Bags with Chains

I'm revisiting an old pattern of mine, Bags with Chains. I've always loved Channel's handbags with chains and I had some extra dog chains, which I wore as necklaces back in the day (heavy metal daze that is.)

Anyhow, now a more respectable way to use my old dog chains and use up some scrap yarn. I'm working on a new bag with black cables and a silver dog chain. The black yarn does not show cables well but I love how it's turning out. Also crocheting one with cream cables but the chain doesn't go so well. My other option is black leather straps with the cream yarn, looks cool so far.

The bags above: the obvious black fun fur bag is cute but outdated, fun fur is so 80's. The 2nd is gray plaid using surface crochet technique, I like but could do better. Both have zippers and are lined.

You can never have too many bags!

Seagrass Cowgirl Hat Pattern

1 coil of Baby Seagrass 000 - SG200B will make a couple hats - order from
Atkinson's Country House http://www.sandyatkinson.com/index.html
2775 Riniel Road
Lennon, MI 48449
Local (Flint Area): 810-621-4947
Fax: 810-621-3058 / To Order: 800-832-3071

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
nx st = next stitch
inc = working 2 sts in same st

Tip: Placing the coil of seagrass fiber in a basket or other container before you begin will help keep the coil contained. Note: The beginning chain is the center top of the hat, and you work around the beginning center chain with increases in each end. The oval created is the top of the hat. The entire hat is worked in back loops only, from top to sides, then brim.

Round 1 – for beginning chain, loosely ch 13, start in 2^nd ch from hook, sc each st to end of ch, then sc in back loop only on other side of the beginning chain, to end of row, now inc by adding 2 sc in your 1^st st, then sc in back loops only, on the other side of beg ch, at end of this row inc by working 2 sc in last ch, sl st to close round, ch 1 for turning ch.

Round 2 – sc each st, back loops only to end of row, inc with 2 sc at end of row, then sc each st back loops only, and inc with 2 sc at other end of oval, sl st to close round, ch 1. (26 total sts)

Round 3 – repeat Round 2. (28 total sts)

Round 4- repeat Round 2 but now inc 2 times at end of oval. (32 total sts)
(Top of hat measures approx. 7” x 3” inches)

Rounds 5 to 11 – sc each st, remember back loops only, do not inc on sides anymore and omit turning chain, now you are working around and around to end (this makes it hard to count your sts and rows BUT you have no seam (36 total sts) (Sides of hat measures approx. 4” in length)

Round 12 – [1 sc, inc 1] back loops only, repeat to end (54 total sts)

Round 13 – sc each st, no increasing this round, back loops only (54 total sts)

Round 14 – [3 sc, inc 1] back loops only, repeat to end (64 total sts)

Rounds 15 to 17– sc each st, no increasing, back loops only (72 total sts)
(if you want your brim even wider, add another row of sc back loops only here)
Fasten off and weave in end.