What fun!

So I stopped at the health food store to pick up a couple of things, and they always have some fun, quirky items for your office or kitchen or whatever, and I found this cute bank. A friend at work has one that says "I'm saving for a new pair of jeans" that I love. So when I saw the knitting lessons one, I just couldn't pass it up! It's sitting on my desk and I throw a little change in once in a while. Maybe I'll actually be able to pay for knitting lessons at Twist after all....






And in the meantime, I decide to try my hand at a simple handbag. The original pattern didn't
look exactly like I wanted, so I used it as a starting point. I changed hook size from an I to a G, and decided to work it in the round as opposed to separate sides that needed seaming. I hate seaming (most of the time).

The pattern was pretty much just rows of double crochet, with increases and decreases where needed. I decided to add a little interest. I used extended double crochet on a few rows to add height without lots of holes like treble crochet. Then I decided that a couple rows of shell stitch would add some interest without adding holes, too. Then, to finish around the top, i didn't want to just finish off, attach yarn and make the rows to go around the handle, so I slip-stitched the sides and chained three at the end of each row, one going up and one going down the other side. The edges have about 3 rounds of slip stitch, which I think adds an interesting finish. Anyway, it worked up fast and easy, regular worsted-weight acrylic, and a set of bamboo handles. Not expensive either! I think I might just make a stash of them to have on hand for gifts.