Half-Double Half-Circle Handbag

Once you try a few ridgy rounds of this stitch pattern and see how a dramatic color-changing yarn comes alive, you may find it as hard to set down your hook as I did! I keep this bag on display as home decor when not in use. In fact, I think it would look great as a throw pillow, and I'm curious how it would look felted.

This bag, crocheted of all half-double stitches separated with chain stitches, begins with a circle that is then folded in half while the side gussets are filled in. The bag is completed with some simple rounds at the top. Everything is worked as you go with no seaming. I'd say that the triangular gussets make this an intermediate project.

It's a stretchy bag if you use Noro so lining is recommended. If you sew, the ultimate lining would be quilted red satin, yum! The wide red satin ribbon that is woven into the handles and bag rim draws many compliments from people (especially when I tie it in a big bow), and has the added benefit of preventing the handles fro