KnittingsMyBag ~ Needlework Project Bags

Spring is Coming - Yes, it REALLY is!

2012-02-23T10:04:00.000-08:00

As winter snow piles up for some of us, warmer weather is creaping into our forecast in California and I'm already dreading the hot weather that summer brings.

With that said, I find myself looking over at my fabric stash and "eye-balling" fabrics with springtime colors: bright and cheerful. As soon as I'm caught up on custom orders, I'm hitting the spring fabrics hard in an attempt to brighten the day and spread the good news that Spring WILL come this year and we, as knitters, will be ready!!

Valentine's Day is Approaching

2011-12-28T08:59:00.001-08:00

Once the new year has begun our thoughts seem to turn to the next big holiday and for most of the female population, it's Valentine's Day. KnittingsMyBag is no different. I've got some super cute surprises in the works to make Valentine's Day a blast for you knitters out there. Whether you purchase items for yourself or for a loved one, you'll find these items a great addition to your knitting collection. Stay-tuned.

Twas The Week Before Christmas

2011-12-19T13:08:00.001-08:00

Twas the week of Christmas, when all over the Net
Podcasters were scurrying to get their casts set.
Their stockings were hung as a background with care
In hopes that all watching would somehow even care.

They worked like mad people to share what they’d knit,
They were talking so quickly on the camera they did spit.
They scrambled to finish their holiday knitting,
Many confessed they acquired blisters while sitting.

They wanted a break, a vacation was desired
It was easy to see they were just plain tired.
Their stashes were growing at alarming rates,
Let’s face it, we’re all hidin’ yarn from the mates.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.
The beautiful scene was a joy to behold, until we heard
Diane from Knitabulls saying, ‘Crap, it’s snowing and I have to walk the girls.”

And so they prepare for their last shows of the year,
No matter how sick, with the coughing and hacking,
They crammed in one more show before packing.

They gathered their props, all their pets and their show notes,
To bid us Merry Christmas and send us out to purchase Barnes and Nobles totes.

Now Bella! now, Maisy! Stay on your chairs,
Now Fred stop your leaping onto “well, you know where”!
On John, John, on Ernie (hey, gimme’ that pom pom)
and Skippy, whose training, stop biting the neighbors!
All the podcaster pets are so wonderfully exciting!

Now they’ve promised to be good in the coming year, yarn diets and knit alongs, it’s all very clear,
There will be projects to show and stash downs to be sure
But Tina from Knitting Blooms will find SOME way to procure.

Sheila and Wendy (Knit1HeartToo) will continue to be “wicked” good,
While Dawn and Nicole (Wolfe Farms)….well, they’ll do what they should!
Steve (DramaticKnits) will continue to drive his Miss Daisy (Callie),
While Becca from Knitbytes will be gamin’ like crazy.
Erin (mommyneedsyarn) will return with her sassy way, and
Jaydee (Twisted Strands) will have the beer of the day (hiccup).
Carin (Round the Twist) will no doubt have another “EPIC” year. And
The Stockinette Zombies with give us nothing to fear.
CharmingLochie (Kelly) will come to us thanks to “the one who pays”
And Tammy (The Proverbial Knitter) will continue the yarn stash craze.
Vicki (DragonflySoars) will finish her sweater,
While Katie (Knittin’ On The Fly) will be our “jet-setter”.

And now it’s been said with pen to paper,
We love our podcasters from whom we can’t taper.
We follow each week, we are clearly stalkers
And confess that many of us are just plain off our rockers.

We wish you the merriest of Christmases it’s true,
And always remember your viewers are “True Blue.”

Merry Christmas,
KnittingsMyBag

Merry Christmas from KnittingsMyBag

2011-11-28T10:20:00.001-08:00

2011 Podcaster Challenge Winners

2011-10-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

Mother Bear KAL Group: 231 Bears Total!!!
Knitabulls: 34 participants - 66 bears
Knittin' on the Fly: 13 participants - 50 bears
MommyNeedsYarn: 25 participants - 35 bears
DragonflySoars: 15 participants- 28 bears
KnittingBlooms: 16 participants - 26 bears
Exchange Student in Fiberland: 10 participants - 18 bears
Knitbytes: 3 participants - 3 bears
Barknknit: 2 participant - 2 bear

