I've been feeling behind in my blogging so I got a post ready on Friday. When I went to post it later that night, it seemed a bit boring and silly. Instead, I'll share some photos of recent knitting projects.
Retro Chain Stitch Bag the second: My second Retro Chain Stitch Bag is the smaller of the two sizes featured in the pattern. Since it's made with one strand of yarn instead of two, it's a little thinner. It would make a great purse or small knitting tote. I used Patons Classic Merino Wool in black and this yarn. (I prefer knitting with two strands of yarn. With the larger needles, a single strand feels kind of strange to me.)
There is one thing I wish I had done differently. When I attached the handles, I only attached them to the purple band at the top and they feel a bit wobbly. I should have attached them down a bit more. I plan on reinforcing them, then lining the bag with fabric.
This bag is for a friend. I still love this pattern and may make yet another.
Gretel: I wish I had a better picture for you, but E wasn't around to model for me. So here's a self-photo of me in her Gretel (slouchy version). It's a lovely pattern and I enjoyed knitting it. I used Cascade 220 because I had it in my stash and E liked the color. Someday I may knit another in a softer, more luxurious yarn.
Ysolda's patterns can be purchased directly through Ravelry. I'm learning about Ravelry features all the time!
Arrowhead Lace Headband: My daughter has lots of really thick hair. Recently, she cut her hair to just above her shoulders. It's now light enough that it can be held back with headbands. So I knitted an Arrowhead Lace Headband for her. (Again, it's modeled here by me. When did I get all those gray hairs?!) This was a very quick knit and it didn't take much yarn. I like the fact that it's all in one piece and doesn't have to be tied at the back of her neck. This isn't the color E usually chooses, but she's looking ahead to St. Patrick's Day.
Forest Canopy Shawl: Please forgive the awful picture of the Forest Canopy Shawl. You may remember that this is for a friend who was going through surgery. I used Berroco Ultra Alpaca in Denim Mix. (This was perfect yarn because she loves blue and she jokes around about starting an alpaca farm.)
I'm so happy with how this turned out. I added five more repeats (I think) and it's a very nice size for someone to use to keep warm. I had started this pattern several times with different yarns and never liked the combination. This one was a winner! I have a skein and a half leftover and may make a lace scarf. Or maybe I'll buy more yarn and knit Cozy. I do think I'd like to knit a rectangular wrap/stole next instead of a triangular shaped shawl.
Vintage Bubble Bag: This pattern is from Pursenalities (a book I've had for a long time and hadn't yet used). I'm using Plymouth Boku from a swap and Cascade 220. I knew it would be close on the 220, but I had hoped I'd have enough to finish at least the body of the bag. Nope. Unfortunately, my LYS doesn't have any more in stock, but they're going to order it for me. I'm looking forward to seeing this bag felted.
I'm still in a felting mood. After I finish the other Bubble Bag, I may try to design my own bag. I have an idea and the yarn for it. Now I just need to draw it out and get started knitting it.
