Crochet Fulled Tomato Purse

The Crochet Fulled Tomato Purse is not just a bag; it's a whimsical accessory that will bring a smile to your face every time you carry it around! Imagine carrying your essentials in a cute tomato-shaped purse that is handcrafted with love and attention to detail. This unique accessory is sure to spark conversations and brighten up your outfit with its vibrant colors and playful design. Whether you're heading to a farmers' market or a casual outing with friends, this purse is the perfect blend of creativity and functionality. Embrace your fun side and add a touch of quirkiness to your style with the Crochet Fulled Tomato Purse - because who said bags have to be boring?

Materials:

• 1 skein worsted weight red 100% wool or wool/mohair blend (main color)

• 1 skein worsted weight green 100% wool or wool/mohair blend (accent color)
• size J crochet hook
• stitch marker
• yarn needle
• embroidery needle
• 2 black button eyes or black beads
• black cotton thread and/or embroidery thread
• For drawstring, your choice of 2 size 7 double-pointed knitting needles, a knitting spool, a size J crochet hook, or 2/3 yard of matching green ribbon
• washing machine & detergent for felting (if desired)

mc= main color
ac= accent color
ch= chain
ss= slip stitch
sc= single crochet
st= stitch
rnd= round
inc= increase
sk=skip

You will start from the base of the tomato and work your way up.

Using J hook and mc, ch 2
6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (first ch made)
rnd 1: 2 sc in each st around (12 sc)
Place marker. Move to next round at each pass.
rnd 2: *sc in 1st st. 2 sc in next st (inc made)* repeat ** around (18 sc)
rnd 3: *sc in 2 sts. 2 sc in next st* repeat ** around (24 sc)
rnd 4: *sc in 3 sts. 2 sc in next st* repeat ** around (30 sc)
rnd 5: *sc in 4 sts. 2 sc in next st* repeat ** around (36 sc)
rnd 6: *sc in 5 sts. 2 sc in next st* repeat ** around (42 sc)
rnd 7: *sc in 6 sts. 2 sc in next st* repeat ** around (48 sc)
rnd 8: *sc in 7 sts. 2 sc in next st* repeat ** around (54 sc)
rnd 9: *sc in 8 sts. 2 sc in next st* repeat ** around (60 sc)
rnd 10: *sc in 9 sts. 2 sc in next st* repeat ** around (66 sc)
rnd 11: *sc in 10 sts. 2 sc in next st* repeat ** around (72 sc)
rnd 12: *sc in 11 sts. 2 sc in next st* repeat ** around (78 sc)
rnd 13: *sc in 12 sts. 2 sc in next st* repeat ** around (84 sc)
rnd 14: *sc in 13 sts. 2 sc in next st* repeat ** around (90 sc)
rnd 15: *sc in 14 sts. 2 sc in next st* repeat ** around (96 sc)
rnd 16: *sc in 15 sts. 2 sc in next st* repeat ** around (102 sc)
rnd 17: sc around
rnds 18-47: repeat rnd 17
rnd 48: *sc in 10 sts. sc 2 tog.* repeat 7 times more. sc in last 6 sts. (94 sc)
rnd 49: sc around
rnd 50: *sc in 8 sts. sc 2 tog.* repeat 8 times more. sc in last 4 sts. (85 sc)
rnd 51: sc around.

break off mc and switch to ac.
You are now going to form the leaves.
for each leaf you will repeat the following pattern around the rim of the tomato.
row 1: sc in next 5 sts. ch 1 and turn
row 2: sc in each st across (5 sts). ch 1 and turn
row 3: sk 1st st. sc across (5 sts). ch 1 and turn
row 4: sk 1st st. sc across (4 sts). ch 1 and turn
row 5: sk 1st st. sc across (3 sts). ch 1 and turn
row 6: sk 1st st. sc across (2 sts). ch 1 and turn
row 7: sk 1st st. sc across (1 st) ch 1. do not turn.
ss in the end of each row along the leaf edge. ss in mc in last st of 1st row.

repeat leaf pattern around top edge of tomato.
Join first row of last leaf to first row of first leaf with ss.
rnd 1: (eyelet row) 2 sc, ch 2 sk 2 around to last 2 sts. sc in last 2 sts.
rnd 2: sc in each sc, and 1 sc in each ch 2 space around.
ss in last st and finish off and sew in ends.

make 2.5' drawstring using knitted i-cord or crochet lobster stitch or use
2' of matching green ribbon.
To felt bag and drawstring, place in the washing machine on a hot cycle with a small amount of detergent and a few low lint or lint-free clothing items (t-shirts and jeans are good). Check periodically and remove when it looks the way you like. If you are using a front-loading machine, wash on the shortest cycle, then check progress and repeat if desired. Rinse in cool water and blot with a towel. Stuff the bag with dry washcloths or socks and pin leaves down and lay drawstring flat to block. When dry, trim off lint or pilling and run drawstring starting in first eyelet made.
Sew on eyes and embroider mouth using running stitch according to the picture or your own taste.