XOX Drawstring bag now free

XOX Drawstring Bag

By Sue Usiatynski

Materials:
Redheart Heathers yarn in 1 color (approx. 150 yds/3oz)
Size H hook
Yarn needle
Large bead (optional)

Finished size:
base 5”; height 7”

Abbreviations:

beg = beginning
BLO = back loops only
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
hdc = half double crochet
Rnd = round
sc = single stitch
sl st = slip stitch
st = stitch
Xdc = cross double stitch

Notes:
Do not count beg ch 2 as a hdc unless told otherwise.

Special stitches:

beg cluster: ch 2 (YO, insert hook in st, YO, draw up loop, YO pull through first 2 loops) repeat ( ) 2 times, YO pull through all 3 loops remaining on hook.

3 dc cluster: (YO, insert hook in st, YO, draw up loop, YO, pull through first 2 loops) repeat ( ) 3 times, YO, pull through all 4 loops remaining on hook.

beg Xdc: sl st into next hdc; ch 3; YO; insert hook into skipped hdc; YO; pull up loop; YO; pull through 2 loops on hook; YO; pull through remaining 2 loops on hook.

Xdc: YO; skip hdc; insert hook in next hdc; (YO; pull up loop; YO; pull through 2 loops on hook; YO; pull through remaining 2 loops on hook); YO; insert hook in skipped hdc; repeat ( ).

Pattern:

Ch 2

Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook; sl st in first sc. (6 sc)

Rnd 2: Ch 1; 2sc in joining and each sc around; sl st in first sc. (12 sc)

Rnd 3: Ch 1; sc in joining; 2sc in next; (sc in next; 2sc in next); repeat ( ) 5 times; sl st in first sc. (18 sc)

Rnd 4: Ch 1; sc in joining and next; 2sc in next; (sc in next 2; 2sc in next); repeat ( ) 5 times; sl st in first sc. (24 sc)

Rnd 5: Ch 1; sc in joining and next 2; 2sc in next; (sc in next 3; 2sc in next); repeat ( ) 5 times; sl st in first sc. (30 sc)

Rnd 6: Ch 1; sc in joining and next 3; 2sc in next; (sc in next 4; 2sc in next); repeat ( ) 5 times; sl st first sc. (36 sc)

Rnd 7: Ch1; sc in joining and next 4; 2sc in next; (sc in next 5; 2sc in next); repeat ( ) 5 times; sl st first sc. (42 sc)

Rnd 8: Ch 1; sc in joining and next 5; 2sc in next; (sc in next 6; 2sc in next); repeat ( ) 5 times; sl st first sc. (48 sc)

Rnd 9: Ch 1; sc in joining and next 6; 2sc in next; (sc in next 7; 2sc in next); repeat ( ) 5 times; sl st first sc. (54 sc)

Rnd 10: Ch 1; sc in joining and next 7; 2sc in next; (sc in next 8; 2sc in next); repeat ( ) 5 times; sl st in first sc. (60 sc)

Rnd 11: Ch 1; this round is in BLO; sc in joining and around; sl st in first sc. (60 sc)

Rnd 12-14: Ch 2; hdc in join and around; sl st in first hdc. (60 hdc)

Rnd 15: beg Xdc; Xdc around; sl st in beg Xdc. (30 Xdc) *see special stitches section for instructions.*

Rnd 16-18: repeat Rnds 12-14. (60 hdc)

Rnd 19: Ch 1; sc in joining and around; sl st in first sc. (60 sc)

Rnd 20: make beg cluster in joining; skip next sc; (3dc cluster in next; skip next sc) repeat ( ) 28 times; sl st in top of beg cluster. (30 clusters)

Rnd 21: Ch 1; 2 sc in joining; (2sc in top of each cluster) repeat ( ) 28 times; sl st in first sc. (60 sc)

Rnd 22-24: repeat Rnds 12-14. (60 hdc)

Rnd 25: repeat Rnd 15. (30 Xdc)

Rnd 26-28: repeat Rnds 12-14. (60 hdc)

Rnd 29: Ch 4 (this counts as first dc and ch 1); (skip next st; dc in next; ch 1); repeat ( ) 28 times; sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch 4. (30 dc and ch 1)

Rnd 30: Ch 1; sc in joining; (sc in ch 1; sc in top of dc); repeat ( ) 28 times; finish off. Weave in ends. (60 sc)

Strap:

Ch 151(or whatever length you choose); sc in 2nd ch from hook and down entire ch. Finish off. Weave in ends.

