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.
Beth
You have been one busy lady. I love Gretel and the color yarn you used. A softer yarn would be nice. I just might have to try it myself.
Posted by: Leslie | February 24, 2008 at 09:41 PM
Hi Beth,
Nice to hear from you. You have been busy - lots of wonderful projects.
Posted by: Ruth | February 25, 2008 at 12:56 AM
Beth, all these projects look wonderful! You have been very busy! Love the headband...might have to make one for my daughter.
Posted by: Estella | February 25, 2008 at 06:25 AM
Wow, you've done a lot of knitting lately! Everything is really beautiful.
Posted by: Carole | February 25, 2008 at 08:01 AM
There she is! I love all of your FOs. And I'm laughing at the arms-upstretched self-portraits. I have been seeing more and more gray hairs on my own head, lately. It's enough to make a girl feel old.
Posted by: katie | February 25, 2008 at 09:55 AM
wow, your bag is stunning! bravo on all your recent knitting!
Posted by: anne | February 25, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Lots of nice FO's. I like the headband. I may need one of those myself, and it doesn't look like it takes long at all. I love the Pursenalities book. My VBB comes out best when I blocked it over a balloon. =0)
Posted by: Kristen M. | February 25, 2008 at 10:53 AM
You've been a busy little bee! Everything is gorgeous. I'm glad to find out about that free headband pattern. It looks like something my daughter would like; and since she has a birthday a week before St.Patty's Day, I may just make her a green one, too. :-)
Posted by: Renna | February 25, 2008 at 01:11 PM
You have been busy knitting up some pretty, pretty projects. I'm sure your friend is blessed by the shawl. Lovely work on each of your items!
:)
Posted by: Pooch | February 25, 2008 at 05:54 PM
Everything looks wonderful! I especially like the shawl and the headband. You have been super productive!
Posted by: caitlyn | February 25, 2008 at 07:50 PM
Wow! In between being busy, you have been, well...more busy!!! Lovely selection of FOs you got there!!
Posted by: Sheepish Annie | February 26, 2008 at 06:44 PM
Wow Beth, you have been busy! Everything looks great, I especially like your Gretel hat and the bubble bag. Well done!!!
Posted by: Geraldine | February 26, 2008 at 06:57 PM
Wow, wow, wow! Have you been holding out on us or what?! Everything looks fabulous, but I think my favorite is... no, wait, I can't choose. Nice work!
Posted by: Michelle | February 27, 2008 at 01:15 AM
Oh my goodness you've been busy! I really like gretel, I just bought that pattern and I've been thinking about casting-on!
Posted by: keri | February 27, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Oh Beth! That headband and bag are just wonderful! So pretty! And I read the next post above, but could not figure it out! You know, computery and all...
Posted by: julie | February 27, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Gorgeous knits -- wow!! Now I know who to ask when I have to felt that Noni bag. :)
Posted by: Debbys | February 28, 2008 at 08:10 AM
Beth, all of them are incredible! The shawl is so so so pretty. You'll certainly be snuggly wearing all of those knits!
Posted by: Lynne | March 06, 2008 at 07:10 PM
Hi again Beth, Was Gretel a hard pattern to make? I'm on a hat kick right now, looking for patterns that are a bit of challenge but not too difficult. Hope all is well with you. I now have 4 blogs up and running! I thought of you and this hat this morning ( I rememebered how pretty it was) and thought I'd stop in. The pattern link doesn't open at the designers site so I wrote her an email about it.
Hugs, G
www.takeahappybreak.com
www.myreallifereviews.com
www.veggiesyarnsandtails.wordpress.com
www.mypoeticpath.wordpress.com
take your pick!!! LOL
Posted by: geraldine | August 23, 2011 at 04:41 PM