I always like to keep my hands busy during long car journeys, so I've started knitting and crocheting while my husband drives the way to our holiday destination. On the way to France last month, I started a (doll size) granny square blanket, which was really fun!

During our stay, there were a a few nights where we kept our children busy during dinners by asking them to make a collection of loom bands, and then selling them (by auction!) to friends and family. We had a good laugh and the kids earned a few cents, which made them proud and looking forward to the next 'Vide Greniers' (flee markets) we always like to visit during the weekends.

To keep their earnings safe, I crocheted a little purse for each of them, and they turned out really cute. Here's how I made them (using cotton yarn with crochet needle 3,5):

First, chain 30.

Row 1: single crochet in all 30 chains. (30 sc)

Row 2: Change colour. Double crochet in first sc and in each sc across (30 dc)

Row 3: ch 1, turn. Double stitch in first dc and in each dc across (30 dc)

Row 4 & 5 and 6 & 7: repeat row 2 & 3

(For one colour: Row 2 - 7: chain 1, turn. Double stitch in first dc and in each dc across (30 dc) )

Begin flap:

Row 8 (same colour as row 7): Ch 1, turn. Double stitch in first dc and in the next 14 dc (15 dc)

Row 9: ch 1, turn. Double stitch in first dc and in each dc across (15 dc)

Row 10: change colour. Double stitch in first dc and in each dc across (15 dc)

Row 11: ch 1, turn. Double stitch in first dc and following 6 dc, skip one dc and ch 1 instead, dc in 8th dc and next 6 dc (15 dc)

Row 12: ch 1, turn. Single crochet in first dc and each dc (and ch) across (15 sc)(For one colour: Row 8 - 11: chain one 1, turn. Double stitch in first dc and in the next 14 dc (15 dc). Row 12: sc like above. )

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Bag assembly: Fold purse, and starting at the lower left corner, slip stitch the sides together. Once you get to the top right corner, chain enough to form the strap, then attach to other side of bag and 'faux' slipstitch the other side as well. Fasten off and secure ends.

Finishing: Fold flap over front of bag to find placement of button. Sew on button and fasten through space formed between dc 6 and 8 in center of Row 11.

Voila! I hope I explained everything correctly. They are really simple and quick to make!

xxx Esther