Drawsting:

Ch 121; sc in 2nd ch from hook and down entire ch. Finish off. Weave in ends.

To attach strap and drawstring: insert into 30th ch 1 space of Rnd 29 and weave all the way around. Thread both ends of drawstring into bead and knot each end. If you don’t use a bead just tie the drawstring into a bow. Attach one end of strap at 15th sc of Rnd 30 and other end at 45th sc of Rnd 30. Weave in ends.

Kitty Tote

I made this for my friend Toni as a Christmas present. Its a variation on the kittens in a row afghan. Enjoy!

Kitty Tote

By Sue Usiatynski

Size:
10.5” wide, 10” high without handles

Materials:
3 colors worsted weight yarn
(2.5 oz of color A, 1.5 oz of colors B and C)
H hook
Yarn needle
5” store bought purse handles (round or D shaped)

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
hdc = half double crochet
Rnd= round
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st = stitch

Special stitches:
Shell = [2dc, ch 1, 2dc]
Puff = [YO, insert hook either between shells (Row 4 only) or top of previous puff 2 rows (all the rest of the puffs) below, YO, draw up loop to height of row] 4 times (9 loops now on hook), YO, draw through 8 of the loops on hook, YO, draw through remaining 2 loops on hook.

Note:
Ch 3 counts as first dc.

Pattern:

With color A: ch 39

Rnd 1: 2sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 36 ch, 4sc in last ch, now working on unused side of chain, sc in next 36 ch, 2sc in same ch as first 2sc, join with sl st in 1st sc. This is outside of tote. (80 sc)

Rnd 2-5: ch 1, sc in joining and around, join with sl st in 1st sc. (80 sc)

Rnd 6: Ch 3, dc in next, skip 2 st, 2dc in next st, ch1, 2dc in next st, (skip 3 st, 2dc in next, ch 1, 2dc in next), repeat ( ) 5 more times, skip 2 st, dc each of the next 4 st, skip 2 st, 2dc in next st, ch 1, 2 dc in next st, repeat ( ) 6 times, skip 2 st, dc in last 2 st, join with sl st in top of ch 3. (8 dc, 14 shells)

Rnd 7: Ch 3, dc in next st, skip next 2 st, work shell in next ch 1 space, (skip next 4 dc, work a shell in next ch 1 space) repeat ( ) 5 more times, skip next 2 st, dc in next 4 st, skip 2 st, repeat ( ) 7 times, skip 2 st, dc in last 2 st, join with sl st in top of ch 3, change to color B this time only. (8 dc, 14 shells)

Rnd 8: Ch 3, dc in next st, skip next 2 st, (shell in ch 1 space, puff stitch between shells 2 rows below), repeat ( ) 5 more times, work shell in next ch 1 space, skip 2 st, dc in next 4, skip 2 st, repeat ( ) 7 times, work shell in last ch 1 space, skip 2 st, dc in last 2 st, join with sl st in top of ch 3. (8 dc, 14 shells, 12 puffs)

Rnd 9: Ch 3, dc in next st, skip next 2 st, work shell in ch 1 space, (skip next 5 st, work shell in top of next ch1), repeat ( ) 5 more times, skip 2 st, dc in next 4, skip 2 st, repeat ( ) 7 times, skip 2 st, dc in last 2 st, join with sl st in top of ch 3, change to color C this time only. (8 dc, 14 shells)

Rnd 10-23: repeat Rnds 8 and 9 seven times. Color changes: change to color A at the end of Rnds 11, 17 and 23, change to color B at ends of Rnds 13 and 19, change to color C at the ends of Rnds 15 and 21.

Rnd 24: repeat Rnd 8. Do not change color at the end of this Rnd.

Rnd 25: Ch 3, dc in next 2 st, hdc in next st, sc in ch 1 space, hdc in next st, dc in next st, (dc in top of puff and next st, hdc in next st, sc in ch 1 space, hdc in next st, dc in next) repeat 5 more times, dc in next 5 st, hdc in next st, sc in ch 1 space, hdc in next st, dc in next, repeat ( ) 6 times, dc in last 2 st, join with sl st in top of ch 3. (90 st)

Note about Rnd 25: This Rnd is done to even out the waves. You will basically be putting dc in top of the 8 stand-alone dc, dc in top of puffs and (dc, hdc, sc, hdc, dc) across the shells.

