Enjoyment

I really am enjoying all the beautiful workings everyone is sharing. I'm currently completing other bags. I have finished one, working on two now and about to start on the third. Unfortunately, my washer is broken. I'm thinking of felting by hand, but I don't know if I have the energy. Has anyone else felted by hand? Keep up the good work everyone. I'm really enjoying the images and stories on what you did while creating your bags.

Michele in Washington, DC

Formal Boot Bag

I have loved working with this pattern from the very first! The Patons wool tweed is awesome and felted up better than I ever anticipated. Here is the bag in its drying stage and the front panel half finished. Not sure about the strap being a chain on this one tho. Any ideas???? This bag WILL get made again!

celtic weekend tote

I really like how the yarn is knitting up. I am leaving the colorwork off on this one. I may decide to add some embroidery or something when it's done but for now I like it plain.

Fair Isle Book Bag- 60% Complete!

I'm just loving the whole "Fair Isle" thing! I may have to do more of this!

It needs to be about 3 inches taller to fit my Japanese books for school that starts on Monday! I hope I finish on time.

Surface-Woven Tote progress

So I'm not as fast as a number of you guys, but I've completed the front and back and now I'm about 8 inches into the 50" sides/bottom piece. Love the yarn, nice and fast on 13s. I think I'll line it with some vintage print fabric. Excited about looking for it! ...but I'm not too keen on sewing.

Have yet to cast on for the Linen Tube Clutch.

Up in the Great White North

Yes I'm in northern Canada, but not too north. I just wanted to say I'm new to the KAL, and enjoying reading the posts on the blog. All the projects are looking great, and I can hardly wait until I get my book. Unfortunately it seems like I'm going to have to wait for the book until some time in November. I ordered mine from Amazon.ca on October 9 with an est. delivery of Nov.7-12. I noticed in the new Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts 2007 issue that it also says the Bag Style book will be available November 2007. So how is everyone getting their books? I'd be interested in finding out if anyone else is experiencing this.

Completed......

Well, I'm sorry for the delay in getting this FO posted. I've spent most of my free time lately with a paint brush in my hands. And I've had no opportunity to get a modeled photog. I finally took this one before I crawled in bed last night just so you would have one. So without further ado.....the Two Tone Triangle.........

(I tried to add scale with the shoe and hand since it wasn't being modeled.)

As I shared before, I used Cascade 220 yarn for this project. I've used it before and it felts up wonderfully. One thing that would probably change is the handle.....either double the yarn or use more than 3 stitches for the I-cord. It just doesn't feel or look like it's going to be strong enough.

Another thing I would change is how I sewed it together. I had this pinned together two or three different ways, but I was trying to have more red show so I failed to notice that I had the pointier sides facing out instead of in. Please note that on the instructions they fail to tell you which side (edge) to place where.

All in all, I still like this pattern, however I'm not really loving this (my) particular version of it. I'm likely to do this one again and be much happier with the results. So take my advice when you do this one, watch your placement of the sides together, be sure your handles are thick enough and you'll have a great purse!!

Fair Isle Book Bag Yarn Bought

Well, my savaging through kanji came up with some success. I found some good yarn (pretty cheap too... about 300 yen for a 50 gram skein [I've only seen 50 g balls here]). Grabbed a few balls and came home to my computer to check on this website and saw that I did get the right thickness of yarn, yet I got acrylic (which is okay). I'm learning... I'll be learning more soon because I just enrolled in a Japanese course at the university here. I'm excited! A great project to keep my school books in! I've already cast on and finished the bottom!

What to do, what to do?

Thank goodness my book finally arrived on Saturday and I am trying sooo hard to decide which to start first. Well, then of course, I just took the UFO poll from the Knitting Daily email today . . .

Hm, feeling only a little guilty, enough to not go buy new yarn, but to figure out which bag I can make with the yarn from my stash. That's responsible, right? I'm thinking perhaps the Fair Isle Book Bag or the Knitting Needle Bag. So many choices, so little time.

It made it to Japan!

Hooray! I have my book now! And now to choose. I agree with the whole "bag lady" theory.
I think I'll start off with my first Fair Isle project with the Fair Isle Book Bag. Now to find the right yarn in Japanese...
I'm just glad they give the weight of yarn you should use and then let you go from there on the type of yarn. Helps my beginner-ness of things....

Linen Tube Clutch AND Surface-Woven Tote

I did it. Just got back from the LYS with yarn for both projects. Oh boy. My intent was just to buy for the clutch but I love love LOVE the Nashua wool colors!


