amberblissthis The Galena Handbag is slouchy, it’s fun, and it’s perfect for toting around all your essentials, including a WIP! Crocheted purses are the NEW in thing for this summer. You don’t want to miss this fabulous trend. If I have anything to say about it, it’s staying around–all the seasons and all the years! I whipped up this design in just a few short days and you need even LESS time to make your own beautiful crochet purse pattern!
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Galena Handbag Inspiration
Purses come in all shapes and sizes. There are really endless options for putting a purse together. For the Galena Handbag, I wanted something created seamlessly. That means that on the end of each row, I needed a stitch that was NOT TALL. In the middle of the rows, I needed stitches that were taller, but not loose–something that would hold its shape and not be holey when you’ve got your wallet, keys, snacks and WIP in there. I think I came up with the perfect solution. This crochet purse pattern is created all in one piece. Then, you sew the ends of the rows onto the round purse handles. I used these handles from Amazon.
And then the NAME. Galena (pronounced guh-LEE-nuh) may be an unusual name for many. For me, it’s a name NEAR and DEAR to my heart ever since the day that GALENA walked up to me in homeroom (7th grade, 1988) and said, “Coincidentally, do you live on Pullman Avenue?” First, I had NO IDEA what coincidentally meant (totally looked it up in the dictionary when I got home). Second, I was horrified and grateful that someone was talking to me. The new girl in town. The shyest girl in town. Well, let’s just say, Galena has now been trying to shake me for over 30 years. (How in the world do you insert a wink emoji here?)
In all seriousness, Galena is one of those friends that goes above and beyond to bless others EVERY SINGLE TIME. She makes you feel like the most special person and friend. We’ve been through a LOT together. We were roommates in college (She learned not to talk to me before 10am if she wanted more than a grunt response.). We have been stuck at a scary rest stop in California with the keys jammed into the ignition, unable to turn the car on (pre-cell phone era). We were maid/matron of honor at one another’s weddings (No MISHAPS! Oh, well, a chandelier did fall on Galena when she was swing dancing with her new husband, but that was HIS fault, not mine!). She has helped me out in times of financial distress and personal anguish. She was my Guapinator stand-in (along with my SIL) at the birth of our son (Long story, he was stuck in Guatemala indefinitely. But all is good now.). See? We’ve been through A LOT. And she’s a wonderful friend who has blessed me beyond measure. She definitely deserves a LOT more than a crochet purse pattern named after her, but it IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PATTERNS…
Crochet Purse Pattern Materials
Mary Maxim Marvelous Chunky (bulky weight/5) 270 yards in colorway Sweet Stuff or any bulky (5) yarn. Testers used a variety of yarn types, and you should get creative! This is a great pattern to showcase some special yarn you’ve been wanting to show off.
6.5 mm (K) hook I used a Furls hook. Just grab what you’ve got or what you can make gauge with.
2 round purse handles 5” to 6.5” in diameter I used handles that came in a set of 2 pairs that I got on Amazon. They ended up being just under $6.50 per pair, so that’s a pretty good deal!
Finally, you’ll need all the normal things like scissors, a tape measure or ruler, and a tapestry needle!
This video will help you with the new stitch you’ll need to learn to make this bag!
Magnificent Purse Testers
I had so much fun with my tester group. Their versions of this crochet purse pattern are inspiring. I hope you enjoy their photos and get inspired to MAKE YOUR OWN!
Don’t you just love how the change of yarn (color, solid, variegated, striped, weight) can make the same pattern turn out completely different and still be completely gorgeous. I love that each of these purses is unique and still absolutely stunning! Be creative. Don’t be scared to try something new. There’s no WRONG way to do it! The only WRONG thing would be not giving this pattern a try. (Had to put my salesy tone on for a SECOND!)
How to GET the Crochet Purse Pattern
On July 1st from midnight PST to July 2nd, midnight PST (just 24 hours, no exceptions!!), you can get this pattern EXCLUSIVELY at a 50% discount through the Summer Exclusives Blog Hop, expertly hosted by the amazing Fiona of Cosy Rosie UK! All you need to do is click on the button labeled, “Click here for your discount code.” If you’ve already got your code, you can click straight through on the Purchase from Etsy or Purchase from Ravelry buttons below.
Scroll down for an explanation of the BUNDLE deal if you’d rather have all 30 of the Summer Exclusives without waiting and with an EXTREME discount!
All THIRTY patterns in the Summer Exclusives Blog Hop can be purchased in one easy step! Just click the link below to grab them. I’ve seen the patterns. YOU WANT TO CLICK THE LINK. I’m not even KIDDING. Once they go LIVE at 12am, July 1, GRAB THAT BUNDLE! The bundle is even discounted further during the event (July 1-15), and that price won’t be available forever, so act while you can!
Click the photo below and pin this to your favorite crochet board! I hope you enjoy making the Galena Handbag as much as I did! Blissful summer crocheting to one and all!