KAL Project:
Knittin' on the Fly: 26 completed projects (cannot count Katie's project)
Knitbytes: 23 completed projects
Knitabulls: 10 completed projects
Miss Elle Knits: 8 completed projects
BrittKnits: 8 completed projects
DomesticaKatedDarling: 6 completed projects
Dragonfly Soars: 6 completed projects
Knit1HeartToo: (Sheila) 6 completed projects; (Wendy) 3 completed projects
Dramatic Knits: 5 completed projects
Addicted to Yarn: 3 completed projects
NoteableNeedlework: 3 completed projects
Exchange Student in Fiberland: 2 completed projects
MommyNeedsYarn: 2 completed projects
Knitting Blooms: 1 completed project
A Cronic Knitter: 1 completed project

Prize Category Winners:
Most Altered Pattern: DramaticKnits (Steve)
Best Yarn Choice: Knit1HeartToo (Sheila)
Talkin' Smack: Knit1HeartToo (Wendy) - I think people were afraid NOT to vote for her!
Suffered Through It: Exchange Student in Fiberland (MariGayle)
Special Guest: Knitabulls (Diane)
Hot Mess: Exchange Student in Fiberland (MariGayle)
Super Knitter: NoteableNeedlework (Kate)
Most Creative Photography: Proverbial Knitter
GRAND PRIZE WINNER OF THE 2011 PODCASTER CHALLENGE

****************Diane of the Knitabulls Podcast*****************

Check out my previous post for photographs of the prizes (except for the Grand Prize Category - photos of those items to follow in the coming days)

**Disclaimer: The numbers were checked and re-checked and are accurate to the best of my ability. If you split your vote between more than one individual in a single category, those votes were not counted.

Photos of Prizes for the Podcaster Challenge

2011-08-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

Most Altered Pattern:

KAL Group Award:

Best Yarn Choice:

The "Talkin' Smack" Award:

The "Suffered Through It" Award:

Favorite Special Guest Award:

The "Hot Mess" Award:

The "Super Knitter" Podcaster Award:

Most Creative Photography Award:

Visit to Bartlettyarns-Harmony, Maine

2011-08-18T05:14:00.000-07:00

August 5th my sister, Krista, and I had the opportunity to visit a local yarn factory and were fortunate enough to get a tour of the mill. Tim, an employee of five years, was our guide and it was great fun and quite a learning experience.

The oldest machine at Bartlettyarns is dated back to the early 1800s and the newest machine is dated around 1948. It was so much fun to see how the fiber is taken from beginning to end.

You can see what wonderful yarns and rovings I purchased and I plan on making many more purchases through their online store at www.bartlettyarns.com. Check out their site. Their prices are great and the product is even better.

Heather from HighlandHandmades talks a lot of her trip to Bartlettyarns in a recent podcast and shows a hat she made her husband from their yarn http://www.thefiberistafiles.com/?m=201108. Katie from Knittin on the Fly also shows her sample yarn pack in her podcast http://knittinonthefly.blogspot.com/

2011-08-18T05:09:00.000-07:00

A Clean Slate

2011-07-20T05:26:00.000-07:00

Now we have to decide on whether to lift the house, crush the foundation and build a new one or brace the basement walls instead. The difference: $20,000.00. Hmmmmmm.

99 Snow Goose Lane

2011-07-02T21:35:00.000-07:00

My husband and I purchased the camp across the street from the one we own now on a small lake in Maine. It belonged to a man who was sadly an alcoholic and he would only come up a few weekends a year and sat inside and drank all weekend. Well, he passed away last spring and his wife, who had never even seen the place, sold it to us. I got to look inside once during the summer but we didn't finally come to an agreement on price until December. That meant that we had to face the mess this summer. In the photograph of the kitchen that includes the stove: notice the lobster pot on top - it had 5 dead mice floating aroud in it. The beds were still unmade from the year before; the fridge was filled with beer and black mold.

There is so much work to do starting with the foundation. All four walls are cracked and damaged and we may have to lift the house and start from scratch. We are hoping to make it into a three season retirement home (we are 51 now and believe me it may take another 20 years to get this done). We paid cash for the property and are only using cash to redo it so it may be a slow process.

I thought I would post of a bunch of before, during and after photos so that you can watch the process and maybe even get some advice, tips, and, of course, sympathy from some of you.

Hope you stay tuned for the journey.

Plurk Podcasters Challenge

2011-06-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

Plurkers are united to promote our favorite video podcasters and show them a little love. Find out more about the challenge and how you can participate by going to this Ravelry thread. http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/knittingsmybag-fans/1672112/26-50#35

Video Podcasts - My New Love

2011-06-04T10:52:00.000-07:00

I've fallen in love with video podcasts! They are the "new soap operas". I love to see what others are knitting and it's fun to hear about their lives as well. It really gives you a sense of community especially for someone like myself who doesn't have many knitting friends or people around me that get excited about knitting like I do. At my house, baskets of yarn (although attractively and strategically placed around my home) are looked upon as clutter!

