The handles of this rug hooked purse were attached by sewing them on with a leather tool that my husband had in his tool collection. A quick lesson later and the handles were professionally attached. Now if I can just get the lining right. I will try again and show you the final product when it is done.
The top edge is finished with a crocheted edge. Just prepare the edge in the same way you prepare for a whipped edge. Then crochet with a #7 or #8 cut strip. I sell pieces of natural wool that are 15 yards long and the equivalent of 1 yard. I dye and cut this into strips to crochet the edge so I have one complete piece and not a lot of ends.
Thank you to all of you who have sent me emails or made comments here. It helps to remind me to get a new post up and keeps me focused. Yesterday I decided to do what I preach. Five strips minimum a day will complete a rug. It felt good to get hooking on the big rug again.
Right now the dye pots are out and I am getting ready for the workshop season, but I still plan to squeeze in at least five strips of rug hooking a day.
Cindi Gay Rug Hooking Newsletter

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This purse is fantastic – and I love how the influence of the big rug is so evident here. It’s really amazing how one project connects to the next, isn’t it. Either in fabric, design element or something. I think it’s our creativity ‘paying it forward’. I would love to have a pattern for this bag, so will watch for it.
Wendie (the rugged moose)
Just “go-jus”!! :D I have been aching to hook a purse, and having to live vicariously through others until things calm down a bit here! Thank you for posting a pic of your finished purse! I love how professional the handles and finishing look! And yep, 5-10 strips a day can finish a rug in no time! Gotta love it! Perhaps that’s how I should start a purse?!? LOL
Do you know if there is a kit for the purse? I would like to make one for my self. And show it to everyone at Sauder Village next August in 2013. I am a new rug hooker only for two and half years, How long have you been rug hooking, and what is your name, I am from Delaware,Ohio.
From ,
Sharon
No kit available for this yet. Been working on books. When I can focus my attention on patterns again, this may one of the new offerings.