Rnd 26-27: ch 1, sc in joining and around, join with sl st in 1st sc, finish off, weave in end. (90 sc)

Handle tabs:

First tab: Join color A with a sl st in 14th st from where you finished off.

Row 1: ch 1, sc in joining and next 18 st. (19 sc)

Row 2-5: ch 1, turn, sc across. Finish off at the end of Row 5 leaving a long tail for sewing. (19 sc)

Note: Make sure 5 rows are enough to cover your handles. You may have to do more depending on the type of handles you have.

Second tab: Join color A with a sl st in 27th st from where you finished off first tab.

Row 1-5: repeat Rows 1-5 from first tab. See note above from first tab.

Finishing:

Place handle on inside of first tab and fold tab toward inside of tote. Using tail from tab, sew tab to inside of tote to Rnd 26. Repeat on other side for second handle.

Weave in all ends.

Turtle Key Chain or Magnet

Turtle Key Chain/Magnet

by Sue Usiatynski

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn in 2 colors (variegated and solid)
F hook
Yarn needle
Eyes
Glue
Key chain or magnet

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
RS = right side
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st = stitch
WS = wrong side

Notes: This pattern is worked in continuous rounds. Do not join at end of each round. Right side is side facing you while stitching.

Pattern:

Shell:

With variegated yarn: ch 2

Rnd 1: 6sc in 2nd ch from hook. (6)

Rnd 2: 2sc in each st. (12)

Rnd 3: sc in each st. Finish off, weave in ends. (12)

Body:

With solid yarn: ch 2

Rnd 1: 6sc in 2nd ch from hook. (6)

Rnd 2: 2sc in each st. (12)

Rnd 3: 2sc in 1st st, sl st in next, {sl st, ch 3, sl st} all in next, sl st in next, repeat { } in next, sl st in next, (sl st, ch 2, sl st) in next, sl st in next, repeat { } in next, sl st in last. Finish off, weave in ends. Note: 2sc = head, { } = legs, ( ) = tail.

Finishing:

Glue eyes on head. Glue shell to body (WS to WS). Attach key chain or glue on magnet.

Rest in peace my friend

Yesterday we lost our beloved German Shepherd, Chewie, to lymphoma. He was only 6 years old. You will be sadly missed my friend.

Turtle Drawstring Bag

This is my latest pattern I just completed. Its being tested now and I hope to have it in my Etsy shop by early next week.

2 for 1 Sale!

I'm having a 2 for 1 sale in my Etsy shop from Nov. 7 to Nov. 14, 2009. Free pattern must be of equal or lesser value. Check it out! Turtles TLC

Eco Kittens Tote

This is a combo of the Coats and Clark Eco Friendly tote and Bev's Country Cottage Kittens in a Row afghan (altered to make a flap).

Crochet Project Case

I love making these for friends. It can hold a small pair of scissors, hook and needle case (I use pencil lead cases). You can also hook on a stitch marker. Enjoy!

Crochet Project Case

By Sue Usiatynski

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn
H hook
Yarn needle
Button
Self sticking felt

Size:

6” high, 4” wide

Abbreviations:

BLO = back loops only
ch = chain
dec = decrease
FLO = front loops only
hdc = half double crochet
sc = single crochet
st = stitch

Note: ch 2 does not count as first hdc unless other wise stated.

Pattern:

Ch 14 loosely

Row 1: hdc in 2nd ch from hook and across, ch 2, turn. This is the wrong side. (13)

Row 2-13: hdc in 1st st and across, ch 2, turn. (13)

Row 14: working this row in BLO, hdc in 1st st and across, ch 2, turn. This is where the fold will be when closing. (13)

Row 15: working this row in FLO, hdc is 1st st and across, ch 2, turn. (13)

Row 16-31: repeat Row 2. (13)

Row 32: repeat Row 14. This is where the flap starts. (13)

Row 33: repeat Row 15. (13)

Row 34-37: repeat Row 2. (13)

Row 38: hdc dec in the first 2 st, hdc in each of next 9 st, hdc dec in the last 2 st, ch 2, turn. (11)
Row 39: hdc in 1st st and across, ch 2, turn. (11)

Row 40: hdc dec in first 2 st, hdc in each of the next 7 st, hdc dec in the last 2 st, ch 2, turn. (9)

Row 41: hdc in first 3 st, ch 3, skip 3 st, hdc in last 3 st, ch 2, turn. (6 hdc, 3 ch)

Row 42: hdc dec in first 2 st, hdc in next st, hdc in each of the 3 ch, hdc in next st, hdc dec in the last 2 st, finish off, weave in ends. (7)

Attaching button:

Sew button between Rows 5 and 6 making sure to center it.

