Spring-like weather (or, as is often the case in the UK at this time of year, cold sunshine) is beginning to tempt us out of our warm homes on the weekends and encouraging us to spend a bit more time out of doors. And after a long walk through the park, there’s nothing better than visiting the local farmer’s market to pick up a spot of lunch.

And this spring, rather than bring along old plastic bags or the ubiquitous cloth tote, why not crochet your own net bag that will carry your fresh fruits and veg in style a la Molla Mills’ Modern Crochet: Crochet Accessories and Projects for Your Home?

The below instructions are for a small bag, but the book also includes additional instructions to create a medium size!

NET BAG   S

SIZE          38 cm (15 cm), h: 47 cm (18. in)
HOOK      2.0 mm (B/1)
WEIGHT  150 g (5 oz)
YARN       Liina fish net twine, 12-ply
OTHER    straps, 30 cm (12 in) cotton string,
strong sewing thread

Crocheted from fish net twine, the net bag is light but sturdy. It’s very versatile and will fit into a small space. Men like to carry them, too.

The net bag is crocheted in a cylinder and the bottom is closed with cotton string. It will hold even the heaviest contents, provided it has strong straps. The straps in the bag pictured are made from thin belts, but you can also sew straps made of strong cotton.

1. Chain 120 to begin. Join in a ring with a slip stitch.
2. Ch 7, catch yarn on hook (yoh) twice.
3. Miss (skip) one stitch, insert yarn into second stitch and yoh.
4. Pull yarn through stitch and yoh again. Pull yarn through two loops and yoh again.
5. Pull yarn through two loops and yoh once more.
6. Pull yarn through the two loops on the hook. You now have your first square, worked in double treble (treble).
7. Work the row with 3 ch between the pillars. On the first row always miss (skip) one stitch and work in dtr (tr).
8. Close the row with a ss in the first chain of the row. There are now 60 squares in the row.
9. Ch 7 to begin the next row. Work 1 dtr (tr) into each pillar of the previous row and ch 3 between. End the row with a ss.
10. Work a total of 34 rows. The photo shows five rows.
11. Without cutting yarn, continue and work five rows of dc (sc) at the top edge. Yoh from below the chain to begin.
12. Work 3 dc (sc) into each square.
    
    
13. Continue in a spiral from one row to the next.
14. Work two rows of dc (sc). On the third row, incorporate four strap openings. To make an opening, ch 5.
15. Miss (skip) four stitches, attach the chain arch with a ss through the fifth stitch. Continue the row, adding the other openings as you go.
16. Work the next row and when you reach the strap openings, dc (sc) 5, wrapping the yarn from below the chain arch. The upper edge has a total of five dc (sc) rows.
17. Finish the edge with ss. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
18. The bottom of the bag will be tighter than the rest.
19. Thread cotton string between the pillars of the first row of squares.
20. Pull the string tight and tie it in a knot.
21. Mark the places on the straps where the holes will be.
22. Make holes in the straps.
23. Sew the straps on with strong thread.
24. Your bag is complete.

Farm-fresh tomatoes never looked so good!

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Modern Crochet offers a new and exciting take on this popular craft. Clear and colourful, the book is full of ideas and inspiration for the thread and hook. Molla Mills demonstrates how to crochet a variety of home furnishings, including rugs, cushions and storage baskets, as well as stylish accessories and jewellery for both you and your friends. The book introduces the tools and yarns you will need, then outlines basic crochet techniques, and follows with over 30 projects for you to make. With step-by-step guides and fully illustrated instructions, there are crochet ideas for a wide range of yarns, colours and creations, from trendy laptop bags and cases for your mobile phone or tablet to beautifully decorative lampshades, delicate earrings and cute hair accessories. The stunning graphic designs and patterns will bring a modern edge to any crocheted article. Mills is a Finnish designer whose products have been exhibited worldwide, and this book was inspired by her popular Virkkuri blog.