Bagaholic

My name is Spunknit & I am a bagaholic.  I can't stop myself from making bags & purses.  I don't need anymore bags, but they are so much fun to make.  I can experiment with colors & patterns, different techniques, ideas and more.  I've done cotton, recycled plastic bags and wool, felted or not. 

So here is yet ANOTHER bag that I've finished.  Its wool, so I'm going to felt it.  Okay, I don't  NEED another bag, but I thought a small one that I could throw in some knitting & go would be great.  Its too small for my daughter to steal for a purse...I hope.  Its not really her colors, anyway. 

This one was cool, cause I only used 2 skeins of yarn.  A fun challenge.  I added an I-cord strap & a front patch-type pocket for added utitlity.  I loved the way the grommets looked on the previous bag for my daughter, so I'm going to put grommets on this one, too.  I may add a closure of some type.  I'm still thinking about it, I hadn't planned on one,  but it might be nice to have. 

I'm going to felt it later today, after I attach the grommets.  I'm going with a nice gold color grommet, it should look very nice with the coloring of the bag.  I'll think about the closure issue & felt away!  Pictures to come later. 

A Brand New Bag!

Here are pictures of the latest bag.  I didn't realize there were no pictures before felting, so these are all after felting.  It came out just the way I had hoped, which is great!  Sometimes its such a trial & error situation.  I just love felting, though.  It make it look so different, its hard to believe "I MADE THAT!"

The pattern was a fun one, very simple.  I found it in Barbara Walker's stitch treasuries (the stitch Bibles!), but she showed it in only 2 colors.  I played around with it using the 3 colors I had.  It was a success!  I put pockets on the inside of the bag, one large pocket, then a smaller pocket.  I didn't want to have to fuss with the pattern on an outside pocket, so inner pockets was my solution. 

I also used grommets for the strap.  I was going to felt the bag & strap, then put the grommets on, but my daughter wanted the strap to be a continuous piece.  So I had to put on the grommets, thread the strap & weave it closed, then felt the piece.  It worked out fabulous!  I was a little nervous about adding grommets after felting, what if it frayed or raveled?  Adding the grommets before felting, I was able to insure the grommet went between the stitches & didn't cut through them.  Perfect!

I also found a nice wooden toggle button for the flap closure, but we can't seem to find it in the house.  I'm thinking it accidentally got pitched out with the trash.  I'll have to buy a new one & get it on there before its time to make my daughter another bag !

Recent Knitting Pictures!

Here are the long promised pictures of recent knitted projects.  Shown is the latest knitted bag, stolen by my daughter.  Also, the knitted pencil holder to brighten up my workspace, which really needed it!  The knitted choker-style necklace which was based on my knitted bookmarks.  The latest knitted bag is coming along pretty well, almost done, but I haven't worked on it as much as I wanted. 

We had a personal situation that made me totally not feel like knitting.  Our sweet Yorkshire Terrier, Sparky, passed away.  The last few weeks have been like a blur, just trying to get through the days without crying.  He was buried with his knitted blanket, so he'll be warm on his new journey.  The first picture is of our sweet boy, we miss him very much. 

Shame On Me

Shame on me, not updating my pretty blog!  I hate to admit it, but I'm a fairweather knitter.  Or is that a coldweather knitter?  Whatever, I usually don't knit much in the summertime.  Even though we have air conditioning, I still don't knit much.  But when the weather gets cooler, I get the itch.  Usually the end of August & definately by Labor Day! 

I have knit a few things in the last few months, but not much like I do during cold months!  I finished the bag mentioned in the previous entry.  It sat around for quite awhile before I got around to felting it. It came out perfect, just the size I wanted.  The only thing that didn't turn out as expected is the inside hanging pocket.  It is still functional, but doesn't look as I had hoped.  I blocked the wet bag on 2 thick books wrapped in plastic.  It gave it a great shape. 

Needless to say, it was barely dry when my teenage daughter saw it, & claimed it as her new purse.  Hmmm..I'm still trying to get it back for pictures.  I'm not really thrilled with the way it is wearing, though.  It has tons of pills all over it, & this was a pricey yarn. 

I also was thinking about my workspace.  I need some knitty things there.  So I made a cover for a large tomato can, this will be my new pencil holder.  I was going to make some lace for the top, but I'm going to settle for a nice simple I-cord trim.  Now I need to make something with that huge can of tomatoes! 

I was browsing the internet for other knitting ideas when I came across some knitted jewelry.  Gosh, that choker looks just like one of my bookmarks, only with ties on both ends.  So I experimented.  I used the same thread that I had for the bookmarks, but added some pale pink seed beads.  My daughter liked it, so I kept going.  Very cool. 

I need to get pictures of the above stuff so I can share. The purse may prove to be difficult, that child doesn't stay in one place often!  She's got to sleep sometime!  I also gave in & decided to make a bag that SHE wants, in her choice of colors.  I found some Patons wool yarn at my local JoAnns, & I'm currently swatching.  It was cheaper to buy from KnitPicks, but I wanted to knit NOW.  You know how that is! 

Anyway, I hope to have pictures in the next few days, along with swatching pics of the latest bag adventure.  Take care & happy knitting!

