Happy Hookers Fat Bottom Bag

I have made this bag before (Fat Bottom Bag, published in 'Happy Hooker' by Debbie stroller), but couldn't get to grips with the wooden hoop handles. I need a bag I can just sling over my shoulders. After a search on Ravelry I found this adaption on the brilliant Bend Beanies blog. The bag had been made deeper with extra rows around the band at the top, and the handles crocheted onto the side of the bag.

For the first time in my life I also lined the finished bag, hoping that the touch of fabric would take away the 'homemade' look. To make the bag a bit more secure, I crocheted a strap and added a vintage button from my Granny's button collection. I do intend to make a corsage to sew to the straps, but in the mean time have pinned a lovely knitted flower broach my Mum recently made for me. Can a girl have too many bags?

On the Round....Stool Cosy

In-keeping with the round theme, whilst watching 'The Tudors' last Friday night I knocked out, using lovely thick cotton yarn a 'stool cosy' to brighten up my rather drab bathroom and to keep my little ones bottoms warm during teeth cleaning duty.

Using only single crochet, I gradually increased each round until I had reached the desired size of my stool (around 130 stitches.) I then decreased quickly to create a smalled diameter. The finished item was then stretched over the stool, and tied with extra yarn underneath to prevent any small fingers pulling it off.

I have to admit I am enjoying the simplicity of the dense single crochet stitch and have been mesmerised by the 'pinwheel' pattern I am finding in the rounds.

simple crochet

Finally managed to finish some simple crochet projects and post them, inspired by the book by Erika Knight, 'simple crochet', I have used cotton and hessian string, and am now inspired to try some more. I'll have to look in some junk shops to find some different sized bottles for crocheting, or perhaps try and create some sculptutral shapes out of wire to crochet. I feel the need to try some crochet bottles on a larger scale so watch this space....giant crocheting here I come...

Happy Birthday Heather!!

If I actually sit and think about it, crocheting a cake is probably right up there with the crazy ladies who make poodle toilet roll holders, but I have to say I had so much fun making this (pattern in 'Amigurumi Two by Ana Paula Rimoli) two tier majestic cake I can hardly bear to part with it! I know it's going to a good home though - Happy Birthday Heather!!!