Sari Silk Purse

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Finished size — 12½″ × 7″, without handles

Skill Level — Intermediate

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Sari silk yarn is interesting and unique, but it can be challenging to work with because of its many inconsistencies. Just don't give up. With patience, your project will be beautiful and bursting with color!

INSTRUCTIONS:

Work in rounds.

Rnd 1: Ch 13, sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across (12 sc). Work 3 more sc in last ch. You will have 4 sc in end ch. Cont up other side, sc in each rem ch, 3 more sc in ch just worked (last st). Sl st in first sc — 30 sc. Mark rnds.

Rnd 2: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in each sc around, increasing 4 hdc on each end, to keep work flat — 38 hdc.

Rnd 3: Ch 2, hdc in each hdc around, inc 5 hdc on each end — 48 hdc.

Rnds 4–5: Ch 2, work even — 48 hdc around.

Rnd 6: Ch 2, work 4 inc evenly spaced around — 52 hdc.

Rnds 7–19: Rep Rnd 6. You should have 104 hdc on Rnd 19.

Rnd 20: Ch 2, work even with no inc. End off — 104 hdc.

Optional Lining: Cut stabilizer according to diagram. Cut lining fabric same as stabilizer, but cut ½" more on all outside edges. Attach lining to stabilizer (folding ½" extra fabric to other side) with fusible tape or fabric glue. Place bottom piece inside bottom of purse. Place both sides to inside of purse, overlapping each end. With sewing needle and thread, sew lining to purse with whip st while also sewing edges of lining tog on inside to fit.

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Finishing

For lp closure, attach yarn at center back st of purse. Ch 16, and sl st to same st as joining to form a lp. Sew button to center front of purse, approx. 1¼″ down from top edge on center front of purse. With yarn and yarn needle, sew handles to front and back of purse, evenly spaced. Tuck sides of purse in about ½″ at widest point, and st folded ends tog to secure. Weave in ends.

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Materials:

2 skeins (100 g/80 yd. each) sari silk yarn or any other #5 yarn

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Size H/8 (5 mm) hook

2 rattan and wood handles

1 wooden ¾″ toggle button

Yarn needle

Sewing needle and matching thread

1/3 yd. fabric for lining (optional)

1/3 yd. ultra-firm stabilizer (optional)

Used in this project: Peltex #70 Ultra-Firm Stabilizer.

Gauge:

10 hdc = 3″

7 hdc rnds = 3″

To increase: work 2hdc in 1 st as indicated.

Words of Encouragement

Sometimes life can be challenging, and we all have inconsistencies or faults. With patience, your life can turn around, and you can become the beautiful person you were meant to be. I have found that life is a learning experience. It's not what life gives you, but what YOU give to life that makes the difference. Attitude is the key to everything! Just don't ever give up — God believes in you, but you have to believe in yourself.