I bought this magazine back in the spring, right around the time when I felt a strong urge to crochet something wearable. When I flipped through the pages, the Lemon bag by Veronica Lonnqvist immediately caught my eye. It looked cheerful, practical, and—at least in theory—quick enough to make. Cute and functional, exactly what I wanted at that moment.
Of course, “quick” is always a relative concept when it comes to me actually finishing a project. 😀 What I imagine will take just a few evenings often stretches into weeks, and this bag was no exception. I worked on it here and there, and finally finished it shortly after we came back from summer vacation. That gives me, realistically, about a month and a half—maybe two—before the weather shifts and it no longer feels like the right season for a bright summery accessory.
For the yarn, I used some cotton balls that I had been hoarding for ages, leftovers from when I unraveled a blanket long ago. I’m fairly sure it’s Gazzal organic cotton, but since the label is long gone, I can’t say with certainty. The pattern called for holding two strands together with a 4 mm hook, but my yarn was thick enough on its own, so I stuck to a single strand and still used the 4 mm hook. It worked out nicely, and I like the texture it created.
All in all, I really enjoyed making this little project. There’s something very satisfying about crocheting bags—they’re small, useful, and often just the right amount of challenge without being overwhelming. Plus, the magazine itself has a few more bag designs and quite a lot of tops that I really like, so I have a feeling this won’t be the last time I turn to it for inspiration.
And of course, what’s the point of making a bag if you don’t take it out for a walk? Here I am on a Sunday stroll, carrying the Lemon bag together with my Son de Flor dress. It’s a small bag, just big enough to hold the essentials—my wallet, keys, and phone—but that’s all I really need for a lighthearted weekend outing. I love how it adds a handmade, sunny touch to my outfit.
I’m glad I managed to finish this project before autumn fully arrives. There’s something special about carrying a handmade piece that holds both the memory of long, slow summer days and the quiet joy of creating with my own hands. Even if the warm weather fades soon, the Lemon bag will always remind me of this sunny little chapter.
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