Daisies to You!

African Daisy Purse from Crochet Purse Appeal, 1977

Finally, I’ve found a Black History Month pattern that isn’t racist! See? It’s just a purse! A nice, inoffensive purse. Sure, it’s not so much “almost casual to quite dressy” as it is almost depressing and quite ugly, but hey! The point is that there’s absolutely, positively no way this pattern could be rac...

Hang on, what’s that in the background?

Is that a plantation house?

Oh, dear God. I give up!

For the complete pattern (and some botanical information!):

African Daisy
Approx. size 12’’ x 10’’ (plus handles)

Materials
100 yds. 3 ply #72 dk. brn. polypropylene (Satin Sheen Cord by Weaveasy color Sable was used.)
65 yds. 3 ply #72 gold polypropylene (Satin Sheen by Weaveasy, color Inca Gold was used.)
8’’ long wooden Rods and Knobs purse handles (sample used Demis #1108)
#13 Wooden Crochet Hook

Real African Daisies come in a variety of attractive colours, none of which are “Inca Gold” (AKA Dismal Blonde) or “Sable” (AKA “Pretentious Greenish-Black”).

Front
Chain 28 sts. (sable)
Rows 1, 3 & 5: With sable dc 1 st., * with gold dc 2 sts., with sable dc 2 sts., repeat from *. End row by changing to gold, chain 3. Turn. (Row 5 – do not change color at end of row, end with chain 3.)
Rows 2 & 4: With gold dc 1 st., * with sable dc 2 st, with gold dc 2 st. Repeat from *. End row by changing to sable. Chain 3. Turn.
Row 6: Skipping first 2 sts, dc 2 (sable), * with gold dc 2, with sable dc 2, repeat from *, ending with chain 3 (do not change color). Turn. (24 sts)
Row 7: Skipping first 2 sts, dc 2 (gold), * with sable dc 2, with gold dc 2, repeat from *, ending with chain 3 (Do not change color). Turn. (22 sts)
Row 8: Skipping first 2 sts, dc 2 (gold), * with sable dc 2, with gold dc 2, repeat from *, ending with chain 3 (do not change color). Turn. (20 sts)

Note: The pattern thus far leads me to believe that Row 8 should be a repeat of row 6, not row 7. Proceed at your own risk.

Handmade by Mother accepts no liability for any handbag havoc that may result from a slavish adherence to the pattern as written.

Row 9: Skipping first 2 sts, dc 2 (gold), * with sable dc 2, with gold dc 2, repeat from *, ending with chain 3 (do not change color). Turn. (18 sts)
Row 10: Skipping first and last st, sc 16 sts (gold) going through and attaching handle at same time. Two loops are on the handle for every one st. (32 total)

What? Why shouldn’t I use the word “slavish”?

Oh, right.

Sorry!

Wait, haven’t I seen that house before?

Back
Make back same as front.

Finishing
Sc front to back (wrong sides together) from row 7 down, across the bottom, and up the other side to row 7. Weave in loose ends.

Well, what do you know? Way in 1977, the editor of Crochet Purse Appeal knew that the first African-American President of the US would be living in the White House.

This pattern isn’t racist after all. It’s just incredibly prescient!

Strap
With sable, chain 66 sts. Row 1: Sc 65 sts. Make 2 straps. Lap approximately 1 1/2’’ of each end over purse rod and hand sew.

Okay, so that wasn’t the same house. But, I’m hopeful that this pattern’s choice of backdrop for the purse wasn’t meant to be racist. I believe that it was meant to convey the positive message that any American child, regardless of race, can grow up to be President!

Even if your sense of style is questionable.

Click here for the printable pattern.