Katrina got her Swap Swap Gals package the other day so now I get to blog about all the super-secret projects I have been working on. It was actually pretty tough to stay mum on so many projects.
And I know there are at least a few of you are thinking, “Finally, she made something besides dishcloths!”
The Brea Bag is the item I’m most proud of for the “All About Hearts” themed swap. I had been weary of intermediate knitting projects until Kara and Katie gave me some knitting encouragement via my Ravelry message box and I decided to just go with it.
This was my first major knitting project with cables, but the pattern was actually easy to understand, especially with the videos on Knittinghelp.com. Also, I relied on the Terms and Techniques list from Knitting-crochet.com. Their abbreviation list is really comprehensive and I learned a bunch of knitting terms like ssk, psso and St st.
This was also my first project with a lining. I had to hand sew everything and it took me a while to finish. The lining turned out a little baggy but I was afraid it would end up on the small side.
The handle was thrifted from an old handbag. Instead of sewing the flaps in place I sewed buttons to the inside so the handle can be removed and Katrina can wash the bag easily. She could even replace the handle if she wanted.
The picture of the Brea Bag along with the free pattern had a heart-like shape. Mine doesn’t look quite like that so just for good measure I used a button with a heart motif.
My crochet skills really helped for the last steps of the pattern. I slip stitched the bag together for strength. Also, the pattern called for a crab stitch edging and chain button loop.
Since the purse didn’t have a zipper closure, I made her a matching Half-Hearted Purse with Red Heart in Cafe and Cashmere. I used a crab stitch for the edging to match the purse and kept the same color scheme on the front and back. In the original pattern, the designer used hemp and reversed the colors for the opposite side of the coin purse.
I lined the coin purse, too. I think the zipper was sewn a tad uneven so it’s a little tough to open and close. Also, next time I sew a zipper I’ll make it a little longer. The opening is smaller than it should be.
This drawstring bag is titled That Pouch Thing. The pattern makes a nice little drawstring bag designed for holding dice. I would make this again in a DK or light weight yarn. The crochet fabric is a little stiff to gather with Red Heart (in Cafe and Country Rose).
The bottom view shows the individual pieces of the bag. I whip-stitched the pieces together instead of single crocheting like the pattern called for.
Changing colors every row for each of the four pieces would make a nice v-shaped stripe design.
Katrina is due this summer so I made her baby-to-be a Pixie Hat. The size is meant for a 3-6 month old, but could stretch to fit an older baby. Katrina wrote in her Wish List that she liked earth tones and orange. I originally wanted to make this in Bernat Pink Camouflage, but I didn’t know the sex of the baby until after I sent the package (it’s a girl!). To be safe I used this gender-neutral TLC yarn in Jungle.
There was so much sewing for this swap! When I was done with the purses, I still had to this button to attach.
Instead of a tassel, I added a little orange heart motif. Looks a little like a carrot now that I see it up close!
For her other three kids (4, 2 and 1) I sent Alice in Wonderland. Remember the Queen of Hearts?
There are four items that don’t fit the ‘All About Hearts’ swap theme. Katrina mentioned in her wish list that she liked to read about organizing and collects recipes, so I had to include the Woman’s Day Magazine.
As for the pink bag, I was originally going to find a heart bead to thread on the drawstring, but I couldn’t find anything non-plastic. The little heart beads were perfect for a bracelet kit for her four year old daughter though.
I also threw in a toy elephant and a spool of ribbon. These were last minute additions to put in the purses. I don’t know where I got the idea, but I don’t like giving a bag/purse/wallet as a gift with nothing inside. It’s probably one of those superstitions you hold over from childhood. Remember avoiding cracks on the sidewalk?
For the Lewis Carroll book I made a little granny square heart bookmark. The pattern, Heart Coaster or Embilshment, is from Crochetville. I just added a slip stitch tail. The little sun motif at the end is just a ring of single crochet and a row of single crochet and picots.
Lastly, I made this dishcloth with Lily’s Sugar and Cream in Hot Orange and Over the Rainbow. The My Heart Dishcloth pattern is pretty and quick, just like a dishcloth should be.
At least this post wasn’t all dishcloths, right?
I gotta tell ya…I love your blog! HOW do you find the time to create all the amazing projects and then blog about them? I’m really jealous. I work on one project for so long that I’m completely sick of it by the time it’s finished. The Swap Swap Girls thing is a really cool idea too! I’m living vicariously through your blog. Have a great day!
I’ve really been wanting to try knitting the Brea bag! Yours looks great!
Encore, Encore! What a great package! I loved reading about each and everything. And I even save those knitting pages for a just in case I learn how to knit day. What a great package! Great job!
I have to agree with the others…I enjoy reading your blog, and I’m amazed at how quickly you complete things! I love the bag, and one day I’ll figure out knitting. (I’ve tried several times, but never got further than the cast on. Then I find out there’s a gazillion different cast-ons!! Aarrgh!)
Amazing!!! Love the drawstring bag.. and the heart bookmark !!
I LOVE that bag! It’s been on todolist for so long now. Yours turned out wonderful! I really love the strap that you added and what a great ideal to add the button for easy removal. Again you do such lovely work!
Thanks for the links you posted to. I really like the one for knitting crochet.com!
The heart bag is fabulous!
Oh wow, that bag is georgous! Lucky swap partner. And, i love seeing all of your dishcloths!~
Gorgeous bag! You did a fabulous job of it. Really tempting to cast on.
I saw the pouch bag and knew it would be perfect for a little girl’s purse. So I made up a slightly larger pink and purple one!
Brea looks incredible! I think you’re a solidly intermediate knitter at this point. ;)
Everything is lovely.
Those are great! I really need to try my hand at knitting!
I love your stuff, you’re amazing! I’m still interested in reviewing your blog on Knits and Knots if you’re okay with that! It only takes a few minutes for you to answer an email interview, the rest is up to me. Email me if you’re interested (knitsandknots@gmail.com)
Lovely projects. I especially like the crochet purse and drawstring bag. The colours work wonderfully together.
Like your bookmark too :-)
I love everything you sent Katrina and I know she has to love it herself. Great package you so spoiled Katrina :)
Hi, I love your crochet, Lovely, I’m just a begginer..
You stop by my blog, and ask how did I do the ribbons with my logo, I answer in the same comment post but i’m not sure it got to you. Anyway, it’s really easy, i just bought a package of ink jet iron on shets, at office max, and printed the logos, cut them, bought the ribbon and iron it on the ribbon.. and ready!!
The handles you used for the brea bag look great! I also like how you made them detachable to change out handles.
I’ve just stuck to crocheting amigurumi’s but the Pixie hat inspires me to branch out.
I was considering whether to knit this bag or not, yours seems so beautiful and not so hard, I’ve decided to give it a go.
Nice!
Thank you for your beautiful articles and ideas. I’ll try to make the pink heart, hope it comes out right. A beautiful day to you and all your readers!
I had this heart washcloth pattern & made tons of these but lost the pattern 5 yrs ago & have not found it since. (& I’ve forgotten the beginning … Chain 20, dc into the 4th ch … & then BLANK!)
I’m also looking for the heart-shaped (orange w/ rainbow trim) pattern. When I clicked on what looked like a link that would take me to the pattern, it took me to sign up for some AOL page, which I did, but then still couldn’t find the pattern. HELP! Thanks! ;-)