– for what is called “dis kirasi”. That translates literally as “tooth rental” and refers to the custom of honoring the guest at one’s table with a sort of party favor, a thank-you that is amusingly termed.
After nearly 40 years of writing about Turkey and its folk cultures and food, I have to say this stands out as one of the most charming of customs.
There was a time when every rural Turkish girl was genetically programmed to crochet… that is changing, but there is still a wealth of textile talent in Turkey– as evidenced by the modern bags. Turkish, BTW, has at least SIX different words for “bag”– and that’s a legacy of their nomadic and textile traditions.
It’s funny, I was trying to find out how Google had the recently digitized edition my book ( Turkish Tapestry, A Traveller’s Portrait of Turkey)in its search engine and the terms I put in brought me to your site. The old meets the new…
I do encourage you to come to Turkey, and I’d love to take you there!
Holly ( at) HollyChase ( dot) com
Hi. Love your purses. I found your blog(s) while searching for info about my 8 knit Turkish coin purses, which I now know can best be described as tapestry crochet purses. I lived in Turkey (in Istanbul) in 1989-1990, and collected (purchased) these either while traveling around the countryside, or from a shop(s) in the Grand Bazaar (probably both). The patterns and colors and fine stitches (I thought they were woven) just make me smile, all these years later. Some of mine look used, others look unused. I’d be happy to send pics of them if you’re interested to see them. I’d love to get a circa date for them.
Thanks for your blog — so interesting!
Oh yes, please send pictures of them to me at tapestrycrochet@hotmail.com. Thanks so much!