Our Gang Labs #4 winning designs are now available on site and we’re loving seeing your finished pieces! We got up close and personal with the winning designers to find out a little more about the inspiration behind their work.
Piazza Shoulder Bag
Designer
Lindey from London, UK
Inspiration
I wanted to design a bag that you could piece together, I thought the whole process of making it this way would be fun- there’s something quite satisfying about seeing your small squares become a completed product! The inspiration behind the design was the granny square, a very traditional crochet pattern that I wanted to give a contemporary twist, so I kept it simple and concentrated on the texture of the bag. The name ‘piazza’ comes from the Italian word meaning ‘city square’ – I visit Florence often and it’s full of interesting and beautiful piazzas!
Top Tip
Look at what’s already available and go for something a bit different! Take time to plan it out and take plenty of notes along the way- but most of all just make it your own and enjoy!
T’Lee Bag
Designer
Melisa from Michigan, USA
Inspiration
I love mixing modern patterns with classic shapes in a fresh and interesting way. As soon as the competition was announced, I pored over all the crochet videos on Wool and the Gang’s Wool School, hoping to find inspiration – and I did! I came up with the concept of utilising single crochet stitch to create a grid for ‘needlepointing’.
I also did two very important things. I approached the challenge as a Wool And The Gang designer and as a customer. I asked myself as a designer, what is missing from the collection? And as a customer, what designs do I enjoy making the most? I looked at the specific needs of my client and at Wool and the Gang’s top sellers to create a design that not only filled a void in the collection but was also fitted their unique style aesthetic.
Naming my bag was easy. My Grandma T’Lee has always been a passionately, fearless entrepreneur. She’s in her 80′s (don’t tell her I told you that!), but she’s never slowed down her drive to learn more, do more, create more. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be the ambitious, dream chaser that I am today!
Top Tip
Do make something that you love.
Don’t second guess your design as it progresses.
Do the math to avoid mistakes before you get started.
Don’t be afraid of colour.
Do pay attention to the details.
Don’t let life get in the way of your dreams – schedule yourself some time that you can devote yourself to the work and stick to it. That dream isn’t going to make itself!
Amsterdam Bag
Designer
Lisa Novel from Geneva, Switzerland
Inspiration
My crochet bag is inspired by a wicker basket. I’m a real fan of baskets. I love how practical they are and their timeless aspect. I wanted to reproduce this look in the crochet to make it special. And I think the size is just perfect to carry all your essentials.
The shape reminds me of the centre of Amsterdam. I lived there for a few months and I loved to cycle for hours in this amazing city – such good memories!
Top Tip
It’s a great opportunity to create your own design. Don’t think too much and start your project!
Read more about Gang Labs here.