An old favorite
While everyone (myself included) is in a tizzy over Ann & Kay's new book and photos of knitted quilts and linen handtowels are starting to pop up around blogland, last month I revisited one of my favorite patterns, Kay's Buttonhole Bag. If anyone puts together a *greatest knitting hits of the new century* album, this clever little bag must be included!
I made it as my end of a swap. I had come across Alex's Flickr site of little handmade items that made my heart flutter and I quickly shot off an email, asking if she sold her work. No, she replied, but I'll do a swap. She mentioned my earlier bags and we were off!
Fushia, Lotus Pink & Orange You Glad
The color selection was left to me and after looking at a couple of my previous bags, I decided to change the proportions to make it a little deeper. I think that using two strands of regular Lamb's Pride, not the Bulky LP that Kay suggests, resulted in my early bags being a bit too shallow. Always a fun, quick knit...I wove in the ends, tossed it in the washing maching and held my breath. The thrill of felting! (Er, anxiety?)
Voila! Approximately 7 1/2" x 11"
It emerged from the swirling depths exactly as I had hoped, my best effort so far, and has arrived at its destination to a happy reception. Phew! And soon I'll be a happy recipient, too.
Speaking of Kay, I want to welcome the many, many visitors that have been stopping by since she mentioned my graduation gift idea in the sidebar at Mason-Dixon Knitting. I seldom check my blog stats but when I noticed a lot of traffic on the weekend, I clicked to 'referrers'. Whoa! A veritable stampede. Thanks, Kay...for the nice mention and the wonderful pattern. Oh, and all the laughs, too. Always, the laughs!
Damn.
That is one (two) great bag (s).
See, what I SHOULD do is spend the weekend with YOU, have you show me how to make the bag (I can knit) and then stay while it felts.
Posted by: blackbird | May 02, 2006 at 12:47 PM
So did you end up using the bulky? I would love the pattern. It is absolutely beautiful!
Posted by: Cindra | May 02, 2006 at 01:58 PM
Love, love, looooove the bag, and the colors which coincidentally are the colors I'm wearing today!
I really hope I'll be able to figure out how to knit someday if only for the chance to felt something as beautiful as that bag!
Posted by: myra | May 02, 2006 at 01:59 PM
You know I love your stuff and I visit everyday. BUT...htnaks for the link to the new blog...her stuff is amazing too. I love all her stars and intricate feathered stars! Are you getting a needle case from her? Those...well everything really...are wonderful. Just like everything you do!
Posted by: Judy | May 02, 2006 at 02:05 PM
So cute! It's been a while since I've made one. Actually, it's been a while since I've felted anything. Hmmmm.
Posted by: Carole | May 02, 2006 at 02:32 PM
Jan, you must tell me how you did it. I'm telling you, I just can't get the yarn ratio right for that bag and the one you've done here seems perfect! Would you mind emailing me how you changed the pattern to make it a bit deeper? I'm a novice knitter, mind you.
Posted by: africankelli | May 02, 2006 at 03:05 PM
The bags are beautiful! You have a fabulous sense of color :)
Posted by: Tracy | May 02, 2006 at 04:00 PM
I am such a lucky girl!
Thanks again for this wonderful bag.
Posted by: Alex | May 02, 2006 at 05:09 PM
Gorgeous bag! Now, the anticipation...
Posted by: Chris | May 02, 2006 at 07:49 PM
Far out I would be so nervous chucking it in the washing machine after all that careful work! Well done. Very cute bags. :)
Posted by: Lily | May 03, 2006 at 03:32 AM
Oh, those would make great teacher gifts, wouldn't they? And I KNOW I have lots of LP Bulky in the stash!
Posted by: Ruth | May 03, 2006 at 07:16 AM
I love the idea of these felted bags, I wish I could knit.
Posted by: weirdbunny | May 03, 2006 at 02:59 PM
These bags are just adorable. I love felting and have made the market bag from knitty.com. I also make myself felted slippers every winter. I love the vibrant colors you choose. I might have to make a trip to the yarn shop.
Posted by: Dorothy | May 03, 2006 at 07:35 PM
the colors.are.perfect.
now i have to find my knitting friends to whip me up one!
Posted by: susan | May 03, 2006 at 08:59 PM
Nice buttonhole bags! I had forgotten about that pattern, what with all the other things there are out there to knit and sew!
I saw your sneak preview and Alex' other creations. It must be difficult to wait...!
Posted by: Siri | May 04, 2006 at 01:51 AM
We must be on the same wavelength...I just finished a bag in the same pink/orange LP that you used! AND I also knit another buttonhole bag (after a long hiatus) in a chocolate/kiwi combo. (Hopefully will get photos on the blog today.) Yours look GREAT!
Posted by: Leslie | May 04, 2006 at 07:56 AM
So lovely!
Posted by: Scribbles & Bits | May 04, 2006 at 11:15 AM
Gorgeous bags! And I love your quilts........beautiful!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: christine | May 05, 2006 at 01:01 PM