Theme Park Crochet-Wicker Man bag

As mentioned in my last post, the other week we visited Alton Towers.

While we had a fun day out, because it was still the Easter holidays it was a lot busier that it normally is when we visit.

In the end we got to ride Nemesis Sub Terra

Curse of Alton Manor one and a half times (it broke down the first time we were on it, which was a fun experience (although it would have been more fun if we hadn't been stuck between two scenes, as we didn't have anything interesting to look at while we waited to be 'rescued'))

and finally, Wicker Man.

I've already made a Sub Terra crocheted piece, and I have some ideas for Curse to do at a later date, so I thought I'd try crocheting a Wicker Man bag.

I decided to go for the ride's logo as it would be the easiest thing to make a pattern of on a smaller scale. As for the back I thought I'd try and make it look like wooden boards with a fire behind it like the Wicker Man statue. I debated about using brown or orange yarn for the strap, and eventually went for the orange. This is how it came out!

I'm really happy with how the front came out, and I'm glad the logo looks good in crochet form.

As for the back, while I don't think it worked quite as well as I hoped it would when making the pattern, I don't dislike it. I think if I had made the boards a bit smaller the effect may have worked better, but I think it gives the overall look I wanted. I did ask my partner if he knew what it was meant to be and he did, so at least I know it is recognisable.

It's also the first time I've tried tapestry crochet with a third colour. While wasn't too hard, I do need to learn how to stop all the yarns from tangling so much, and making sure I keep a more even tension when changing colours, but those will come with more practice.

With the strap I'm glad I went for the orange as its a nice bright pop of colour against all the brown.

If you'd like to make your own my patterns are below. I made mine using half double crochet (US) with a 5.5mm hook using Hobbycraft's Women's Institute yarn. For the strap I used this tutorial.

This bag is smaller than the first theme park bag I made, but I like it's size. I feel that this bag is perfect for popping out to the shops when all you need is your phone, keys and purse/wallet. It also makes me want to try making some phone sized crochet bags in the future.

If you give this pattern a go and have Threads or Instagram please tag me in it, as I'd love to see others trying out my patterns 😊