I have compiled a list of my "favorite" podcasts to the left. Check them out if you haven't already. You, too may fall in love with video podcasts.

Springtime Knitting

2011-04-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

I'm in Big Bear, CA for an exteneded weekend and I'm loving the spring weather. Just before I left, I pulled out all sorts of great springtime fabrics and I can't wait to get back and sew up some cheery knitting bags. So, get out your cotton yarn and bring on spring! Keep checking my etsy shop at http://knittingsmybag.etsy.com for spring bag updates. Check out my flickr page as well for lots of new fabric choices. Link on this page~

MOPS Training Up Your Child

2011-04-11T09:25:00.001-07:00

Great message on training up your child from my friend, Venita Page. Check out her blog and join! http://upwordcallministries.blogspot.com/2011/01/word-of-god-go-to-word.html?showComment=1302539060651#c2384929861233142910

Facebook

2011-04-04T18:21:00.000-07:00

Trying to build up my fan base on my Facebook Fan Page. I'd love to have some give aways and have some special coupons for my Facebook friends but I only have about 40 fans at this point. The "powers that be" tell me that I need at least 100 first. So, become a friend and let's get going! http://www.facebook.com/knittingsmybag

Spring is almost here!

2011-03-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

With spring fast approaching, I'm working on a series of knitting bags with spring/summer themed fabric. So grab that cotton yarn and get ready for my April 2nd "Spring Fling" Open House. Check out my Etsy shop or come back here to my blog to see what new and exciting fabrics are on the shelves.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-01-19T20:02:00.000-08:00

My shop is loading up on great Valentine's Day themed bags, pouches and stitch markers. My favorite color is red so that makes Valentine's Day one of my favorite holidays. I really like vintage valentines and I have a few different fabrics with vintage valentines.

Please check out my new items.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-20T08:46:00.001-08:00

A beautiful new carol for the Christmas season!

This Christmas Time by Take No Glory (Lyrics)

2010-12-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

funny house decorations for christmas MUST WATCH!!

2010-12-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

Holiday Themed Knitting Bags

2010-11-21T00:41:00.001-08:00

I always look forward to sewing up a bunch of holiday themed bags during this time of year. I especially love Michael Miller's "Holiday Skaters". It reminds me of the days of my youth when my brother, sister and I would shovel the snow off a tiny pond near our house and skate 'round and 'round. Now that I am in California, I certainly don't get ice skating (although I'm sure there is an indoor rink somewhere) but just looking at this fabric brings a smile to my face.

Christmas Countdown: Six Weeks to an Organized Christmas!

2010-11-03T06:40:00.000-07:00

Christmas Countdown: Six Weeks to an Organized Christmas!

Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp

2010-10-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

Hi, I've joined the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp in an attempt to gear up for the holiday season. Join me by following this link: http://community.etsy.com/selling/etsy-success-holiday-boot-camp-week-1-wrap-up

Gearing Up For The Holidays

2010-09-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

Well, September is half over and that means time to gear up for the holidays at KnittingsMyBag. I've been scouting out great new fabrics and styles to add and I'm finally going to reopen my Etsy Shop: Bag Lady Bags (under the seller name lrichmond3). I have been working on some great wristlets, make-up bags, and key fobs. You know, smaller items that are great for stocking stuffer and that won't break the bank.

Anyway, back here at KnittingsMyBag, I'm going to again offer my signature "Christmas Stocking with a Twist" that was so popular last year. It's a Christmas stocking with needle slots and a wider pocket for patterns and whatnots;. It has a closure at the top and a loop to hang it on the fireplace mantel if you like. I'm excited!

Stay-tuned for lots of updates now that the fall season is upon us and the air is cooler and more conducive to work!

Facebook Fan Page

2010-06-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, didn't realize how tough it was going to be to start up a Facebook Fan Page for KnittingsMyBag and actually get people to become friends. I want to get folks connected so that they can preview new bag selections and I'm hoping to set up some bag giveaways, especially for the upcoming holiday season. Any suggestions on how to accomplish this would be appreciated. Thanks!!

Getting a new prospective!

2010-04-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

Took a break from making knitting bags and went on a business trip with my husband to Fisher Island, FL and Hawks Key. Here are some photos.

