Edited, I finally lined my in bloom! ?'s from a newbie about the purses

[chutzpaw]

So I learned that when lining an In Bloom, it would probably be a zillion times easier if you did it before you sewed the sides up and before you put the flower on the front.  I learned this because I did neither of these things.  lol  But I finally managed to get it in there fairly well.  I think if I make one again I will make the lining go all the way to the top and put the snap up there too.  






---- FIRST POST----
I made an "In Bloom" this weekend with Red Heart yarn.  I made one of the flowers from the "Garden Scarf" for the front.  This is just a little cell phone pic... I lost my camera.

The questions are about lining.  First and foremost, do I really need to line it?  It's so small you couldn't carry anything heavy and stretch it out, could you?  

But assuming I line it, I'm not sure I understand how to attach it.  I've looked through some of the posts and it looks like you can just sew it in by hand.  But where do I need to stitch it?  Around the top, obviously, but do I also need to put seams down the edges and across the bottom to keep it from turning inside out-ish?

Several people lined it with old clothes...what materials will work?  I'm guessing a stretchy tshirt won't work?  

Also can the "Exchage Bag" be made out of regular yarn instead of the cord recommended in the book?  Worsted weight or something thinner?  

I already love all you guys!  You've helped me so much, and I am loving learning to crochet!!

[meleriffic]

I don't know any of the answers to your questions, but your purse is great. It's so cool that I think I'm going to wist it right now.

[ninjanator]

To line things, I usually use cotton fabric - non-stretchy and cheap I don't usually stitch it down at the bottom, but I guess if you're afraid of it turning inside out, you could do that before you stitch it around the top.

I think in terms of bags, you can just use about any yarn you like since gauge really isn't an issue (but if you'd like the size to be similar, then just look for yarn that is relatively the same thickness). You really don't have to stick with their recommended yarn at all

[thereissomuch]

Below is a really fantastic tutorial on sewing a cloth lining into a crochet bag.  There's even a link to another tutorial within it on creating the cloth lining.  I usually don't sew it to the bottom, but if you're worried then go right ahead, it won't hurt anything.

I have a bag about the same size that I use and haven't lined yet, but am planning to line if that helps at all.  And congrats!  This is such a cute bag!

http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2008/10/tutorial-sew-a-lining-into-a-crocheted-bag.aspx

[JenGoPop]

I would go for the stretchy t-shirt!  The nice thing about that is, if you accidentally make the lining a bit too small, it'll still work.  Plus if you cut it out from the bottom, you can use that bottom seam for the top of the lining (less work for yourself.)  I've also used old business skirt lining and it's pretty nice and smooth.

I've only made the exchange bag in nylon, but I'd be really curious to see it in a different yarn.  If you make that one, you will definitely need to make a lining because it's a little "holey" around the shell stitches.

Good luck!

Oh, and, your little purse is cute! 

[chutzpaw]

Below is a really fantastic tutorial on sewing a cloth lining into a crochet bag.  There's even a link to another tutorial within it on creating the cloth lining.  I usually don't sew it to the bottom, but if you're worried then go right ahead, it won't hurt anything.

I have a bag about the same size that I use and haven't lined yet, but am planning to line if that helps at all.  And congrats!  This is such a cute bag!

http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2008/10/tutorial-sew-a-lining-into-a-crocheted-bag.aspx

Holy cow!  I was looking over the tutorial, hoping to start in on that lining this weekend.  There's so much more than just slapping a piece of fabric in it!  Sewing machine, ironing board, proper stitch placement... OMG.  I hope I can do it!!  Thanks for the webpage and if I manage a lining this weekend (or anytime) I'll update!

[chutzpaw]

Finally made the lining, details in the first post.

[ladyalmalthea]

I totally bookmarked the tutorial- my friend just asked for an In Bloom for her birthday. I love the lining choice for the bag- mine will also be in purples. Good job!

[froggmomma]

I looked over the same tute before I lined my bag a few weeks ago. I ended up measuring between the handles before sewing up the sides, cutting my fabric, sewing up the sides of the fabric rolling the edges and hand sewing it in. Looks great, and took less than an hour. On the next one I do I'm gonna try to sew in a pocket.