Pocket:

Ch 8 loosely

Row 1: hdc in 2nd ch from hook and across, ch 2, turn. (7)

Row 2-8: hdc in 1st st and across, ch 2, turn. At the end of Row 8, do not ch 2 and turn, instead finish off leaving a long tail for sewing. Weave in beginning end.

Attaching pocket:

Center pocket on back and sew into place, weave in end.

Attaching felt:

Cut piece of self sticking felt 3” wide by 8” long. Center on inside and stick into place.

Closing sides:
Fold case at FLO and BLO rows, attach yarn at one bottom corner. Making sure you’re going through both sides, sc up side and around flap. Continue sc the other side closed. Finish off and weave in ends.

Cedrich the monkey

I love monkeys. My father use to call me monkey when I was a kid. I got this pattern from Roxycraft . It was one of three animals in a pattern group called "The Trio". It also has a giraffe and lion.

Dog gone dog bone

I found this dog bone pattern on Crochet Pattern Central . Its one of their MANY free patterns. I love that site! Here's the direct link to pattern.

My first Etsy sale

I made my first sale yesterday! WOO HOO! I was so excited when I logged on this morning and saw someone bought my Monty pattern. Its only a couple bucks, but its a start. I'm working on a couple more tote patterns and have 2 other patterns out being tested. I can't count how many I have roaming around in my head. I make a list once and awhile to make sure I don't forget any ideas.

Shelf sitter, Tommy

I'm hoping to make a series of shelf sitters. Tommy is my first, but I want to make cats, dogs, turtles,bears and more! Watch for Tommy in my Etsy shop!

Sand and Sea purse

This is my latest pattern I just finished. I hope to have it in my Etsy shop next week.

Twisted Cord

I just finished a bag that requires twisted cord for the handle, so I thought I'd explain (the best I can) how to make it.

Start with yarn cut to 4 times the length you need. Example, if you want a 15" cord (before knotting) cut yarn 60" long.

How many strands of yarn you use depends on how thick or thin you want the cord. This will also depend on the type of yarn you use. Remember that the yarn will be folded in half, twisted and folded in half again. Six strands of Bernat Softee Chunky will make a cord about 3/4 in diameter.

I use a D clip to attach the yarn to a door knob (so you won't need a second person). Hang the D clip on the knob, put yarn through and fold in half. Just start twisting tightly.

Your cord should look like the picture to the right when all twisted.

Fold cord in half again (remember not to let go of the loose ends or you will have to start all over again). It will look like a tangled mess, but if you run it through your hand while pulling down on it, it will straighten out.

Now remove it from the door (still do not let go of loose ends) and remove it from the D clip. Knot both ends. Cut the doubled over ends for fringe.

Paddles the Sea Turtle

Meet Monty's cousin, Paddles. I just finished his pattern and sending it out to be tested. I hope to have him in my Etsy store soon!

Monty the Tortoise

This pattern is being tested now. I hope to have it up for sale in my Etsy shop by the end of the week. It was loosely based on my Eastern Hermanns tortoise, Monty. The real Monty wasn't happy I woke him for a photo shoot! LOL

XOX Drawstring Bag

I have a new pattern in my Etsy store. Its an easy pattern and works up quick! Its called XOX Drawstring bag. I used the cross dc stitch to create Xs and puff stitch to create Os. Enjoy!

Welcome Tammy and Kim

Hello ladies! I have 2 followers, I promise it won't go to my head. LOL

Etsy shop

Check out my Etsy shop: Turtles Tote Lovers Club

Round Cluster Bag Pattern

This is the first crochet pattern I wrote. I love making totes. I hope you like it!

Round Cluster Bag
by Sue Usiatynski

Copyright of Sue Usiatynski 2009.
Do not sell this pattern. This pattern is for personal or charity use only.
This pattern is not for commercial use without my written consent.

