Side-tracked

I know I had started this month with the intention of working on the two cardigans and to finish them off, but I got side-tracked again. Well, I had had this idea for a while now, so I got some balls of cotton tying string/yarn ( or whatever one might call them) from a hardware store and some dye and dyed them at home. Now I am working on a couple of bags. One is nearly finished and I will post a pattern in 1-2 days, inshallah. The reason I had to dye the yarn from hardware store was because the only yarn available around here is basic acrylic yarn. And I am tired of my bags looking exactly like my sweaters.

Bobbles

Inspiration for Bobbles came from this bag. Needless to say, it has a lot of bobbles which may not be to everyone,s liking, but I had never crochet these before so I enjoyed doing it. Also I have to carry around a lot of baby stuff, so I thought it was a classier way to carry it. Crochet part was not very hard but writing down the pattern was. I made the handles myself. Overall I am very pleased with the result.

BOBBLES

Material:· Acrylic yarn (light fingering) off-white ( I used three strands throughout)
· Crochet hook size 4.5 mm
· Fabric for lining
· Cardboard for bottom
· One zipper
· A pair of purse handles (I made mine myself)

Size:

approx. 13 inches in height and 16 inches in width

Gauge:7 dc x 4 rows= 2 inches

Special stitches:
B (bobble): yrh, insert hook into the front loop of st, draw up a long loop,rep 4 times from= 11 loops on hook, yrh, draw through 10 loops, yrh, draw through the 2 loops on the hook.
C1( over three sts): Skip first st, FPDCin 2nd st, yrh, insert hook into the first st, draw up a loop(3 loops on the hook), yrh,draw through 2 loops, insert hook into the third st, draw up a loop(4 loops on hook), yrh, draw through 2 loops, yrh, draw through all 3 loops on the hook.FPDC in 2nd stitch again.
C2( over 2 sts): skip 1st st, FPDC in 2nd st, 1 dc in first st.
C3 (over 2 sts): skip 1st st, 1 dc in 2nd st, FPDC in 1st st.
C4 (over 5 sts): Skip 1st st, 1 dc in each of the next two sts, FPDC tog in the 1st and 5th st, I dc in the 3rd st again and then in the 4th st.
FPDC: Front Post Double Crochet.

Method:Three strands of yarn are used through out the piece except for the chain with tassels where I used six.

Body: Chain 110 sts, jn with sl st to the first ch, taking care not to twist the piece.

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), work 1 dc in each chain across, jn with sl st to the 3rd ch of the initial ch3. (110 dc).

Round 2 : same as round 1.

Round 3: Ch 3, 1 dc in each of the next 9 dc, *work B (bobble) in next dc, 1 dc in next 9 dc, B in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 18 dc, B in next dc, 1 dc in next 9 dc, B in next dc**, 1 dc in next 15 dc, rep from* to** once. 1 dc in next 5 dc , jn.(110 sts)

Round 4: same as round 1.

Round 5: same as round 1.

Round 6: Ch3, 1 dc in each of next 27 dc, C1 over next 3 dc, 1 dc in each of next 52 dc, C1 over next 3 dc, 1 dc in each of next 24 dc, jn. (110 sts)

Round 7: Ch 3, 1 dc in each of next 27 dc, FPDC in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, FPDC in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 52 dc, FPDC in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, FPDC in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 24 dc, jn.

Round 8: Ch3, 1 dc in each of next 16 dc, *B in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, B in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, C2 over next 2 st, B in next dc, C3 over next 2 sts, 1 dc in each of next 5 dc, B in next dc, I dc in each of next 4 dc, B in next dc.** 1 dc in next 29 dc, rep from* to** once. 1 dc in each of next 12 dc, jn.

Round 9: Ch 3, 1 dc in each of next 26 dc, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in next 3 sts, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 50 dc, FPDC in next st, 1dc in each of next 3 sts, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 23 dc, jn. (110 sts)

Round 10: Ch 3, 1 dc in each of next 11 sts,* C1 over next 3 sts, 1 dc in each of next 11 dc, C2 over next 2 sts, B in next st, 1 dc in next st, B in next st ,C3 in next 2 sts, 1 dc in each of next 12 dc, C1 over next 3 dc, **1 dc in each of next 19 dc, rep from* to** once, 1 dc in each of next 7 dc, jn. (110 sts)

Round 11: Ch3, 1 dc in each of next 11 dc,* FPDC in next st, 1 dc in next st, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 11 dc, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 5 sts. FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 12 dc, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in next st, FPDC in next st, **1 dc in each of next 19 dc. Rep from* to**once.1 dc in each of next 7 dc, jn.


