A Lovely Bag with a Confession

So this is a bag I made a couple of weeks ago. I was feeling the itch to do some sewing and I really "needed" a bag to hold my knitting supplies. Actually I've got a ton of bags already but none of them quite worked. Or so that was my rationalization. Anyway after spending several days digging through my fabric stash and covering the guestroom with all my options, I had the print I wanted but not a solid. (I have to mix and match fabrics, I have a hard time just using one). Still not completely happy, I decided to go and take a look at my "clothes" fabric boxes, which basically hold fabric best suited for ... you guessed it clothing. That's where I found some green/grey material already cut for pants but definitely destined for a higher purpose. The two went so well together. I was thinking the print for the outside and the pocket and the twill for the lining and the bottom of the purse.

McCall's Pattern Pieces and a second Challenge (the first was choosing the fabric duh)
There wasn't enough twill to cut out for lining (Piece #4)
And McCall's design, although nice, didn't really fit my "image" of what I wanted.

My Interpretation of McCall's Pattern Pieces

Since there wasn't enough of the twill for the lining and I really REALLY wanted those two fabrics together, I decided to cut about 3" off the bottom of the bag, making that piece out of the twill, added more visual and physical weight to the bag. I also chose to stick with an off white muslin for the lining, which I have plenty of. Oh but I didn't stop there. That square pocket was going to be quite inadequate for my purposes.

TA DUM
My new and improved pocket with several different sized pockets.

See how it works so well to hold those future knitting projects.

What it generally looks like, can you see why I had to redesign the bag. I just couldn't image having only that print for the bag, the twill adds such a nice dimension and it gave me a wonderful opportunity to add top stitching. Top stitching and edge stitching adds a nice dimension and finishing touch to most projects.

And that is all of the pictures because it was about this time I got more interested in sewing the bag then documenting it's progress. That and my sewing machine is in a dungeon and all the pictures turned out too dark to see any details (see last picture) The first four pictures were taken upstairs where I cut everything out (and no I was not about to run upstairs after every step, I love you guys but not that much)

What I love most about this bag is the color/pattern coordination. Before I chose the green twill, the leaves pattern looked like it was Grey, but next to the twill, they looked more green. I also really liked the purple/violet flowers and wanted to emphasize them, so I chose to top stitch in a dark purple. From far away it looks like black but up close it complements the violet flowers and the green twill marvelously. I just love to stare at how the colors play with each other. ( I love color especially with fabrics, which is one reason I've never considered working in a Bridal Shop-my creative sensibilities demand color.... and less expensive fabric)

Now for the confession: It's too big for the knitting project I was thinking of and ..... super smart Amy with her pocket design didn't think about how the bag would be worn. The pocket stretches from seam to seam right? Well the purse slips over the arm with one seam against the hip. Which means if there's a whole lot in the pockets, that purse just ballons out from my waist (and trust me my waist doesn't need anymore "visual" weight. Ah nuts!!!!

I love it anyway and have used it for a purse, although don't ask me to find anything in it too quickly. Although it does have an annoying habit of slipping off my shoulder (a purse characteristic that makes me crazy!) So if my knitting skills ever move onto sweater level, then I've got the perfect bag to hold all that yarn. In the mean time, it's still cool to look at.

Reading Lists

I love to read, and I usually have one or two books that I'm currently reading. So I thought it would be fun to track what I read this year on the side bar. So the first book I've completed this year is called "The Little Lame Prince". And it's part of my parent's collection. It actually contains two stories by Dinah Marie Mulock, the second one being "Adventures of a Brownie" which turned out to be really cute. I loved the different adventures of the Brownie, who loves to play tricks on disorderly or slovenly people. This actually was my first introduction to a Brownie.

The Little Lame Prince is a fairytale of sorts, which is just the kind of fairy tale I like. Instead of a "damsel in distress" we have a prince who because of an accident, has paralzyed legs. He does have a "magical" godmother but she doesn't change his circumstances as much as she helps or instructions him on how to bear it and do some good in the world.

