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MATERIALS:
Choose one of the following threads in size 20, White or Ecru:
Clark's O.N.T. Mercerized Crochet, 10 balls.
J. & P. Coats Mercerized Crochet, 7 balls.
J. & P. Coats Big Ball Best Six Cord Mercerized Crochet, 4 balls.
Milward's steel crochet hook No. 8.
1 large wooden button.
½ yd. buckram.
½ yd. lining material.

Gauge: 4 pattern sts make 1 inch; 9 rows make 2 inches.

Straw effect is achieved by using 3 strands of thread throughout.

Starting at front edge (beneath flap), ch 73. 1st row: S c in 3rd ch from hook, d c in same ch, * skip 1 ch, s c and d c in next ch (2 pattern sts). Repeat from * across (36 pattern sts). Ch 1, turn. 2nd row: * Skip next st, s c and d c in next st. Repeat from * across. Ch 1, turn. Repeat 2nd row throughout, increasing 1 pattern st at both ends of the 7th and 16th rows (40 pattern sts). To increase, work a pattern st in 1st st (usually skipped), work in pattern across to within last pattern st, work a pattern st in next st (usually skipped), pattern st in last st. Work over these 40 pattern sts until 34 rows in all have been completed. Mark this place with a colored thread as center bottom of bag. Work next 34 rows (back half of bag) to correspond, making decreases to correspond with increases—to decrease, work s c in 1 pattern st, d c in next pattern st, thus working off two pattern sts as one. Mark this place with a colored thread. Do not break off but continue front flap, decreasing 1 st at both ends of every 6th row (counting from last marking thread) until 30 pattern sts remain. Work 4 rows without decreasing. On next row, work across 1st 13 pattern sts, ch 8, skip 4 pattern sts, work across remaining 13 pattern sts. Following row: Work in pattern across, working 4 pattern sts on chain (a buttonhole made). Break off.

Gussets (Make 2) … Ch 9 and work in pattern for 6 inches. Break off.

Back Handle … Ch 7 and work in pattern until piece measures 4¼ inches. Break off.

Measure off ½ inch on either side of thread at center bottom of bag (at side edge), and mark with pins. Sew narrow edge of gusset to edge thus marked. Sew gussets to sides of bag, leaving upper edges of gussets free. Line bag with buckram and lining material. Sew on button to correspond with buttonhole. Sew handle across center back of bag, from top to bottom.