Candy Striper–Free Pattern of the Month!

MATERIALS
2 Balls each of Vickie Howell Collection’s Vegas (29% Soysilk, 67% wool, and 4% metallic thread; 50gr/100m) in colors: Swingers (red) and Chapel of Love (white)
Size US 15 (10mm), 24″ circular needles
Tapestry needle
6 yds, strung sequin
Fabric or felt glue
Decorative holiday pin (optional)
Psst!…stay tuned for a future post for instructions on how to make the crocheted poinsettia pin showed.

FINISHED SIZE
Pre-felting: 18″ x 14 1/2″
Post-felting: 10″ x 10 1/2″

DIRECTIONS
Bottom:
With DOUBLE STRAND of red Vegas, CO 10 sts. Knit two rows straight.
Next Row: Kf&b, k to last st, kf&b.
Next Row: Knit.
Repeat last 2 rows, once more.
Knit straight (garter stitch) until piece measures 12 1/2″.
Next Row: Ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog.
Next Row: Knit.
Repeat last 2 rows, once more.

Body:
Leaving existing 10 sts on needle, pick-up 62 sts evenly around (72 sts–you’ll now be working in the round.)
Knit 4 rounds.
Switch to DOUBLE STRAND of white Vegas and knit 4 rounds.
Continue in established stripe pattern (4 rows red/4 rows white) until body measures 11 1/2″, ending with red stripe.

Handles:
Next Round: Switch to white and knit around.
Next Round: Purl.
Next Round: K 13, BO 20, k16, BO 20, k3.
Next Round: P13, CO 20 (using “e” cast-on), p16, CO 20, p3.
Work 11 rows in garter stitch (when working in the round, this means knit one row, purl the next). BO. Weave in ends.

FINISHING
Felting:
Place finished purse in a zippered pillow case or lingerie bag and machine felt, using hot water and mild soap. Use short cycles, and repeat as many times as necessary to get the amount of felting you desire. Once it’s done, roll in towel to squeeze out excess water and let dry overnight, taking care to shape as necessary (you might want to even stuff with paper towels to help shape the bottom).

Embellishing:
Using fabric glue attach sequin to top of each red stripe. Let dry. Add a holiday corsage or brooch. Line with fabric if desired.

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This pattern is meant for non-commercial use only. Copyright Vickie Howell, Inc. 2007. All rights reserved.

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