Both stories were written for children, so if you're looking for a good read-aloud, "The Little Lame Prince" would be a good choice.

And interesting sidenote and further evidence of the books I like to read, this story was originally published in 1874. What can I say, classics are books that survive the test of time.

Homemade Christmas Results

So before it's too late and I actually forget about everything I did. My Christmas challenge was to see if I could make items using all the different skills I've learned so here goes:

Knitting:

Scarfs - No pictures cause you've seen them already. They were my first two knitting projects and I gave them to my Mom and Dad.

Cross-Stitch

I cross-stitched two bookmarks for a couple of family members that love to read. Only one is pictured because I forgot to take a picture of the second one. Opps, Sorry

Sewing:

Now this first one is my absolute favorite. It's a rocketship pattern I found on line. The material was space theme that was left over from a blanket my mom had made years ago for my brother. So I thought it was only fitting to make a rocket ship out of it and give it to his 1 year old son.

Blast Off!

Not really but with my "excellent" photography skills, it certainly looks like it's moving.

Using the same material I made a face mask with flaxseed inserts (2) and a fleece blackout insert. This was a challenge for me to make. Only because I thought it was geeky and kept putting it off, but after being reassured by my loving brother that anything I gave him would be appreciated I went ahead with the sewing of it. I was able to sew this together in an afternoon. My brother suffers from migraines quite frequently, and if you've ever had a migraine, light sensitivity is a major factor to consider. I decided to make the inserts, so they could be put in the freezer and be nice and cold any time they're need. The pattern is one I made up after looking at several different options. And yes it's the same space loving brother who's son got the rocket ship.

A make-up case that was supper easy and taught me a great technique for zippers.

Now I know you've seen these before but if others can do Christmas Shopping in July, I can use projects from early in the year for Christmas. Especially when they were perfect for the recipients.

So there you have it. There wasn't any embroidery completed, although I did have a few ideas, but ran out of time. And I did have at least two crochet projects that I completed during this time, but they weren't gifts, they were for me. They were the hat and scarf I've shown in previous posts. So all in all I'm pretty happy with how this "challenge" worked out.

Merry Christmas

Believe it or Not I am done with Christmas Presents. And even more shocking then that I have them all wrapped too!!! This has never really happened to me before. I'm a bit bewildered. Now before you think I'm really good, I'm not. When I say I'm done, it means I have something for everyone on my list, even if it wasn't what I originally planned for. (And yes the thought that I've forgotten something has very much occurred to me, but at least I have three days to remember)

This is go great, cause in December's past it's been Christmas eve, family is around and I'm desperately trying to finish up a project while fooling myself that the recipient hasn't really notice what I'm working on. And now I've gotten everything done in time that HOPEFULLY, (for the most part) no one's got a clue.

What this also means is other items get to come up in priority. Tonight, it's reclaiming the guest bedroom before said guest show up. Since the projects are done then the boxes, tools, and fabrics, yarns and "stuff" can get put away.

Also, I have a sugar cookie recipe I want to try out. And because there really isn't any hope for me, I've got some projects/ideas, I want to work on. (I said the guest room gets clear, but my room .. well that's an entirely different story) With that, I have designated the next couple of weeks as "guilt-free" project zone. No projects I HAVE to work on, only those I WANT to work on, ...for the shear fun of creating and only if I feel like it.

Pictures of how well this year's Christmas gift goal went will be posted after Christmas morning. Now I wasn't able to give ALL homemade but I must say I did pretty good considering.

Merry Christmas and good wishes for your holiday.

