Blackberry Bracelet Bag on way to my Secret Pal

For the last month of the exchange, we were supposed to create a hand-crafted object made from one skein or ball of yarn. I was late sending mine out, but it's still technically August, so hope my pal Jen will like it. I created what I call the "Blackberry Bracelet Bag", made using a combination of inspiring books and patterns, but not made from a pattern itself.

I was in a hurry to send it out to my secret pal, Jen, that I forgot to take photos. Made using Regia Bamboo sock yarn in Jaffa from my LYS, River Knits, just 1 ball and even had extra left over! I was inspired by the style of the Chinese Charm Purse (Debbie Stoller's Stitch 'n' Bitch) and the size of Magritte, a bracelet sized bag from Berroco. I used the "Blackberry Salad
Stitch" from Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet, using a very small steel hook for a tight stitch. The bag was lined in an asian-influence cotton print, and I sewed on some pink bangles and beads to the front to resemble a charm. Handles were made from 2 round bamboo bracelets. Not a large bag...just big enough for a cell phone and a lipstick, but I think she liked
it. And I was in such a hurry again, I can't believe I didn't take pictures.

Cardigan sweater in the works

The building where I work is under construction, and will be for quite some time. With the cool fall weather approaching, and my office near an outside door, I expect to be chilly soon! I need a cardigan in a basic color that will blend with everything, that I can just throw over my chair and put on whenever I need it.

The pattern I'm eyeing is the Cardigan with Ruffled Edge from So Simple Crochet by Melody Griffiths. It calls for 15 balls of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino, which isn't in my budget. I bought some Bernat Denimstyle yarn in "Canvas", and we'll see how it works!