Materials:
Redheart Super Saver in 2 colors
Size H hook
Yarn needle
Button

Finished size:
base 8”, height 9”

Abbreviations:
beg = beginning
BLO = back loop only
CC = contrasting color
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
dec = decrease
MC = main color
Rnd = round
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st = stitch

Special stitches:

beg cluster: ch 2 (YO, insert hook in st, YO, draw up loop, YO pull through first 2 loops)
repeat ( ) 2 times, YO pull through all 3 loops remaining on hook.

3 dc cluster: (YO, insert hook in st, YO, draw up loop, YO, pull through first 2 loops)
repeat ( ) 3 times, YO, pull through all 4 loops remaining on hook.
Reverse sc: insert hook in previous stitch, YO, draw up loop, YO, pull through all loops on
hook.

Note: ch 3 counts as first dc throughout.

Pattern:

With MC ch 4; join with sl st to make ring.

Rnd 1: ch 3; 9 dc in ring; join with sl st. (10 dc)

Rnd 2: ch 3; 1 dc in joining; 2 dc in next; (2 dc in next) repeat ( ) 9 times; join with sl st at
top of ch 3. (20 dc)

Rnd 3: ch 3; 2dc in next; (dc in next, 2 dc in next) repeat ( ) 9 times; join with sl st at top of
ch 3. (30 dc)

Rnd 4: ch 3; dc in next; 2 dc in next; (dc in next 2; 2dc in next) repeat ( ) 9 times; join with
sl st at top of ch 3. (40 dc)

Rnd 5: ch 3; dc in next 2; 2dc in next; (dc in next 3; 2dc in next) repeat ( ) 9 times; sl st at
top of ch 3. (50 dc)

Rnd 6: ch 3; dc in next 3; 2dc in next; (dc in next 4; 2dc in next) repeat ( ) 9 times; sl st at
top of ch 3. (60 dc)

Rnd 7: ch 3; dc in next 4; 2dc in next; (dc in next 5; 2dc in next) repeat ( ) 9 times; sl st at
top of ch 3. (70 dc)

Rnd 8: ch 3; dc in next 5; 2dc in next; (dc in next 6; 2dc in next) repeat ( ) 9 times; sl st at
top of ch 3. (80 dc)

Rnd 9: ch 1; sc in joining; sc BLO around; join with sl st in first sc. Change color to CC.
(80 sc)

Rnd 10: With CC make beg cluster; skip next sc; (3dc cluster in next; skip next sc) repeat
( ) 38 times; sl st in top of beg cluster. (40 clusters)

Rnd 11-12: beg cluster in joining; (3dc cluster in top of next cluster) repeat ( ) 38 times; sl
st in top of beg cluster. Change color to MC. (40 clusters)

Rnd 13: With MC ch 1; 2 sc in joining; (2sc in top of each cluster) repeat ( ) 38 times; sl st
in first sc. (80 sc)

Rnd 14: ch 3; dc in each sc around; sl st in top of ch 3. (80 dc)

Rnd 15: ch 1; sc in top of ch 3; sc in each dc around; sl st in first sc. Change color to CC.
(80 sc)

Rnd 16-21: repeat rows 10-15.

Rnd 22-27: repeat rows 10-15. DO NOT change colors at end of row 27.

Rnd 28: sc in joining and next 9 sc; chain 30; skip next 20 sc; be careful not to twist ch
and sc in next 20; chain 30; skip next 20 sc; be careful not to twist ch and sc in next 10;
join with sl st in first sc. (40 sc and 60 ch)

Rnd 29: sc in joining and next 9 sc; sc in 30 ch; sc in next 20; sc in 30 ch; sc in next 10;
join with sl st in first sc. (100 sc)

Rnd 30: sc in joining and around; join with first sc. (100 sc)

Rnd 31: reverse sc in previous sc and around. Finish off. Weave in ends. (100 sc)

Closure:

ch 7 leaving a long tail for sewing to bag.

Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and each ch across; ch 1; turn. (6 sc)

Row 2-6: sc in each sc across; ch 1 turn. (6 sc)

Row 7: sc dec; ch 2; skip 2 sc; sc dec; ch 1; turn. (4 sc)

Row 8: sc in first sc; sc in the 2 ch; sc in last sc. Finish off. Weave in this end.

To attach closure and button:

Center closure between handle on back part of bag (where joining st are from the rnds)
and whip st into place. Attach button on front of bag.

Welcome

Hi. My name is Sue and this is my first ever blog. I'm so out of the times! LOL. I love to crochet and I love turtles, so I combine the 2! I will be offering patterns for free and for sale (through Etsy.com).