Purses in Progress

I know I'm not the only one trying to figure out a more economical solution for round, wooden purse handles...someone out there has to have an idea.  My problem is that the 9" rattan hoops from Jo-Ann Fabrics are so darned expensive; I just can't afford to keep them on hand.

And so, until I come up with a brilliant idea, my completed Super-Fat bags look like this:

Not exactly ideal, but it's working out so far.  I figure I'll stash a few dollars away when I can, and each of these will get handles when I can afford to get them.

In the mean time, does anyone have any brilliant ideas for me?  The hoops I'm buying at the retail store are either $5.99 or $6.99 a set.  I'd love to hear any suggestions you may have.

Work in Progress: Lacy Checkered Afghan

Hey, y'all!

Long time, no see.  This has been a busy summer at our little yellow house, and I realize I've been neglecting you.  Not to worry...you're not alone.  I just sat down and replied to a couple of emails that were over a month old.

I guess it's time to catch up, eh?

Even though summer isn't always the most comfortable time to crochet, I've completed a few things since I last posted, and I have more in progress.  I'll post the completed projects after they've been given to their new owners - wouldn't want to ruin any surprises! - but in the meantime, here's a sneak-peek at a current work in progress:

These grey and purple motifs are almost 12" square, and I'll be joining 25 of them together to make a checkerboard afghan.  I'm using bulky acrylic yarn that I got through a trade, and I think the combo of the bulky yarn and the lacy motif will make this blankie quite interesting.  I'm about halfway to the finish line on this one...stay tuned for more pics of the completed project!


See you soon,
One Crafty Broad

Lacy Bedspread: In Progress

Remember a couple of months ago, when I said I was starting to make motifs for a lacy bedspread?  Well, I've finally started putting it together this weekend.  I wanted to see what the squares looked like connected, especially after deciding to make a center square that equals four of the regular ones. 

Here's what it looks like so far:

The first 33 squares (including the giant one) have been assembled.

Here's a closer shot so you can get an idea of the texture.



It just about covers our queen-size bed width-wise as is.  I have enough squares to add another round, making it 8x8, and then I'll need another row or two to get it to the proper length.

All in all, the project is moving along nicely.  I'll post more pics as the work progresses...or at least when it's finally done.  :)

Whiplash

Okay, so I have this problem.  I know I can't be the only one...I just know it.

All I really want to do, like all the time, is crochet.  My problem is my (lack of) attention span.  I start projects with the greatest of intentions only to find myself excitedly chasing after some newer, shinier project when I'm not even done with the last great thing yet.  Seriously, people, I've got whiplash here.

And so my house is becoming a graveyard of sorts, where the unfinished projects go to die.  I'm hoping this trend of overwhelming inspiration eventually gives way to a calmer time, a time in which I can nurse these poor unfinished projects back to health and display them proudly as finished pieces.

But for now, I gotta admit...it is kinda fun. ;)