The Crochet Book, a lovely crochet kit...

The Crochet Book

Saw this on The Book Depository and thought I'd share...this can be a lovely gift for yourself or for a fellow crocheter (especially for beginners) :)
The package includes all of the above, and shipping is included as well...since its free worldwide delivery as always on The Book Depository.

Handy Coin Purse - crochet pattern

I made these coin purses for some street kids I met last week.

I chose this design since it finishes up quickly and is suitable for both boys and girls. It is easy to hold, and with a finger inside the loop, it is secure in your hand.
I made the fabric ones from recycled denims, and the crocheted one from denim-like yarn. This project is quite simple, except for the sewing of the zipper. You can sew it by hand or by machine - I tried both, and there's not much difference...its not easy! Its a necessary part of the design though.

Here's a simple crafting tutorial to inspire. Any sturdy fabric, or any crochet stitch pattern can be used...I chose a mesh stitch pattern to make it quick and light...

Handy Coin Purse
Materials
     Cardboard pattern measuring 4 1/2" x 6 1/2"
     Zipper, approximately 4 1/2 inches (I used zipper from old denim jeans)
     Nylon cord, measuring 4 inches, or belt loop recycled from denims
     Yarn of your choice (I used 4-ply fingering yarn, a cotton/acrylic blend)
     Crochet hook 2.5mm (or 4/0), or hook to match your yarn.
Finished measurement: approx.4 1/2 " in height (excluding loop), and 3 1/4 " wide, measured at the bottom

Note: For crochet version, the cardboard pattern is just a guide to get the desired measurement.

Instructions:
Ch 2 at the beginning of row counts as 1st dc.

Row 1:Ch 54 (or chain an even number to an approximate length of 7 1/2"), dc in 3rd ch from hook, (ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch) repeat across, dc in last ch, turn.
Row 2: Ch 2, dc in next dc,(ch 1, dc in next dc) repeat across, dc in last dc, turn.
Rows 3-17: Repeat row 2. Fasten off.

Crochet loop (optional): Chain to measure 4", sl st on 2nd ch from hook, sl st on each ch across, fasten off leaving enough tail for sewing.

Sewing and Finishing:
1. Fold the sides toward the center, leaving enough space for the zipper closure. With matching color thread, sew the zipper in place.

2. After attaching zipper, turn the project inside out, position the loop and sew it at the center top edge.

3. Fold one side towards the center and sew it across the top. Do the same on the other side.

4. Sew the bottom side across. Trim the excess length of the zipper.

5. Turn right side out and its done!

Denim coin purse
For denim version, trace the cardboard pattern on the wrong side of the fabric and add a sewing allowance on all sides before cutting.

Fold the sides along the seam allowance. Sew the zipper and finish up the same as instructed above.