Crochet Hook Clutch

A few months ago I made a couple of bags for my friend who crochets. She was in need of something to hold her projects, big and small.  A few weeks ago she mentioned that she could use something to carry her crochet hooks in as well.

So I googled around for tutorials and found one at Little Birdie Secrets that fit the bill.  While I've crocheted before, I am far from experienced and I liked that this pattern had a place for everything AND provided me with measurements for each hook pocket.

 

I am kind of geeked out over the fact that I was able to match my patterns pretty stinking well between the yellow and blue fabric. The inside pockets have room for pretty much every crochet hook imaginable.

It closes with an elastic loop over a vintage navy blue button. I think it's subtle and sweet on this somewhat busy Anna Maria Horner fabric.

There is even a little pocket on the flap for yarn needles. I never would have thought of that. But being a sucker for pockets, it thrilled me that this clutch seemed to have one for pretty much everything.

So there you have it. A crochet hook case for a crafty friend I admire greatly.

It's quite lovely and goes nicely with her other bags.  It was a fun, quick sew that didn't take much fabric so it would make a great gift.  

~Lindsay

Rainbow Party Favors

I promised a run down of other rainbow party details so here we go. . . this is probably my favorite little party project.

I saw these coin purses months ago and pinned them immediately.  

When I decided on the rainbow party theme, I knew I wanted to make them as party favors.

One problem. . . I don't crochet.

I've tried. I'm just not good at it.

But I buckled down and re-taught myself through some on-line tutorials.

Between that, trial and error and lots of time in the waiting room at dance class. . .

I managed to make 11 circles that could pass as "good enough" rainbows.

The sun was a bit bright when I took this photo and the orange and red kind of blend, but you get the gist.

I liked a little more purple in mine, so I did two rounds of purple before switching up to the blue.

The part I was least concerned about initially was putting in the lining and zipper.

I can sew for goodness sake, that shouldn't be hard, right?

Except that I decided I knew better than the instructions and certainly hand sewing the zips was a complete waste of time!

Have you ever tried to machine sew a zipper into a teeny tiny coin purse?

After two, I quit.  I settled down in front of Downton Abbey Season 2 and hand sewed the darn zips to the crocheted rainbows.

It didn't take that long, nor was it as irritating as I expected it to be since I had DA as a distraction.  And, I admit, the hand sewn ones look better.  The zippers fit better. So yeah, the person writing the tutorial knew what they were talking about.

I love that each one is unique on the inside. I used my scraps and my stash of zippers so each one is different.

I put a Dum Dum sucker and a nickel (Get it?? Because The Bug turned 5?) in each one.

My Grandma always used to say you shouldn't ever give an empty purse as a gift or that person will be penniless.  I know it's ridiculous superstition but I still do it every time. I love my grandma.

I finished them off by tying on these sweet little tags from Homemade by Jill.

They were the perfect finishing touch.

I love that you can google about any idea you can think of and there it will be on the world wide web.

I'm so appreciative of all those folks who share their ideas, tutorials, free printables, etc.

You make me look good.

~Lindsay