Green Apples & Raisins Snack Bag August 30, 2010

This was by far one of my favorite projects. The snack bag turned out to be the perfect size for a piece of fruit, small bag of trail mix and a small water bottle. The modified lunch tote, which is currently under construction, is large enough for an AM and PM snack, along with lunch.

I didn’t bother checking my gauge for the worsted weight. I reduced my height based on the measurements of the bottom of the bag, thus creating the “snack version”.

Snack Bag:
Pre-Felt Measurements

• Width: 6.75”
• Depth: 4.75”
• Height: 10.75”

Post-Felt Measurements (took 10-15mins as directed on pattern)

• Width: 6”
• Depth: 3.75”
• Height: 6.75”

Pattern Mods:  Followed the pattern, “Brown Bag” with a few modifications

• Used Paton’s Classic Wool “worsted” weight yarn
• Carried base yarn up the sides and on the edge of the flap for 6 rows
• Added a knitted button hole on flap instead of cutting finished felted bag; reinforced button hole before felting
  *  K9 flap stitches
  * BO 7 stitches
  * Knit remaining 9 stitches on flap
  * Turn work, and purl 9 stitches
  * CO 7 stitches using the “knitted” or “backloop” cast on
  * Purl remaining 9 stitches on flap
  * Continue flap as directed by pattern
• Added (2) applied icords at sides of flap (4st ea)
  *  Knitted first 3 stitches after marker
  *  Switching to a US13 needle, BO remaining side, front, and alternate side of bag to last 4 sts
  *  Switched to 10.5 dpn, and knitted a 14″ 4st applied icord
  *  With 4sts on the dpn, and the first 4st still on the cable needle on the other side of the bag, I used the double-needle BO technique to “knit”
       the 2 sets of 4sts together, thus starting the second icord
  *  When the second icord was done, I reinforced it at the base of the first icord on the opposite side of the bag
  *  Continued knitting the flap with the remaining stitches on the cable needle, per pattern instructions
• BO with #US13 (as mentioned above)
• Added snaps at sides

To top it off, I added a large wooden button for the closure.

Perfect snack bag, which will be a great compliment to the lunch tote.

~g

Herbs for your Knitting August 19, 2010

Sach for your Stash

Sure!  Why not?

As we become more eco-aware, we are coming back to “natural” in many areas of our daily living, including knitting.  Introducing Sach for your Stash®.

These sachets were created and designed by Stacy Young, and contain natural herbs and essential oils to help ward off moths and other critters that like to munch on natural fibers.  Sach for your Stash®  can be used when storing animal fiber fabrics and yarns such as wool, alpaca, mohair, angora, and even possum (that is another post).  They are also useful when storing woolen clothing and bedding for the Spring and Summer months.  Before storing, be sure to check your fabrics and yarn for pests, and properly clean garments and bedding.   I’ve read some real horror stories out there — that lovely wool turtle neck you had in March is now November’s swiss cheese tunic. 

Sachets work best in enclosed storage areas like drawers, cabinets, wardrobes, or chests.

Sach for your Stash® will be available soon.  In the meantime, if you’d like to place a custom order, please let us know.

~s

A Jacket for your Apples? August 7, 2010

Adorable Apple Cozy

I fell in love with this little bolero for my Pink Lady apples.  I received my first Adorable Apple Cozy from SUPERIORCreations, which was designed by Theresa Grant for Unravel Me.    This is the perfect addition to your “brown bag” lunch to protect your apples from bruising and to help keep them chilly.  The Apple Cozy’s can be used for other fruits as well. 

I better get started on making my own.  Our apple trees will soon be ready for harvesting!

You can find SUPERIORCreations and Theresa Grant, aka, “needlenhook” on

New Pattern: Bayside Cloche August 5, 2010

100% of the proceeds will be donated to benefit free community programs for children with special needs.

While strolling the Bay near my home, contemplating a hat pattern for a dear swap partner and my sister, the Bayside Cloche was born.

Date of Birth:      June 20, 2010
Gender:               Female
Weight:                50g
Length:                9.25”

The stretchy Bayside Cloche fits adult head sizes from medium to extra large, and can be worn slightly angled or straight on. For colder days, this cloche can be worn low on the neck and forehead. For days when just a little warmth is needed, cloche can be worn higher on the head.

She may be small, but will grow on you!.

Size:  One size fits Medium to Extra large Adult Heads
Measurements:  18.5”, circumference and 6” wearable height