Finished with the hardwick handbag pattern I was testing.  Love, love, love the catherine wheel pattern!  The crochet part of the bag was fairly quick.  But my lack of sewing knowledge made that part go slowly.  I spent more time sewing the pieces (and taking apart and sewing again) than I did crocheting.  More than once during this process I wished I had more of an interest in home economics in high school.

I am considering taking a basic sewing class at the county extension office at some point.  While I don't know if I like the process, (maybe my lack of skill getting in the way).  I think exploring a little further maybe a good idea.  I also had a time deciding on the handles, I tried the leather straps that were my first choice but the were not the right fit for the bag.  I ended up using the first pair I bought and wasn't sure about.  Still thinking about whether or not to leave the handles as they are or crochet over them as they are designed to do.  I kinda like the clear handle.  Next up is a baby blanket with the limelight simply soft I bought several months ago on clearance at walmart.  Haven't started that one yet so don't know how it's going to work.  I am thinking about colors for the ocean waves challenge @ the crochet crowd. gotta get that going as well.  So many projects floating around in my head....... back to stitching for now.....

Just about to finish this bag.  I decided to go with the black leather straps.  I like it the best of the three handles I have.  I have been working a lot on this bag in the last 24 hours.  and almost none of the time was crocheting it!  My first experience with using lining and interfacing in a bag as well as the first time using handles that were not made out of yarn.  I don't think there's much chance I am taking up sewing as a hobby.  I like what I was able to do, but I have spent more time cutting measuring and sewing pieces together than I believe I spent crocheting all the parts of the  bag.

I  have a bit more knowledge and respect for hand sewn projects now.  I have one handle attached,  the outside of the back stitched together as well as the lining and interfacing stitched together.  All that is left is attaching the other handle, putting the lining inside the crocheted part of the bag and seaming the top edge.  The pattern calls for a magnetic closure, but I think I am going to skip that for now.

A Tale of two (or three) purse handles................

Still working on the Hardwick Handbag. (testing the pattern on FPT, ravelry).  I went in search of purse handles and quickly found out there wasn't much to choose from here.  I thought about ordering online but I really needed not only to see the handles in person but also look at the handles with the pattern together.  So of we went in search of.....  I found an acrylic pair that is meant to crochet over, and while I am still considering them, I don't think it is the look I am going for with the bag.  Next I went to Tuesday Morning.  I saw some handles there when searching for the Bambool yarn for the old shale smoke ring I was working on last month.  I had no idea I would be making a purse then.  I found two pair, and have yet to figure out which one will work best.  Maybe it will be clear once all the pieces are blocked and ready for assembly.  

Next up was the search for fusible stabilizer and material to line the bag.  I don't sew much past putting on a lost button or repairing a hole.  So my knowledge in that area is sadly lacking.  I wish I would have taken an interest in home economics in high school.  Well after spending about 45 minutes in Hancock Fabrics with a rather knowledgeable clerk.  My education is still lacking in that area, but I did learn a little about my subject.    

So for now, here's a couple of pics of my progress and materials...............

A few things on the hook and needles today.........

first up a purse I am testing in fpt on ravelry....I using a mystery gala mix fiber (big lots) that matches nicely with the lion brand cotton ease (hazelnut) yarn that I have had for a little while and had no clue what to do with.  Still trying to decide on handles.  The main body of the purse is the Catherine wheel stitch and I can see how it could become addictive.  It's a simple pattern to remember and it's nice to look at..  

And on my needles a vortex shawl that is just beginning, done in Paton's lace bonfire colorway........not much to see on this one yet.......

recently finished on the needles is old shale smoke ring, stitched with elsebeth Lavold bambool......love this one.  Really needed a third skein but only found 2.  Now to figure out what to do with the 3 skeins of cranberry I found when I was looking for another skein of the blue........