Crochet Dude's Chic on the Halfshell purse

My daughter came home from school on Friday all upset because her 'sparkle' purse was ripped and no longer usable. She emptied on my bed..."mom, look at this! I'm sure the puppies did it!" (we have 3 puppies) She was fuming as she showed the rip which was about 7" long and she was right, it was no longer good to use.
Now, instead of asking me to buy her a new purse she asked if I would make her one and for it to be ready by the time she went to school today. I had printed out a few patterns for purses but she had seen Crochet dude's 'Chic on the Halfshell' and just HAD TO HAVE IT! Please keep in mind that I've only made grannies, squares and afghans so far. So I told her I'd try.
Next, to pick out colors....she found a pink in yarn drawers that she liked so I gave it a go with 2 strands. Well, that wasn't going to be big enough for her liking so I looked and saw on of these threads that Drew had said if you want it bigger to use a bigger hook and thicker yarn. So, after frogging the first side I had finished with 2 strands, I doubled it to 4 strands (they were pretty thin). It was hard for me to work with but it was more the size she wanted.
Next problem......after completing one side I started to see that I would not have enough to finish in the colors she'd selected. So we selected another, darker color to mix in. Then after only a few rows of those colors more of the original color was running out so I had to add yet one more different color to the mix.
I was up until 1am last night but I did promise her I'd get it done and I did. She was happy with it so I'm happy.
I added a button on the front with a chain loop for a closure. She also wanted the strap a bit longer so she could put it over her shoulder. No, she's not picky at all!!
Here it is....
Back of purse Front of purse 'prebutton'


Completed purse

November square

How pretty is this?? Thank you to Bonnie for such a pretty square...and soft...so soft. This is the 4th square I've received in the C'Ville square swap of 2006. It's so much fun getting gifts in the mail!!

April Square

You gotta love this April square I got from Kathy (kahud48) for the C'ville Granny Swap. It looks more red in the picture but it's a great, vibrant orange color. My 6 year old wants me to make a whole 'blanket' with this color. I guess if it meets his approval it must be good!!

WIP -- Samantha's Afghan

This is made from a shell pattern that my husband's aunt gave to me. She taught me how to make a granny square, which of course, uses the DC which I had no idea how to do before she showed me hot to do it. I have been 'unstopable' ever since...lol. I do like this pattern but it takes a lot of yar. I only get 8 rows per skein of yarn but it's for my daughter. It's about half done now and in the colors she's picked out, I think it's very pretty. I will finish it. Really, I will. I WILL!

WIP -- Granny Afghan

I still have a few rounds left on it until I'm done but I do like the colors. This is the first thing I've done just for me. Me, me, me. I love the colors. A bit muted, yes, but I like them.

Yarn Stealer

My cat Mickey thinks crocheting is just wonderful, at least the 'laying on the yarn' part. Try as I might, I can't get the cats to leave me alone when I'm crocheting....little buggers. ..lol