A note from the author Crocheting a Wayuu bag is really fun to do, which is why I thought it was high time there was a book about it. All of the information you need to crochet a mochila and fi x it together yourself should be easily found on your own bookshelf. So, with that goal in mind, I took the plunge and contacted a publisher. And here it is! This is my book and I’m very proud of it! It all started four years ago. I discovered some great backpack-style bags on Pinterest, which were called Wayuu mochilas. Eager for more information, I did some research. Unfortunately, there was very little known about these colourful bags. It turned out that these bags were actually made by an indigenous tribe from Colombia and Venezuela, the Wayuu people. As I did a lot of crocheting, I decided to venture out on a voyage of discovery. Covers Key Crochet Techniques: Single crochet (UK double crochet) While I was learning how to crochet mochilas, I found that you can crochet a stitch in so many different ways. You may think that it does not matter how you pull through the yarn, but nothing could be further from the truth! It makes a difference, and quite a considerable one too. To be able to explain it, you need to know that you can split up a single crochet (UK double crochet) stitch into two stages: the first yarn over and the second yarn over. How you create these yarn overs has an effect on the final result. Covers Key Crochet Techniques: Changing colour The best way to do this is to crochet as follows, before the first stitch in the new colour. Pull the yarn through for the first time using the old (current) yarn and fi nish the stitch with the new (next) colour. If you do it like this, there will be no strange staggering in the pattern. If you change colours ‘incorrectly’ then you will get what look like little ‘roofs’ in your work: the V on top of the first stitch in the new colour is still in the old colour, which makes the pattern needlessly messy. Troubleshooting tips - Issues with carried yarn There are several reasons why carried yarn may remain visible. As explained earlier, it may happen because they have not been run tightly enough underneath the crochet work, resulting in them peeping out and being noticeable. It is also possible that your crochet may be too loose and that you are using a crochet hook that is too large, which will result in loose stitches and allow you to see the carried yarn through them. And advice on materials Yarn in different colours, plus a crochet hook – you don’t need anything else when crocheting mochilas!I like to work with Larra or Catona by Scheepjes, which are the yarns I have used for the designs in this book. Besides the fact that these types of threads areavailable in an enormous array of colours, you can also combine them beautifully. Learn techniques that are key to mochilla bags including: Crocheting the base All the patterns in this book start with a description of the base. You alwaysstart by crocheting a number of chains that you close into a ring. I think that isthe easiest way. It is also important to take all the carried yarn with youbecause, if you insert them one by one, you will find that your stitches aredifferent sizes. Fastening the bag After you have crocheted the rounds above the drawstring holes, it is time to fasten off the bag. Suddenly stopping and snipping off the carried yarn is not really the best way, as the fastening off will be very visible. This would be a shame, since there is a neater way. Making the Shoulder Strap The technique of ply-split braiding is called different things indifferent languages. This fun technique has its origins in the northwestof India. Traditionally, the men spun goat hair and then made cordsfrom the spun threads. They used these cords to make handles, bags, straps and even neck decorations for their camels. Making the Drawstring To do this, I mostly use Kumihimo, a weaving technique from Japan that is more than a thousand years old. It is not only fun, but also easy to do! The word Kumihimo can be split into two words, namely ‘kumi’, which means braiding, and ‘himo’, which means cord. The cords and ties made with this fun and easy technique were used to tie kimonos and to decorate clothing. Create one of 10 stunning bags including: Hourglass Bag This small hourglass bag pattern has been specially designed for those just getting into tapestry crochet. The description of the base is easy to follow and it is sensible to start with a small bag. It allows you to get to grips with the technique before you start any larger pieces of work. In so doing, you will find that your crochet dexterity improves while making your first bag. Large Flower Bag This pattern is perfect to use for your second or third bag. The staggering is very clear and the base is kept simple. You will, however, find an extra challenge in this pattern: four carried yarns are used. Plain Glitter and Stripes Bag The great thing about making a plain bag is that you can decorate it with pompoms, tassels, feathers, beads and, of course, the shoulder strap. This stands out even more than usual because the bag is plain. Choose colours that complement the colours of the bag and find a pretty pattern for the split braiding. Maze bag In this design, the symmetrical lines particularly stand out above and below the neutral line with the pink diamonds, because the black yarn accentuates the pattern. This is a wonderful and challenging pattern where I have made use of three neutral colours and one stand-out colour. When you look at the bag, the pink really catches your attention!
✔ Author(s): Rianne de Graaf
✔ Title: Colourful Wayuu Bags to Crochet: A guide to making tapestry crochet bags
✔ Rating : 4.7 out of 5 base on (638 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 178221674X
✔ ISBN-13: 9781782216742
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about Colourful Wayuu Bags to Crochet by Rianne de Graaf
Lucy Garraway
The world-building in this book was simply phenomenal. I was transported to a different realm and felt like I was part of the characters' journey. The attention to detail made it all so immersive.
Virginia Savage
The author's writing style is so captivating; I couldn't put the book down. Every sentence was beautifully crafted, and the descriptions painted vivid images in my mind. A true literary gem.
Sydney Richardson
This book is a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom. The insights offered by the characters and their experiences have left a lasting impression on me.