The Nashua cotton is a nice mild variegated yellow called Acacia. It doesn't have the sheen that the pattern yarn calls for but eh. I guess there's the difference - beautiful color combo for the tote but the clutch should be an impressive FO. Starting at least one tonight!

Knitting Needle Bag

Everyone is doing so nice with their Bag projects. I have started the Knitting Needle Bag twice and had to take it out. I keep missing a row. I don't know what is wrong with me. I really need to write the numbers down and cross them out or use a row counter. I usually don't have these problems. First time for everything. So, anyone else having any blunders?

Michele in Washington, DC

First Bag Style KAL Bag Completed!

Here is my completed Knitting Needle Knitting Bag. It was a quick, easy knit, and the knitting needle handles really make it unique (except that all of you will have one too of course!) I found the lining material in my stash left over from my sewing days - before I developed OCKS (obsessive compulsive knitting syndrome). I would make more of these -great gifts for knitters - in different patterns. Maybe a cable pattern, or even just plain garter in a multi-colored yarn. I'm still waiting for my book from Amazon so who knows how many of these I'll have made before it arrives!

Penny Bag

Has anyone tried to make the Penny Bag? It seems like a lot of extra work to knit the front pattern then the bottom and then reverse the pattern up the back? Is there a reason for this? would knitting it in the round change everything? This is my first knit along and some of these patterns seem less clear to me?? Thanks!

Perfect Timing

This is my first KAL also. It's such great timing because I've been planning to knit each of my three sisters a stylish bag for Christmas. Now, if the book would just get here I could decide which bag to knit for each of them. I really can't wait to buy more yarn either!

Finally!!

I received an email from amazon.com today, my book is finally on the way. I'm going to knit the knitting needle knitting bag first, for an exchange for another group. I need to finish my Alpine Bag and then I can get started. I will do the Formal Boot Bag for myself. How is everyone else's project(s) going or the thought process of your project?

Quick Intro

Hello everyone!
I joined this KAL because I love the look of the bags and also because I thought I could fit it in once I finished some other KALs (but is anyone ever really done???).
I ordered the book through Amazon and right now it is flying (or riding in a big brown truck) on its way to my home.
I can't believe how fast everyone is knitting up their bags - they look fantastic!
I'm curious to see what I will choose once I have the book in hand.
Until then, Happy Knitting!

This is gonna be fun!

I love knitting bags, the most, I think, and I haven't gotten the book yet, but I can't wait to! I saw the slide show and saw some bags I love!!!!! This is my first KAL!

Maria in Minnesota

Finally got my book!

I think I will start with the Hemp Market Bag, since I have some of the very yarn used in the book. Anyway, I think it is, since I am frogging it from a UFO and the label is long gone. I think I have all those different needle sizes, but doubt if the exact sizes are strictly necessary anyway. Wish me luck.

AJ in AZ

I'm soooo far behind!!

WOW, some of you guys have really outdone yourselves!! Your bags are beautiful!! I still have not started on mine yet. I did receive the yarn last week but I have to get a few more things finsihed up first before I get started on this project.... hopefully this weekend.
Thanks for sharing the photos!!
Anita

I've Decided

I have looked at the book 10 times and finally I've decided on the Formal Boot Bag. I really like the front of the bag and looking through the pattern it should be fun to make. I just have to decide what color, and do I want to do any adding of contrasting colors. Maybe on the front panel? I'm not sure. What do you guys think?
I can't believe how far some of you have already gotten!!
Cheryl

Your Amazon Order has Been Shipped....

It's about time! I want my book!
You are all doing really good on your bags. Until then, I'll keep working on my ufo's...
Hi from Japan,
Tiffany

Construction zone.........

Well, it's begun. I have the Two-Tone Triangle purse sewn together as you can see. I did actually try putting this together a couple of different ways. The instructions don't give you a specific which side is outer edge and which is inner although this shape is fine with me. I didn't want a particularly large opening at the top, but I did try to match the picture as best as I could. Pre-felting size was 21 1/4 inches across the bottom and 16 1/2 inches from bottom to top point (excluding handles). It's been felted and I'm surprised a bit that it didn't come out smaller, but the post-felting size is 19 3/4 inches across the bottom and 12 1/4 inches from bottom to top point. It's blocking now, so when all is done I'll show the the finished version.

I'm Getting There!

I've got 1/2 of my Knitting Needle Knitting Bag finished!

Wild Lining for Bag

I meant to post the inside of my bag - I just used something I found in my sewing cabinet. But it's bright and I really love how it makes the bag itself much sturdier. I had to put my label in it so I would remember I'm the one who made it. I have senior moments. :)

Some Assembly Is Required

I've reached that point you often find in instructions where 'some assembly is required'. As you can see, I've done both halves, and I went with red for the second half.

