Finishing Projects

Ahhhh...what a nice sense of accomplishment when you finish a project! Even better...when the finished project looks good! A few weeks ago I gave my Mom a black knit and crocheted, boat-neck sweater that she had requested. I saw her wear it yesterday and it looked great on her! Success! The photo of Mom isn't that great....she was squinting in the sun...she's really much cuter than this, HOWEVER, the sweater looks great!

I'm really excited about finishing my faux Ferragamo bag. Now, I only need to run out in the rain at lunchtime today and pick up the big button closure and some small buttons for trim. I searched for some decent leather-looking handles for the bag, but everything I saw was just too darn expensive. So, I remembered something that I learned in my "Build A Better Bag" class at Stitches West, taught by Gwen Bortner. Gwen told us that braided handles are way stronger than knitted or crocheted handles. I crocheted 3 long chains, 2 with dark brown soutache and one with the Lion Brand Suede that I used for the top of the bag. After chaining these strands, I braided them together for a very strong handle. I made two of these and sewed them to the non-public side of the crocheted lining. Oh yes, I took a tip from Regina and crocheted a lining for my bag, adding a cellphone pocket. The originaI bag priced at $1,650 is pictured at right. My bag ended up costing $15 in materials. I wish the weather would brighten up so I could use this summery purse!

Almost Finished! Looking for Buttons!