Round 12: Ch3, 1 dc in each of next 10 dc, *C2 over next 2 sts, B in next dc, C3 over next 2 sts, 1 dc in each of next 9 dc, C2 in next 2 sts. (B in next st, 1 dc in next) twice, B in next st, C3 over next 2 sts, 1 dc in each of next 10 dc, C2 over next 2 sts, B in next st, C3 over next 2 st**, 1 dc in each of next 17 dc,. Rep from *to **once. 1 dc in each of next 6 dc, jn.

Round 13: Ch 3, 1 dc in each of next 10 dc,* FPDC in next dc , 1 dc in each of next 3 sts, FPDC in next, 1 dc in each of next 9 dc, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 7 sts, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 10 dc, FPDC in next, 1 dc in each of next 3 sts, FPDC in next st**, 1 dc in each of next 17dc. Rep from* to** once, 1 dc each of next 6 dc, jn.

Round 14: Ch3, 1 dc in each of next 9 dc, *C2 over next 2 sts, B in next, 1 dc in next dc, B in next, C3 over next 2 sts, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, B in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, C3 over next 2 sts, (B in next st, 1 dc in next st ) three times. B in next st, C3 over next 2 sts, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, B in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, C2 over next 2 sts, B in next, 1 dc in next, B in next, C3 over next 2 sts**. 1 dc in each of next 15 dc, rep from *to** once, 1 dc in each of next 5 dc, jn.(110 sts)

Round 15: Ch3, 1 dc in each of next 9 dc,* FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 5 sts, FPDC in next st, 1dc in each of next 7 dc, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 9 sts, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 8 dc, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 5 sts, FPDC in next st**, 1 dc in each of next 15 sts, rep from* to** once. 1 dc in next 5 dc, jn.

Round 16: Ch3, 1 dc in each of next 8 sts, *C2 over next 2 sts, (B in next st, 1 dc in next st) twice, B in next st. C3 over the next 2 sts, 1 dc in each of next 5 dc, C2 over next 2 sts, (B in next st, 1 dc in next st) 4 times, B in next st, C3 over the next 2 sts, 1 dc in each of next 6 sts. C2 over next 2 sts, (b in next st, 1 dc in next st) twice, B in next st, C3 over next 2 sts**, 1 dc in each of next 13 dc, rep from* to**, 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, jn.

Round 17: Ch3, 1 dc in each of the next 8 dc, *FPDC in next st, 1 dc in next 7 st, FPDC in next, 1 dc in each of next 5 dc, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 11 sts, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 6 sts, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 7 sts, FPDC in next st.** 1 dc in each of next 13 dc, rep from *to **once, 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, jn.

Round 18: Ch 3, 1 dc in each of the next 8 dc, *C3 over next 2 sts, 1 dc in next st, (B in next st, 1 dc in next st) twice, C2 over the next 2 sts, 1 dc in each of next 5 dc, C3 over next 2 sts (1 dc in next, B in next st) 4 times, 1 dc in next st, C2 over next 2 sts, 1 dc in each of next 6 sts, C3 over next 2 sts, (1 dc in next, B in next st) twice, 1 dc in next st, C2 over next 2 sts**, 1 dc in each of next 13 dc, rep from* to** once, 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, jn.( 110 sts)

Round 19: Ch 3, 1 dc in next 9 dc, *FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 5 sts, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 7 dc, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 9 st, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 8 dc, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 5 sts, FPDC in next st**, 1 dc in each of next 15 dc, rep from *to** once, 1 dc in each of next 5 dc, jn.