Bag On The Go!

I've done some major knitting on the latest bag, but I haven't updated here...shame on me!  But here it is! I've shown pictures of my swatches, so you can see the before & after effects of the felting process.  This yarn shrinks a lot more in the length than in the width, so it is a lot of loooong knitting sections! 

Sometimes, when I get an idea and I'm not sure if it will work the way I think it will, I'll do a "test knit".  I'll make a small sample of the idea & see if it will work.  I did that with this project, & I took pictures of my test knit.  They are shown above.  I wanted to be sure the bottom would work the way I thought it would and Jackpot!  It worked.  I had an idea about the top & handles, & part of it worked the way I planned, but the other half wasn't up to my expectations, so I improvised. 

I also have pictures of the bag's progression.  The bottom worked as I thought it would, but I didn't count on the color changes, but its okay anyway.  This way is sort of interesting.  The top worked fine as it had on the test bag. 

The only thing...I was going nuts making the 10 stitch handle.  I tried in the round at first.  Let me tell you, 10 stitches on 3 needles...not fun.  So I tried to make it like I-cord.  That wasn't good either, so I unraveled that section.  Then I settled on a method I had learned a few years ago.  I put 5 stitches on two needles & just kept knitting around on them.  When you get  to the end of the first needle, just turn & knit across the second needle.  It worked to my satisfation & was much easier to knit than the other way. 

So now I'm attaching a few pockets.  I like a lot of pockets & sections in my bags.  So far, one is a knitted on pocket.  I'm working on the second which is will be a free hanging inside pocket.  I'm doing this one in double knitting, inside out. Both of these are extra long so they will be the right size after felting. 

Itchy, Itchy

So the break is over.  But what next?  After receiving my latest "Knit Picks" catalog in the mail, I knew.  Don't ask me why, but I just love making bags.  Call it a tote bag, call it a purse, call it whatever you want, but I'm calling it my next project.  Like I really need another one!  *snicker* 

Now here is my problem.  I would love to do another felted bag, but my "real wool" stash is sorely lacking in anything appealing.  Yesterday, I pulled out my few, limited wool choices.  Blech.  I really don't have much of a selection. 

Of course, I have the itch NOW, so I want to knit NOW.  There are very few good yarn stores in my area.  Do I wait & order something wonderful from Knit Picks or Patternworks?  Or do I travel to places unknown to maybe find something to knit with today?  Well, yeah, that would be my choice! 

So why is that?  I live in a metropolitan area, we have loads of diverse cultural places.  But not many good yarn stores.  Granted there are some that are like 20-30 minutes away on the freeway, but not much in my general vicinity.  There is a Michael's not 5 minutes from my house, but they have nothing in pure wool.  Plus their selection is limited anyway.  Same with the local Pat Catan's.  I need a REAL yarn store. 

Sadly, it is Sunday, & a lot of smaller stores aren't open on Sunday.  Everyone needs a break, so I'm not begrudging them that!  Plus today is a busy day for us with visiting the Moms for their special day.  Well, I made a swatch yesterday with a yarn.  I'm not sure, though.  The colors are rather muted & dark, not the fun, cheery colors I would like to have in a bag.  But I may felt it anyway & see what happens. 

On a positive note, the last Psychedelic Squares afgan was delivered & received with much joy & enthusiasm!  My neice wanted one ever since she saw the one I made for my Mom.  Her birthday was in March, but I wasn't done with it then.  She was still just as happy when she got it in April!  Made my day!  Plus she asked me to teach her to knit.  What a bonus!  We are visiting my Mom there today, so maybe I'll take some yarn & needles & see what we can do!

Almost Home

Here I am, on the last leg of the journey.  The squares are knitted, they are sewn together in blocks of four, & almost half of those larger squares are sewn together as well. 

This project seemed like it went on forever.  I'm thinking it was because of my hands hurting so much while I was knitting it.  This made me take longer & more breaks than I normally would, which, of course, slowed my progress. 

But now the end is in sight & I can't wait to finish it.  It is way late for the special occasion that it was intended for, but I'm sure it will still be accepted by the recipient.  I've included some pictures of the almost finished afghan.  It is going to be a nice sized blanket, smaller than the others I've made, but still quite snuggly. 

Looking back, I think I prefer all dark to light squares.  While the mix of both is interesting, my preference is in the symmetry of the same color sequence.  I also think I would like to try a stockinette stitch one, if there is ever a "next time".  All three of the ones I've already made are garter stitch.  The advantage there being that it uses way more yarn than stockinette.  I still have a lot of scrap yarn left over, especially in those small amounts too big to throw away, but not large enough for a large project. 

Of course, it leads my mind to stray to future projects.  I'm thinking of another scrap yarn afghan using a different type of method.  I'm just not sure what it would be yet.  There has to be some sort of small panel so I can use those small amounts without worrying if there will be enough to finish.  Yet it has to be attractive.  I'm still thinking...& I'm sure I'll play around with some ideas when that itch starts again!  Right now, after this is complete, I'm taking a breather from any major projects.  I need the break, this one has worn me out!

