Spring Forward ~ A Free Pattern

A simple, crocheted, zippered pouch, that uses feminine touches and fabric to make it pop.

Sunglasses case, cosmetics bag, or just a cute clutch for your necessities; with dimensions of 7 inches x 4.5 inches, you can be sure to fit just what you need.

Worked in two pieces and sewn together for a more structured look, the super simple single and double crochet stitch pattern makes this small purse an easy and almost instant gratification project. Make several as gifts or just one for yourself.

                   
You will need:

A main color yarn (body)

Two contrasting yarns (flowers)

Hooks: 5.00 mm, 4.00 mm and 3.75 mm

One 7 inch zipper

Fabric (¼ a yard would be plenty)

Sewing needle

         

A word on copyright: This pattern is free for use to recreate. You can sell the finished object you make with this pattern, but if you could please give me credit that would be great. Please do not sell this pattern for profit. Thanks

Note: The reason I use a 5.00 mm hook for the first row is to compensate for my stitches getting looser the longer I crochet. Since the chain you make impacts how wide the bottom of your piece will be, you can combat it being to narrow by starting with a bigger hook, thus creating a more even shape

Body (make 2):

Using your main color and size 5.00 mm hook, chain 26

Row 1: Work one row of single crochet (25 sc)

Row 2: Chain 2, turn work and change to size 3.75 mm hook. Work one row of double crochet (25 dc)

Row 3: Single crochet across (25 sc)

Row 4: Double crochet across (25 dc)

Row 5: Single crochet across (25 sc)

Row 6: Double crochet across (25 dc)

Row 7: Single crochet across (25 sc)

Row 8: Double crochet across (25 dc)

Row 9: Single crochet across (25 sc)

Row 10: Double crochet across (25 dc)

Row 11: Single crochet across (25 sc)

Row 12: Double crochet across (25 dc)

Row 13: Single crochet across (25 sc)

Break yarn and pull through to bind off.

Sew cast on edges and sides together, leaving the bind off edges as the opening of the pouch.

Create your fabric insert by folding your pouch inside out and using it as a template for the size of fabric you need. Cut one piece and then sew sides together. Place your crocheted piece into the fabric pouch you’ve just created. 

Then place your zipper between the fabric and crocheted piece. Using the same color you used as the main body, sew zipper into place. Try to make your stitches even and place the zipper straight for best results. Using pins to hold everything in place and together is a useful trick.

Zipper pull (make two):
With main color, 4.00 mm hook and using the magic loop, double crochet into your loop 10 times. Slip stitch last dc to first dc to create a perfect circle.

After making a second disk, sew together over the pull that is already on your zipper. To make sure it is secure, you might want to sew through any holes several times. Also, sew edges of disks together.

Larger flower (make one):

Using one of your contrasting colors and size 4.00 mm hook, make a magic loop and chain 7. Slip stitch into the magic loop and then chain another 7, slip stitching that chain into the magic loop as well. Repeat the process 3 more times to create 5 “petals”. Pull yarn through on last slip stitch to bind off. Use tails to sew flower purse. You can pull your cut ends in between the crocheted fabric and the cloth.

Smaller flower (make two):

Using one of your contrasting colors and size 4.00 mm hook, create a magic loop and chain 5, slip stitch into the magic loop and then chain another 5, slip stitching that chain into the magic loop as well. Repeat the process 3 more times to create 5 “petals”. Pull yarn through on last slip stitch to bind off. Use tails to sew flowers to purse. You can pull your cut ends in between the crocheted fabric and the cloth.

Finished!

Ravelry pattern page here.

FO: Mother of Dragons

Pattern: Gris de lin by Cailliau Berangere
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in colorway "Pagoda"
Mods: Knitted 4 repeats instead of 8
Inspiration: Daenerys Targaryen
Purpose: Project 3 of (crossing my fingers) a hopeful 4 for the Game of Thrones KAL

So I've been in a rut of sorts recently. I partially blame the cold I have, which has left me tired and just feeling blah and not in the mood to work on much of anything. Or at least, these are my excuses for a second GoT knit in a row. 

Anyway, on to the knit itself. My inspiration for this cowl was Dany Targaryen and for good reason. Dany is straight up fierce, to the highest degree of fierce. The only match to her fire and determination would be her pure and good heart. If anyone has a good claim to the throne, I think Dany just might be the best bet. She has dragons.

This pattern caught my eye, partially because I liked the texture, but also because it reminded me of the dragon eggs gifted to the Khaleesi in season 1. 

The pattern worked up nicely and was very well written. Interesting enough to not get boring but not so complicated it left me frustrated. I would love to make it again, but perhaps with a superior yarn.