Round 20: Ch 3, 1 dc in each of next 9 dc, *C3 over next 2 sts, 1 dc in next, B in next st, 1 dc in next st, C2 over next 2 sts, 1 dc in next st, B in next , 1 dc in next 3 st, B in next st, 1 dc in next st, C3 over next 2 st, (1 dc in next st, B in next st) 3 times, 1 dc in next st, C2 over next 2 sts, 1 dc in next st, B in next st, 1 dc in next 4 sts, B in next st, 1 dc in next st, C3 over next 2 sts, 1 dc in next st, B in next st, 1 dc in next st, C2 over next 2 sts**, 1 dc in each of next 15 sts, rep from *to** , 1 dc in each of next 5 sts.

Round 21: Ch 3, 1 dc in each of next 10 dc,* FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 3 sts, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 9 dc, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 7 sts, FPDC in next st, 1 dc in each of next 10 dc, FPDC in next, 1 dc in each of next 3 sts, FPDC in next**, 1 dc in each of next 17 dc, rep from *to** , 1 dc in each of next 6 sts, jn.(110 sts)

Round 22: Ch 3, 1 dc in each of next 10 dc, *C4 over 5 sts, 1 dc in each of next 9 sts, C 3 over next 2 sts, ( 1 dc in next, B in next st) twice, 1 dc in next st, C 2 over next 2 sts, 1 dc in each of next 10 dc, C4 over next 5 sts**, dc in each of next 17 dc, rep from* to** once, 1 dc in each of next 6 dc, jn.

Round 23: Ch 3 , 1 dc in each of next 25 dc,* FPDC in next st, 1 dc in next 5 sts, FPDC in next st**, 1 dc in next 48 dc, rep from *to** once. 1 dc in next 22 dc, jn.(110 sts)

Round 24: Ch 3, 1 dc in next 25 dc,* C3 over next 2 sts, 1 dc in next st, B in next st, 1 dc in next, C2 over next 2 sts**, 1 dc in each of next 48 dc, repeat from* to** once, 1 dc in each of next 22 dc, jn.

Round 25: Ch 3, 1 dc in each of next 26 dc, *FPDC in next st, 1 dc in next 3 sts, FPDC in next st**, 1 dc in each of next 50 dc, rep from* to **once, 1 dc in next 23 dc, jn.

Round 26: ch 3, 1 dc in each of next 26 dc, C4 over next 5 sts, 1 dc in each of next 50 dc, C4 over next 5 sts, 1 dc in each of next 23 sts, jn.

Round 27: Ch 3, 1 dc in each of next 13 dc, B in next, 1 dc in next 12 dc, B, 1 dc in next 6 dc, B in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 13 dc, B in next, 1 dc in next 19 sts, B in next st, 1 dc in next 14 sts, B in next st, 1 dc in next 6 sts, B in next , 1 dc in next 12 dc, B in next dc, 1 dc in next 6 sts, jn.( 110 sts)

Round 28: same as round 1.

Round 29: same as round 1.
Round 30: Ch 2, 1 sc in each of the dc across, jn and fasten off.

Bottom:Chain 8, dc in 4th ch from hook. Dc in the next 4 ch.turn
Row 2: ch3, 1 dc in each of next 5 dc, turn.
Repeat row 2 until the desired length is reached. Fasten off.
(I made a very narrow bottom. Increase the foundation chain to the desired width, if you want a larger bottom for the bag.

Finishing:Sew the bottom to the body. Cut and sew lining for the bag. I had a pocket with zippers attached to the lining. I used a piece of cardboard within two layers of fabric for the bottom. Stitch handles in place.

Drawstring with tassels: Using 6 strands of yarn, chain a desired length of drawstring. Weave the drawstring through round 27 of the body of the bag, (see pic). Make two tassels and attach to the ends. ( passed the drawstring through the crocheted piece as well as the lining. I sew 4 buttonholes in the fabric for that purpose.

Tunisian stitch cell phone bag

Material:
· Cotton thread size 10 sea green and greenish grey.
· Steel crochet hook 3.5 mm
· Sea shell bead
· Velcro fastening

Method:
Two strands of thread are used through out the piece.

Body:
With double strand of sea green, ch 18 + 2. Work Tunisian st on these 18 ch for 44 rows. Fasten off.

Flap:
Join double strand of greenish grey at the beg of last row and work one sc in each st across, turn. (18 sc)
Row 2: ch 2, dec over next tow sc, 1 sc in each sc across to the last 2 sc, dec over the last two, turn.
Row 3: ch 2, 1 sc in each sc across to the end, turn.
Repeat rows 2 and 3 until 2 sc remain. Pass thread through both and fasten off.

