RABECCA AT SCHOOL(front, right) Operation Christmas Child shoebox recipient of mine.  Many children are in need of school supplies, shoes, personal care items.

Rabecca & her classmates!

MINI TOTE BAG- ITEMS NEEDED: purple& grey yarn(thin), slimline cord or hemp, med. size hook, ruler, scissors, yarn needle, lrg. bead or button. Handle-upcycle elastic frm. mens underwear, a skirt, whatever clothing you are disgarding.  Also, strips of felt, braided or croc. with yarn.  I used elastic cut & trimmed frm garment & it is sturdy, yet has some "give."

MINI TOTE BAG

HOW: Do 1/2 dbl. croc. until piece is 12 in. wide x 14in. long.  Fold up to 2nd row you croc. and sew up the sides with yarn needle, dbl. tacking near the tops.  Sew a bead or button on the front for a "closure."  Handle- measure down frm. top 3 inches on ea. side & push strip of felt or elastic through a hole in the yarn.  Tie a knot.  You can also hook onto & croc. a handle, like I did in prev. posts.

THIS WAS DONE BY USING THE TWO COLORS OF YARN & SLIMLINE CORD TIED TOGETHER. ITEMS CAN BE ATTACHED TO THE LOOPS OF SLIMLINE CORD, WHICH IS HANDY AT TIMES.

This bag will have some "give" to it. 

CLOSE UP OF CLOSURE

THIS PROJECT RECYCLES ELASTIC FROM DISCARDED CLOTHES & USES A "SPARE" BEAD YOU MAY HAVE JUST LYING AROUND!  THIS IS YOUR TIP FOR JULY 2012.

YARN, hooks,  & KNOTS (Scrappy scarf) SEE July 1, 2012 POST!

If you want to make a DECORATIVE STRING OF GARLAND for parties, just attach yarn down one side of it.  This will last years, instead of using those paper ones that tear the first time up.

 MORE of What I learned this week-- NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS...TRUST GOD!

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love.  Romans 8:38

NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE...TRUST GOD!
Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or discouraged.  For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9

 I pray that these verses will be an encouragement to you every day!(even while you crochet!)

What I learned during VBS this year-
NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE...TRUST GOD!
People judge by the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1Samuel 16:7

NO MATTER HOW YOU FEEL...TRUST GOD!
Dont let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God.  John 14:1

NO MATTER WHAT PEOPLE DO...TRUST GOD!
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles. Isaiah 40:31

What to do with all that leftover yarn? See how to make this "scrappy scarf." SEE JUNE 30,2012 POST!

MED.-LARGE TOTE BAG-SIDE 1

I used 2 colors yarn & 1 of "slimline cord" or you can use "hemp."  This will add strength & also a place to hook things ont the bag, if you wish.  DBL. Crochet a large square with a loose croc. & K hook.  Fold in half.  Sew up the bottom using a yarn needle & 2 strands of yarn.  Sew up the sides.  Dbl. tacking for strength, espec. near the top.  Make a handle.  Sew that on.  I made a hook outof yarn & a seashell I brought back from a vacation day with my kids at a beach.

SIDE 2  (you can make this bag any size you want it-experiment!)

Crocheting from a tote bag-I find this is the best way for me to do it!