A New Scarf

Third time's the charm, Right?
I think so!
I would like to introduce you to the current love in my life.
(Silly way to phrase it but golly gee I love this scarf. )

The color was love at first sight, and the feel sealed the deal.
The design had been there in my head since I finished my first knitted scarf.
Last week I had my doubts when I tried casting on.
Thursday was really scary when I alternated between larger needles/hooks, knitting and then crocheting.
And when the yarn broke, oh such growling that ensued. But I was not going to be beat, so with a large crochet hook and a determination to not do anything fancy I began again.
At the end of the evening I had two rows and all I could think was
60's/70's/avocado green/retro
????
(a look I don't really see myself as).
Friday evening brought calm, and then a growing excitement
as I finished and stood up to try it on.
And then there was Saturday when I had a reason to wear it somewhere
(something I didn't do with the other two, they were just finished, admired, photographed and then folded away, while my eyes & mind wondered to the next possibility in the way of scarves, shameless I know)

So from the personal collection of Amy A, I introduce you to:
Long & Skinny
(NO smart alec remarks about how it's the opposite of me: short and ... you know not skinny;)
Now with most scarves, their width folds over while sitting on my shoulders/neck. This double thickness pushes my head forward and I feel like I am always staring at the ground.
What a kink in the neck!
And If I dare wrap the scarf around my neck to keep warm, it makes me claustrophobic and I'm even more "chin to the chest".

Now with Long and Skinny, I can wrap that scarf around me, creating a cowl look. My head stays up straight, unless the winds blowing then everyone is ducking their head. I'm warm, can breath and feel oh so stylish!


For those interested in the Pattern:
(It's really simple and the idea came from here - Laughing Purple Goldfish)
Using a size N crochet hook, chain a LONG chain (measure the length you personally want for yourself - mine almost touched the floor ... standing!!!)
Once you get your length, 1st row: sc in 2nd stitch from hook and sc to end of chain.
2nd row: chain 1, sc to end
repeat until you have the width you want, mine turned out to be 8 rows.
Optional fringe: you can add it after you finish the scarf
OR like me (lazy) : at the end of each row leave a tail before beginning the next row. When you're done, cut the loops, tie together and there you have it.

What's really cool, I only used 1 skein of yarn!!!!
And I got it done before the first Snow Fall (and boy is the snow falling now!)

(FYI: While knitting the first scarf, I had the thought to see if I could get it done before it snowed. So you can image my excitement at getting three done before it snowed.)

It's Done IT's Done IT'S DONE

It's done oh done three months later done but oh so nice you see because it's finally done!

In fact this dress has been done for a whole week. I just haven't posted it cause it wasn't picked up until Saturday, and I figured you would like to see it actually being worn. Sorry about the picture quality. I'm a lousy photographer.

So when did it get done? Tuesday night. In fact I had finished my last stitch on the hem when Michelle (Biggest Loser) got up on the scale and blew the other contestants out of the water. So I screamed double loud; 1st for me and 2nd for Michelle.

So LS I hope you like it.
I think you look great, in spite of your photographer.

A New Hat

Just so you don't think I've given up on crochet; this last weekend I whipped up a cute hat. I found the pattern for this "newsboy" cap on Knit and Crochet Today , a T.V show I ran across last Thursday. It is from Season Two; show 201.

I'm not one for the knitted cap look, but I liked the design so much I thought I would give it a try. The flower didn't turn out as big as the one shown on the webpage, which was a good thing. I was a bit skeptical about having that huge a flower so I'm very happy with the size of this one. I also thought their brim was a bit short so I added two more rows to mine.

To jazz it up I attached the two buttons. I really like how they work with the design. The one on top looks just like a button on a regular newsboy cap. Of course when you put it on, it's more of a 1920's Cloche hat, which makes me love it even more.

I did take a couple of pictures with it being worn, but decided not to post them. Sorry the "model" was looking a little scary and I didn't want that to affect your opinion of the hat.

Now all I need a good place to wear it, it's more of an outside cap so wearing it where you're going inside a lot isn't really the best. If we would ever get some snow, sledding would be perfect.