A fresh take on brown bagging it to school or work! This bag works up quickly and easily and is fun to use. It’s made in pieces, which are then joined with sc seams that add a sporty look.

12 ½ inches tall x 8 ½ inches wide x 4 inches deep

20 rows and 17 stitches in single crochet = 4 inches (10 cm.)

US Pattern notations used
Ch = chain stitch
Sc = single crochet
St(s) = stitch (es)
Sl st = slip stitch

This purse uses a second variation of the Spike Stitch... one that mirrors back on itself to create soft waves. However, when those soft waves are combined with the metallic contrast of black and silver Crystal Palace Soiree, they create a fashion forward barrel clutch swank enough for New Years.

Check out the Spike Stitch Introduction if you'd like more information before diving into this advanced pattern.

• 140 yards - color A, DK to Worsted Weight yarn
  (Shown in CrystalPalace Soiree (60% polyester, 40% polyamide, 160 yds per 50 g) color #3690 Antique Silver)
• 120 yards - color B, DK to Worsted Weight yarn
  (Shown in CrystalPalace Soiree (60% polyester, 40% polyamide, 160 yds per 50 g) color #3621 Silver)
• 140 yards - color A, metallic thread
  (Shown in Sulky Sliver Metallic, color #8051 Black)
• 120 yards - color B, metallic thread
  (Shown in Sulky Sliver Metallic, color #8001 Silver)
• 4 - 1" shank buttons
• 1/3 yd - fabric for lining
• 1/3 yd - batting
• Thread to match fabric
• Sewing needle
• Darning needle
• US-G hook (4.00mm) or US-G (4.00mm) afghan hook
• US-H hook (5.00mm)

Completed dimensions, as shown, are 10.5" wide by 2.5" tall.

Gauge Swatch
Work pattern and measure:

16 stitches (2 repeats of pattern) = 4"

28 rows = 4"

US Pattern notations used throughout
Ch – chain
Sc – single crochet
Sl st – slip stitch
TSS – tunisian simple stitch, for more information, see tutorial in April/May ’05 issue.

Special note: when making the TSS buttonhole in this project, you are directed to add 2 chains in the middle of the row. For the chains, do not insert hook into the fabric on the forward row, simply yarn over two times, and then continue TSS to the end. Work return row as normal, treating the yarn over as a loop on the hook.

If you’ve ever staked plants in your garden, chances are you have a spool of jute twine lying around the house. Put it to a fun, new use with this beaded basket. If you don’t have any jute, you’ll find what you need with a quick stop by the twine section of your local hardware store. While you’re there, take a look at some of the other twine available; you may just find yourself crocheting with alternative materials you never considered before.

Approx 4½ inches diameter and 2 7/8 inches tall.

Rounds 1-5 = 4¼ inches

US Pattern Notations Used
ch = chain
ch-1 sp(s) = chain 1 space(s)
flo = front loop only
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)

• Beads are sewn into the pattern with hemp cord after the basket is complete, not threaded onto the jute. Hemp jewelry cord is usually available in small quantities (about 10-yard bundles) at craft stores or anywhere jewelry-making supplies are sold.
• Some jute has an odor reminiscent of fuel while other jute is virtually odorless except for a very light scent of natural fibers. Give it a good whiff before you buy it. If it smells bad, buy it elsewhere.

Basket

Make an adjustable ring by placing tail end behind working end of yarn, forming a loop.