During my recent trip to Italy, I discovered a new and trendy material: raffia. At first, I wasn't sure what to think because I never saw myself as a "raffia crocheter." But I decided to try it and see what the fuss was about.
For those who don't know, raffia is a natural fiber that comes from the leaves of the raffia palm tree. The original thread is more commonly used for decoration than crochet. The material that's trending right now is actually viscose raffia, an artificial fiber that mimics the look of natural raffia. It's versatile and can be used for various items, including bags, hats, and shoes. It's lightweight and durable, making it perfect for summer accessories.
Why all the hype for raffia?
So, why is raffia so popular and sold out in many yarn shops all over Europe? It's because of its unique texture and natural charm. As summer approaches in Europe, many people are heading to the beach or the mountains, and raffia accessories complement their outfits perfectly. They can be made quickly and affordably, depending on your chosen accessory. Plus, it's fun!
I'm totally obsessed with raffia accessories
As I embraced the trend, I became increasingly obsessed with raffia accessories. I even took a class to crochet a raffia bag with granny squares with one of my Brazilian friends who is visiting Portugal now. We made it our "summer project" as a memory.
The course was in-person with Filipa Carneiro, a talented Portuguese designer who teaches free classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays here in Lisbon. It was a fantastic experience, and I highly recommend trying it.
Here are the deets:
I was able to crochet this raffia bag in just three days.
I used 200g of black raffia to make this size, which amounts to four skeins of 50g each with 100m. I spent 6.50 euros on each skein and 12 euros for the holders.
Thanks to its unique texture, natural appeal, and eco-friendly qualities, Raffia is an excellent choice for anyone looking to try out new accessory trends.
In conclusion: I never expected to become a raffia enthusiast, but I am happy I gave it a chance.
Spoiler alert: My next raffia project is a crochet bucket hat that I will wear during my journey to Santiago de Compostela in the last week of July. I'm feeling all Miu Miu vibes!
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