OK, it took a few attempts…

But I finally figured out that the problem was the way I was joining the yarn by chaining into the slip stitch instead of tying the yarn on to that stitch and starting the new colour one stitch further, so there was an extra increase in each round causing the weird ruffle and ugly join. Even though the instructions are extremely clear, and there’s even a photo showing exactly what to do. Hey ho! After frogging about 5 times, I finally had it sussed. This is the result! I still need to find some pretty buttons to sit in the middle of the flowers, but as I’ve been sick with Swine Flu for the last 10 days I’ve not had a chance to go and buy some. My mum, whilst on holiday, has been spending a lot of time in gorgeous sounding yarn and fabric shops! She has bought some lovely pink cotton to make a lining with, that’s the next challenge…

I used Patons Sorbet, except for the purple which is some leftover cascade 220, and a 4mm crochet hook. Thanks so much to Joannecliffe for sending me the leftover Sorbet from her baby blanket, and to mum for supplying enough dark green and orange to do a few more rounds! I’m so pleased with the result, it’s so wonderfully girly and summery! And it’s big. I mean, HUGE. I could fit my weeks shopping in there! I just love it. I think I’ll have to make a little sister version to use as an every day bag though. Better go buy more yarn…!