Both of these yarns are Cascade 220, one is Heather and the other is Quatro. I used the needle specified in the instructions, however, I did get more stitches to the inch than they did. I could have gone up in needle size, but I actually like a smaller size purse, so I think this will be just fine. It's been pretty easy project so far, easy to knit. I'll keep you posted on my progress in the next phase and will try to show it to you before the 'big plunge'.

Completed Knitting Bag!!!

I finished with the sneak peak bag and finished lining it this afternoon. I'm pretty proud of this and can't wait to start another one.

Bag Style KAL

I am going to Knit the "Knitting Needle Knitting Bag" purse that was on knittingdaily. I do not
have the book yet. I have yarn in my stash I think and I can now start. I know I am behind
but so what's new--lol Mary McFatter

Linen Tube Clutch

Okay, I finally picked out the first bag I want to knit - The Linen Tube Clutch. It was a toss-up with the Zenith Carpet Bag, but the pattern and construction don't fully make sense yet (1 3/4" from CO?). I've marked 7 other patterns to knit with mods. Lots of great bags in the book! Alas, I won't be able to get to my LYS until at least Wednesday.

Two-Tone Triangle Purse

I am another one who is looking forward to making the two-tone triangle purse. In fact, I've already bought two different sets of yarn for it! I am hoping to start later today, as I've just finished up two other projects, and feel entitled to start a new one! It will probably be the Cadet Blue and Lemongrass one (the Lion Brand Wool). I've become entranced with this Lemongrass color, although normally I am a blue and purple and teal-loving person.

Two Tone Triangle Started

My book arrived Monday, then there was a trip to the LYS on Tuesday and finally getting started on Wednesday. I fell in love the the Two Tone Triangle bag when I first saw it, so it moved to the top of the list on 'must-dos'. Hardest part so far was simply trying to decide what colors I wanted to do it in. The first side is in a Cascade 220 Heather - Purple - - - the other side, well, it's between a red or a blue. We'll see...........
I'm just excited to finally get started on one. -wink-and-a-smile-!

Book in Hand

Stopped by my LYS after work today and picked up the book. (they had a bunch) I'm anxious to start but I'm having trouble deciding which one I want to knit. Linen Clutch, Messenger Bag... I don't know! Oh yeah, I want to finish up some other projects first.

Book Finally Arrived

OK - now for the choice of which bag. OMG - I love them all. I guess I'll take a real good look and decide based on my skill level for now. I'm still a beginner.

Fair Isle Book Bag

Like so many others here, I couldn't resist this (my first) KAL. I've chosen the Fair Isle Book Bag using Elsebeth Lavold Chunky Al. With so many UFOs, what am I thinking? Especially with the deadline for the baptism dress rapidly approaching! Too many great projects and too little time! Bonne chance à tous!

Wait some more

Amazon just sent me an email telling me to wait another 2 weeks for delivery! AGGH! Not fair! I guess that gives me time to finish some other projects...

Linen tube clutch

Yarn: Louet Euroflax sport weight 3 skiens of 270 yards
Needles: size 9 straights and dps also size 4 straights

Notions: marker, tapesry needle, size f crochet hook ,needlepoint canvas enough for a 10 1/2 x 13 1/2 piece and two 5 inch circles

I can't wait to see one of these done up. I love this bag.

I couldn't resist the Linen Tube Clutch!

I ordered Bag Style from Amazon today and can hardly wait to start the Linen Tube Clutch. Anyone have the book already who could tell me what I'll need to get? I'd love to go pick it up tomorrow if I could :)

Thank You KNITTING DAILY!

Many thanks to all the folks at Knitting Daily who have given all of us without books yet, a sneak peak pattern for the Knitting Bag! Too many UFO's around, but needed to start this bag so I'd look really cool when going out for coffee. Anyone with me on that one? :) I'm half done, found #15 bamboos still in their package in my secretest of stashes. Glad to get some good hints about lining this bag, too. Hats off to KNITTING DAILY!!!! (TygerLily)

Another bag lady here ...

I haven't got the book yet. It's on order with Amazon. But I'm starting out with the Knitting Needle Bag. A friend picked up the bamboo needles from the mall at AC Moore's for 40% off for me ... so that was a bargain. I picked up yarn yesterday at my LYS and got "ggh Savanna" ... it's bulky weigh, but because of the yardage, I had to get 4 skeins instead of 3. I think I'm going to really love the look of this yarn tho. Now I can't wait to get started. But first ... I need to finished three other UFO's. Well this weekend ... the bag begins.