Nearing The End

Finally, the end is near for the latest Psychedelic Squares afghan.  Only 7 more squares left, out of a total of 80.  Fortunately, I've been finishing off the ends occasionally, so there won't be too much of that left to do.  Then sewing the squares together, which can be challenging!  Sometimes, matching them so there aren't too many of the same colors together is...interesting!  Plus, sometimes the gauge is a bit off, so making sure the sides match together can be difficult as well.  But seeing it come together is fun & seeing the end in sight is a relief!

I wanted to have the new one done by last weekend, but my hands were not cooperating.  My fingers have been aching, which is not good, especially when its my knitting fingers.  I've been putting Flex-All on them & wearing my Hand-eze gloves, which has helped some. 

I've shown some pictures of the squares in progress, along with some pictures of the first squares afghan I made.  I'm making the smaller squares for this one.  The finished one used the larger squares.  I put a dollar bill next to both squares so you can visualize the size difference. 

The finished afghan was 6 squares wide by 8 squares long.  It is large enough for a queen size bed.  It is shown draped over my full sized sofa.  The latest one will be 8 squares wide by 10 squares long. 

The pattern recommends making half the squares dark to light & the other half light to dark.  I did that in the second afghan (no photo..yet!)  the current WIP.   One my first one, I made all the squares dark to light.  I think it still looks great & in my opinion, a bit more uniform in design.  I do like the mixed effect also, though.

I found a website that talked about the squares afghans.  I was flattered when I found a picture of my finished afghan (off my webiste), but it mentioned that the picture was tantalizing but small.  I made sure these pictures are large & plenty enough to give a good taste of the magnatude of this project!  Did I mention that this afghan is my favorite to snuggle with?!

 

Scarf-a-palooza!

Finally, here are pictures of the two scarves that I finished for my daughter.  The cream scarf was made with a lovely soft merino wool, I just love this yarn.  Sadly, I don't think its being made anymore.  I used a stitch I discovered while working on the bookmarks, a lovely lacy faggotting stitch.  It was open enough that it didn't use too much yarn, so I was able to get a 5 foot scarf from it!  My daughter didn't want any fancy finish to the ends, so they are just plain.  The pattern is the same on both sides, so it worked great for a scarf.  I really like the look of this one, its light & lacy appearance is deceptive...it is very warm!   My daughter has said she tells everyone that I made it for her!  That's a good feeling!

The pink scarf is made with a cotton blend slubbed yarn.  The slubs are multi-colored, there are blues, yellows, greens & white mixed in.  A very soft fun yarn to knit with.  The stitch we decided on is a dropped stitch pattern, slightly open, but not too much so it is still warm.  Both sides are different, & though I like both sides, my daughter & I like the opposite side better.  Again, there is no fancy finish to the ends, so I just did a few rows of K2, P2 rib to keep the continuity of the pattern.  Plus it gives the ends some body & firmness.  It was a fun scarf to make, & the stitch pattern made it go very quickly, even though it is about 5 feet long. 

However, I'm tired of making scarves.  It gets very boring & tedious doing the same pattern over & over again for 5 feet or so.  Both of these were fun & quick to make, but I found myself quite restless towards the finish of the second scarf.  It will probably be a long while before I make another scarf.

Currently, I'm working on some squares for yet another Psychedelic Squares afghan.  I'm making smaller squares, so I need to make 80 total.  I have 38 done so far.  I'm hoping to have it all together by the end of March.  So say a little prayer to the Knitting Goddess to help my fingers stay fit & healthy so I can get them all done!   Of course, pictures will follow as I get closer to completion & of course, I will share a picture of the completed afghan!  Now, back to work on the squares!

More Bookmark Pictures!

Here are the rest of the bookmark pictures.  I made a total of 14, one which seemed too thick, so I kept it for myself.  It was made with Red Heart Luster Sheen, not even sure if they make this anymore, mine is about 20 years old!  I tried to press it out to open the pattern a bit, but that didn't work too well, so...learn by trial & error!

Doing the bookmarks & having so much fun with the faggotting lace stitch gave me an idea for my daughter's scarf project.  Since I was having so much trouble finding a stitch that didn't use too much yarn for it, the faggotting stitch seemed ideal.  It really doesn't use much yarn at all, & it still has enough body to give some firmness to the scarf.  I knit up a sample & my daughter loved it!

Needless to say, the scarf was whipped out in just a few days.  She really liked it, & snapped it up immediately to wear.  I wanted to do something a bit fancy with the ends, but she wanted it plain, no fringe or edgings.  I was pretty proud of myself for coming up with what I thought was a unique scarf idea.  Then, the next day, the Knit Picks catalog shows up in my mailbox.  Guess what type of stitch pattern they show for a scarf????  Well, their's has fringe.   

Now if only I can get it away from her for a little while so I can get some pictures to show the cyberworld!  I hope to have some in a few days!  But in the meantime, enjoy the remaining bookmark photos!

Bookmark Fun!

Here are more pics of the bookmarks.  These were really so much fun & so quick & easy to make.  The really lacy ones were made in just a few hours knitting.  Not too bad, plus they just look so pretty.  Here is another pattern, too! 

Bookmark Patterns