We just recently found out that a neighbor, whom we hadn’t seen in a while, broke her leg at the beginning of May. She’s still on crutches and occasionally using a wheelchair because the leg isn’t healing very fast. I felt like I needed to make her something to cheer her up during her confinement. In less than 3 days, I whipped up a crocheted Hobo Bag for her.
I used Lion Brand Jiffy yarn (2 skeins) that I just had to buy special for this project. The original pattern called for hooks K-11, J-10, and H-8. I had about 1/3 of the bag done and decided I didn’t like the way it was turning out, so I frogged it and did it over using smaller hooks (J-10, H-8, G-7). The bag itself I was able to finish in < 2 nights, working only 3-4 hours each night (although that is a pretty intense crocheting night for me). I pushed hard because I wanted to finish it before we left for camping over the 4th of July.
The rest of the purse I finished on the 3rd night. The purse is lined with a clearance scrap of black nylon I found at Walmart. I also found the button on clearance – Le Bouton Buttons – Dena’s Closet.I couldn’t decide between the yellow flower button or another fancier button I found, but when I saw the pink polka dot ribbon, I knew which I had to use. The pattern also says to use magnetic snaps and a purchase bag handle. I couldn’t find either one at the local craft store or Walmart, and didn’t have time to run to LaCrosse to look there, so I improvised with making a “flap” to go over the bag and hook onto the button, and I crocheted around some plastic rings and the length of the strap for a handle. If I were to do it again, I think I’d just crochet the straps and forget about the rings.
Inside the bag, I tucked some flavored tea bags, some Hershey’s dark chocolate pieces, and Lindt truffles. Gotta have chocolate to help you recuperate! 🙂
Later this week I hope to get back over to loan her some books to read.