When the children were young, we took them to Los Angeles (14 years ago) and spent a week visiting theme parks. Last weekend’s trip was just for a weekend, but we had just as much fun. Universal Studios has grown significantly in the past 14 years, and the studio tour is longer and better than the last time we took it.
In comparison, we went to Universal Studios Orlando last Thanksgiving. There are three theme parks there; one of them is a water park which we did not visit, but we had fun at both the other parks. There are more rides and attractions at the Florida parks, but visitors pay a separate admission fee for each park. The Hollywood park is not as big as the combined Florida parks, but only one ticket is required. Even though I enjoyed both, I believe the Hollywood park was a better experience. I must admit, though, The Hulk rollercoaster in Orlando is one of the best rollercoasters I have ever ridden, and that ride is exclusive to Universal Studios Orlando.
If you have a fear of rollercoasters, you really can’t go wrong with either of these parks. Most of the rides are virtual reality, so you experience the excitement of a rollercoaster without the fear. On Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, visitors are strapped into their seats to follow Harry on a broomstick ride around the castle, being chased by ghosts and giant spiders throughout the ride. On Minion Mayhem, riders become Minion recruits and are zapped by Gru’s magic ray gun, then taken on a tour of the villain laboratory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJeD5YrSY-I
After a long day of thrilling rides and crowds of visitors (remind me not to visit in August again), we happily crashed back at the Airport Courtyard Marriott and ordered from Uber Eats. There is a great Chinese restaurant near LAX called China Palace that was fast and inexpensive. Their chicken chow mein (called low mein in Texas) was a very generous serving for only $8.49.
The next morning we couldn’t resist a drive through Bellaire and then down Rodeo Drive. All I can say is, Wow! Maybe some day one of my designs will make it into one of these stores.
Since our San Francisco trip two years ago, I have been playing around with designs inspired by California. My Poppy Mini Bag is the first in what I hope will be a book of California crochet patterns. It’s a cute little bag that measures only 5.5″ tall and can be made in yellow as a California poppy or red as a remembrance poppy.
Materials:
Worsted weight yarn
1.5 oz. yellow or red
1 oz green
Few yards light yellow
Size G crochet hook
Yarn needle
Approximately 8” of nylon rope or purse handle
Directions:
Purse (Make 2):
Rnd 1: With green yarn, ch 2. Sc 6 in second ch from hook. Do not join.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc (12 sc).
Rnd 3: 1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat (18 sc).
Rnd 4: 1 sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat (24 sc).
Rnd 5: 1 sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat (30 sc).
Rnd 6: 1 sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat (36 sc).
Rnd 6: 1 sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat (36 sc).
Rnd 7: 1 sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat (42 sc).
Rnd 8: 1 sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat (48 sc).
Rnd 9: 1 sc in next 7 sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat (54 sc).
Rnd 10: 1 sc in next 8 sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat (60 sc). Join with sl st. Fasten off.
Petals (Make 8):
Row 1: With yellow (or red) yarn, ch 3, sc in 2nd ch and in next sc (2 sc).
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, inc twice (4 sc).
Rows 3-8: Ch 1, turn. Inc in 1st st, sc across, inc in last st until petal measures 16 sc.
Rows 9-10: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st.
Row 11: Dec over 1st 2 sts, sc across, dec over last 2 sts. Fasten off. Attach yarn at side of Row 1, ch 1, sc in each row end, working acr4oss top of Row 11, dec, sc in next 10 sts, dec. Working down side, sc in each row end. Fasten off leaving 12” length.
Sew petals 1 and 3 to base, stitching up sides of petals, across row 9, then back down other side. The remaining rows will hang over the edge of the side of the purse.
Sew petals 2 and 4 to base, overlapping petals 1 and 3 slightly.
With light yellow yarn, embroider pollen in the center with various sizes of straight stitches.
Sew on a purchased purse handle or use nylon cord to make your own. Cut a piece of cord to the desired length plus 2”. Sc around length of cord leaving 12” lengths on each end. Sew each end of handle to purse. If desired, use hot glue to attach exposed cord to inside of purse. Then use 12” lengths to sew around the exposed cord.
To download a PDF version, see https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/poppy-mini-bag-crochet-pattern.
More Handbag Patterns
Horny Toad Coin Purse Crochet Pattern
Poppy Mini Bag Crochet Pattern
