Crochet Purse

Since my surgery. I've been dealing with bouts of insomnia. This has lead to some creative pieces of work. One being a crochet purse, which I gave to my mother. I worked this thing entirely out of my head. I wrote it down as I went. If there are any issues, let me know. 

Small Purse

1 skein color A

1 skein color B

1 skein color C

Front Panel

Make two

With color A, Chain 50

Row 1: sc in 2nd chain from hook, sc in each chain afterward, turn. 48 sc

Row 2: chain 1, sc in each sc, turn.  48 sc

Row 3-26: repeat row 2. Fasten off. 48 sc

Small Pockets

Make four

With color A, Chain 15

Row 1: sc 2nd chain from hook, sc in each chain afterward, turn.  13 sc 

Row 2: chain 1, sc in each sc, turn. 13 sc

Row 3-15:  repeat Row 2. Fasten off. 13 sc

Large Pockets

Make 2

With color A, Chain 37

Row 1: sc 2nd chain from hook, sc in each chain afterward, turn. 35 sc

Row 2: chain 1, sc in each sc, turn. 35 sc

Row 3-4: repeat Row 2. Connect B at last sc in Row 7. 35 sc

Row 5-15: repeat Row 2. Fasten off. 35 sc. 

Bottom

Make 1

With color B, Chain 15

Row 1: sc 2nd chain from hook, sc in each chain, turn. 13 sc

Row 2: chain 1, sc in each sc, turn. 13 sc

Row 3-57: repeat Row 2. Fasten off. 13 sc

Sides

Make 2

With Color B

Chain 14

Row 1: sc in 2nd chain from hook sc in each chain afterward. Turn 13 sc

Row 2: chain 1, sc in each sc. Turn. 13 sc

Row 3-27 repeat Row 2. Fasten off. 13 sc

Handles

Make 2

With Color B, Chain 5

Row 1: sc in 2nd chain from hook, sc in each chain afterward, turn. 5 sc

Row 2: chain 1, sc in each sc. Turn. 5 sc 

Row 3-80: repeat Row 2. Fasten off. 5 sc

Pocket Border

Make 4

With Color B, Chain 6

Row 1: sc 2nd chain from hook, sc in each chain afterward. Turn.  5 sc

Row 2: chain 1, sc in each sc. Turn. 5 sc

Row 3-44: repeat Row 2. Fasten off. 5 sc

Finishing:

With Color C, outline the handles using 1 sc in each stitch. Fasten off

Use Color C to put pieces together. I used 1 sc in each stitch.

Feel free to post any changes you've made to this pattern in the comments section. 

And please donate to my transplant fund (still have transplant expenses to cover) at 

http://cota.donorpages.com/PatientOnlineDonation/COTAforSolanaC/

Ramen Soup

I've been on a long Hiatus. Being sick did not help my crafting ability. I had no energy to do simple things. Luckily, a new set of lungs became available just in time. Now my creative juices are starting to flow again.

Since transplant, I've been craving ramen soup. The instant kind is full of stuff that I would need a Chemistry degree to understand. In other words, completely unhealthy.  I steer clear of the stuff. It's just sodium and empty calories. But my cravings were getting so strong (and it didn't help that my sister loves it, so I was smelling it all the time). I finally decided to succumb to my craving. I made my own version of ramen soup.  And I must say, it's pretty tasty. Much better than the instant stuff. And smart me, I took notes while making it.

Ramen Soup

18 oz Chicken Stock

6 oz Water

1" Piece of Fresh Ginger, finely shredded

2 Cloves Garlic, finely chopped

1 Bundle Japanese Udon Noodles (I use Tomoshiraga Somen Noodles)

2 Carrots, Sliced

2 Celery Sticks, Sliced

8oz mushrooms, chopped

3 Scallions, chopped

Salt and Pepper to taste

Optional:

2 cups Cooked Chicken, Shredded

1 can Bamboo Shoots, drained

1 can Water Chestnuts, drained

1 Egg, boiled or whisked

1. Put the Chicken Stock, Water, Ginger, Garlic, and Scallions in a pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 5 minutes.

2. Add Carrots, Celery, Mushrooms, Chicken, and Udon Noodles.  Bring back to a boil.  Simmer for amount of time needed to cook noodles.

3. 3 minutes before the Noodles are done add the Bamboo Shoots, Water Chestnuts and whisked Egg (whisk as you slowly pour the egg into the soup).

4. Remove from heat and add sliced boiled Egg at this stage.

5.  Salt and Pepper to taste. Enjoy out of the pot or in a nice large bowl.

Note:

Can add any veggies you like. I tend to change mine every time I make Ramen Soup.

Can use pork, beef, or shrimp in place of Chicken.

If you like this soup, consider donating to my transplant fund. It covers ongoing expenses. 

http://cota.donorpages.com/PatientOnlineDonation/COTAforSolanaC/