Finished The Amarna Backpack!

Amarna Backpack Finished

Amarna Backpack Finished

I rejoice to report that the Amarna Backpack is finished!

Well, nearly. It is in want of a lining, and it needs a weight in the end of the strap that weighs down the top.. But I have finished and assembled the bag itself, and in the process I have learnt that I am not keen on constricted tubes of crochet – so not keen that I ended up doing broader tubes. They might have taken more yarn, but they involved less muttering!

Pattern Complete

Pattern Complete

The pattern worked out rather well, I think. It is deeper than the pattern in the magazine, and more complex, because the main section involves three colours in each row. The three yarns tangled constantly while I was working this section, and the pattern hasn’t quite turned out as neatly or as evenly as I might have hoped, but I am still rather pleased that it is genuinely reminiscent of the inspiration!

Straps Attached

Straps Attached

I may have to change the placement of the straps, but until I have used it a few times – I want to carry sketching things in it – I won’t be sure what will be comfortable, or even useable…

I went to the knitting shop where I bought the materials just before Christmas, to buy materials for another project, and was highly entertained to find that I am there known as “The Egyptian Bag Lady”, because the project intrigued them so much. So next time I go, I must remember to take the backpack with me so they can see it.

14 Comments

  1. Well, It’s better than being a regular, British bag lady!!! 🙂

    Well done!

  2. Egyptian Bag Ladies are stylish! It’s a great, and most unusual (to me at least) bag. Well done!

  3. Much better than being a normal bag lady! I like it. Now do a search on Etsy for the perfect heavy fake scarab and your work will be done.

  4. Lady Fi says:

    Ooo – I’d buy this! It’s lovely!

  5. jenclair says:

    A title that fits! And what a lovely bag!

  6. Sheryl says:

    Hello Egyptian Bag lady, What a wonderful backpack, such a pretty design and colours too. Of course you must take it along to the shop incase they wish to display it!

  7. Well done on such a stylish finish! Should you do another one and don’t mind mixing crochet and knitting, you could knit I-cords for the straps.

  8. Lovely finish !! A crocheted bag or clutch is in my to do list – which type of yarn did you use – cotton or poly acrylic ?

  9. Carolyn Foley says:

    I think that new title is going to stitch!
    The bag looks great.

  10. Egyptian bag lady! That made my evening :). By the way, have you ever been to Amarna? Me and my husband honeymooned in Egypt taking a three-week tour in 2004. However, visiting Amarna was out of the question due to hostillities. Would love to see the place. Not much left in the sand, but the graves are pretty nice I heared.

  11. Sue Jones says:

    That looks both practical and unique. Very smart. And very Egyptian. Wear your bag (and your splendid new name) with pride. You might find some turquoise and tan beads to suit that strap at the NEC, if you’re lucky.

  12. Lin says:

    Very nice finish Rachel – and nice to be remembered in a shop, whatever name they give you. xx

  13. Susan says:

    Always good to be quantified! LOL This bag looks fabulous to me. Not only is it Egyptian in design, but it also reminds me of some of the South American cultures from a thousand years or more ago. The colors are marvelous!

  14. Terrie says:

    Very trendy and looks sturdy backpack.