Marina, Hibiscus Drawstring Bag, 2.75 mm (C) hook, Red Heart Super Softand Comfort Sport yarn, January 2012.

How does she find the time to crochet? She responded, “I have so little time between my day job as an IT manager, my family, and my community work that I try to spend every free minute doing what I love most – designing charted patterns and crocheting.”

“I love to crochet bags. Since tapestry crochet is my favourite technique making bags is the most natural choice. Besides I like making something very functional and not too bulky. I am a small accessories girl, afghans and coats are not my forté. Although I admire people having so much patience and diligence!”

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Marina, Harmony Drawstring Bag, 3.00 mm hook, Patons Shetland Ragg K.W., acrylic, and Red Heart Super Soft yarn, February 2012.

She shared her love for the craft by saying that the colors and textures attracted her. “I always loved woven-like fabric and traditional folk art and crafts. They are so rich in vibrant colours and carry timeless stories of generations and civilizations that have past! I am inspired by traditional South American indigenous tribal (mochila) bags. In my art I try to bring together traditional and modern western art. So I take the shape and design of mochila bags and put, for example, art nouveau or art deco designs on them. In my view tapestry crochet opens up a lot of opportunities for new ideas and creativity. It allows you to self-express, weave your own story, to be unique and yet continue the traditional line of this craft.”

Describing the below bag, Marina explained that the “Red drops were worked using the intarsia method. One of my personal favourite bags!”

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Marina, Purple Cats Eye Lucky Charm Drawstring Bag, 3.00 mm hook, variegated gold metallic, Red Heart Super Saver and Bernat Softee Babyyarn, May 2012.

Where does she get her yarn? She replied, “I mostly use yarn I found in thrift stores. If a design calls for a specific colour I buy it at a local yarn store. I prefer a more rustic feel to yarn and often use twine or thin rope. However, most of the time I just do with what I have – be it wool, acrylic, nylon thread, cotton or any combination of those.”

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Marina, Blossom Drawstring Bag, 3.00 mm hook, Patons North America Decor yarn, November 2012.

Describing the below bag, Marina said, “The pattern turned out better than expected! I had to adjust the chart for slanted stitches (the chart has been updated!). The chart was very easy to use and to memorize. Lots of fun!”

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Marina, Floral Garland Drawstring Bag, 2.75 mm (C) hook, Yarns Brunswick KW Jewel Tones yarn, January 2013.

What hook sizes does Marina like to use? She says, “I crochet pretty tight with sizes 2.75 mm or 3 mm most of the time.”

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Marina, Green Plumage Bag, Red Heart Comfort Sport yarn and gold metallic yarn, 2.75 mm (C) hook, February 2013.

How big are Marina’s projects? She says, “My bags usually measure 31 cm (12.5″) in diameter and 34 cm (14″) high. I try to design my charts in sizes that fit within 65-75 rows (optimal height of a bag). No need to re-calculate and re-design!”

About the bag below, Marina said, “This bag was quite challenging to make. However, it was definitely worth the effort!”

Marina, Dancing Raven Drawstring Bag, Red Heart Super Saver and Eaton’s Fisherman Knit Aran and acrylic yarn, 3.00 mm hook, March 2013.

I love that the bottoms of Marina’s drawstring bags are just as interesting as the sides!

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Marina, Cats Eye Flower Lucky Charm Drawstring Bag, Bernat Softee Solid Chunky yarn, 3.25 mm (D) hook, April 2013.

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