Strap:
For the strap knit an I-cord using one strand each of sea green And greenish grey as follows:
Using a pair of double pointed needles (3 mm), cast on 3 Sts. K across. Slide the sts across the needle to the right edge and bringing the thread to the right behind the work, again knit across. Repeat in this manner until the desired length is obtained. Cast off the three Sts together.

Finishing:
Sew together the sides using weave stitch. Using greenish grey, crochet a row of sc along the margins of the flap. Attach the seashell bead to the top of the flap. Sew I-cord and Velcro fastening in place.

Cell phone bag with wooden bead closure

Material:
· Cotton thread size 10 mustard
· Steel crochet hook 2 mm
· One wooden bead1cm diameter

Method:

Body: (make 2)
Row 1: ch 25, in the fourth ch from the hook *work [(1 dc, I ch) 4 times, 1 dc],sk 2 ch, 1 sc in the next third ch, sk 2 ch, repeat from* to the end. Turn.
Row 2: ch 5, 1 sc in the middle dc of the first shell, ch 3, *1 dc in the next sc of the previous row, ch 3 repeat from* 2 times, sc in the middle dc of the last shell, ch 3, 1 dc in the last st of previous row, turn.
Repeat these 2 rows 11 times or until the desired length is reached. Fasten off.

Strap:
Take 4 lengths of the thread about 4 feet long. Fold them into half. Twist them tightly and again fold into half. Tie at the open end. Twisted cord is formed.

Finishing:
Sew the sides and edges of the two body pieces together.
Closing:
Join thread at one side seam ch 2 and crochet 24 sc across the top open edge to the other side seam. Continue with 12 sc across the opposite edge, them ch13, jn with sl st in the 8th ch from the hook and without turning crochet 14 dc in the loop thus formed, then 1 dc in each of remaining ch, then continue with 12 more sc along the edge to the side seam, jn with sl st to the ch 2 of beg.
Weave in the edges. Sew the wooden button in place.

Cellphone bag with beaded cuff

Material:
· Cotton thread size 10 variegated pink
· Steel crochet hook 3.5 mm
· Assorted beads
· Velcro fastening

Method:
Two strands of thread are used through out the piece.

Body: (worked sideways)
Row 1: Ch 30, dc in the 4th ch from the hook. 1 dc across each ch to the end, turn. (27 sts)
Row 2: ch 3, I dc in each of next 26 dc
Repeat row 2 seventeen times. (19 rows) Fasten off.
Fold the piece into half and sew along the bottom and side.

Cuff:
Thread the beads onto the double stranded thread. (I used one round and one flower shaped bead alternating with each other).
Join thread at one edge of the opening and with RS facing, ch 2 and then 37 sc evenly spaced around the edge (38 sts). Join with sl st to the second beg ch , do not turn.

Next row: ch 3 (counts as the first dc), 1 dc in 2nd sc, then 1 dc in each sc across. Join with third beg ch and turn.
Next row: ch 3, 1 dc in 2nd dc,* pull one bead closer and position in the next dc into the next dc, 1 dc in each of the next dc, rep from the * to the end placing one bead in the every third dc. Jn with sl st, do not turn.
Next row: ch 1, sl st into the 2nd dc, *( sl st, hdc, sl st all in the next dc), sl st into the next dc, rep from *, till the end. Jn with sl st, fasten off.
Roll the cuff outward into position.

Strap:
With the RS facing, jn thread in the 3rd st from one edge of the opening in the sc row of the cuff. Ch 3, I dc in next 4 sc, placing one bead in the second dc. (5 dc with a bead in the centre one). Turn.
Row 2: Ch 3, 1 dc in each of the next 4 dc, turn.
Row 3: Ch 3, 1 dc in the next dc, 1 dc in the next dc with a bead placing, 1 dc in the next two dc, turn.
Repeat row 2 and 3 ten times. Then join at the 5 sc at the other edge of the opening with sl sts. Fasten off.

Finishing:
Weave in the loose ends. Sew a small piece of Velcro fastening on the WS of opening centre.