Doing What You Love

2010-04-14T16:52:00.000-07:00

I have to say, I love, love, love fabric. I have yards and yard and yards of it. So much fabric I'll NEVER be able to use it all and still I want more. Could it be an addiction? I think maybe it is. I want to make knitting bags from all of it but I refuse to let what I consider a "hobby" completely take over my life. I already sew about five hours a day and that should be enough.

My first priority is my family. I need to keep an orderly house, cook meals and spend time with my husband and daughter. I love my life and I want to keep that happy balance. It is a tight rope walk; however and one that takes constant re-evaluation. So, join me on my journey. Tag along for the adventure!

Knitting for Charity

2010-04-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

This is a website for those of you who are interested in knitting for Charity. It has great free patterns and places for send your completed projects. If your organization is not included, maybe you can work on getting it on the list. http://www.knittingforcharity.org/

New Shop Items

2010-02-01T21:09:00.000-08:00

Plenty of new fabics made into bags. New stitch markers, place keepers and pocket mirrors available as well. Check my flickr page (photos on sidebar) for many more fabrics available.

Christmas with the Richmonds

2010-01-20T12:13:00.000-08:00

After a busy Etsy year, and our third in California, we decided to take a needed vacation but didn't want to fly or drive too far. We decided to take a 7 day cruise with Holland America to the Mexican Riviera. All we had to do was go to San Diego which is just over an hour away. We had a blast and it was very relaxing.

An Angry Little Boy

2009-08-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

There has been a huge draw to this Michael Miller fabric entitled "Knitmare on Elm Street." It pictures skeletons knitting, dogs chewing yarn, an angry boy dressed in winter cothing and, for some reason, a carton of chinese food. It came in torquoise, green and pink. I had a couple of yards of green and 6 yards of pink. I wish I had 100 more yards. I could sell all the bags I could make out of this funky fabric. I'm including a couple of pictures. What draws people to this fabric?

Making Whoopie - (pumpkin whoopie pies that is)

2009-06-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

My family loves the pumpkin whoopie pies. I make them for our trips to Big Bear. Now, when I say I'm planning on making Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, everyone starts looking forward to cool weather and relaxing in the hot tub! Give 'em a try! I always double the recipe ~ cause 12 is just not enough!!

Makes: 12
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Bake Time: 10 minutes (I use insulated pans so it take 15 minutes ~ to perfection)

1-1/2 sticks unsalted butter, 1 stick melted, 1/2 stick softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
1 cup canned pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon plus 2 pinches salt
1-2/3 cups flour
4 ounces cream cheese, chilled
1 cup confectioners' sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk in the eggs, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla, the baking powder, the baking soda and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour.
#. Using an ice cream scoop or tablespoon (I use a cookie scoop because we like them smaller ~ you can get 32 small pies out of a double batch if you do that), drop 12 generous mounds of batter, spaced evenly, onto each baking sheet. Bake until springy to the touch, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.
4. Meanwhile, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter with the cream cheese. Add the confectioners' sugar and the remaining 2 pinches of salt and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; mix on low speed until blended, then beat on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
5. Spread the flat side of 12 cakes with the cream cheese frosting. Top each with another cake.

Father's Day

2009-06-22T10:14:00.001-07:00

Father's Day has come and gone for another year. For the last seven years I have found Father's Day to be a two edged sword. I have a wonderful husband who is a wonderful father to our daughter, Hillary Doll, yet I no longer have my wonderful dad. It will be seven years on September 24th and it seems like only yesterday when his strong hand held mine and he told me how much he loved me.

My dad was the best father on the planet. I know that others would say there dad was great as well and that is a wonderful thing. There are so few truly wonderful fathers. My dad, Clifton Otho Pease, was a great man of God. He had such integrity. His character was implacable. He was loved by everyone. As a matter of fact, I have never met anyone who didn't like my dad. He was honest, kind and the most of all humble. I remember my dad once telling me when I was upset with someone and I probably said something to them that I would regret later, "When you feel like saying something hurtful, take a deep breath and stop to think about those words will hurt someone. If you still think it is worth saying out loud, take another deep breath and think again." I don't remember my dad ever saying a hurtful thing to anyone. I tried to remember these words, "I am the master of words unused and the slave to words that should not have been said.

He had to leave his schooling after the 8th grade to contribute to the family finances and that was always such an embarrassment to him because he thought he was not smart but my dad could do anything and build anything. He built our house and our summer house, he had his own cobbler business (although he gave away more than he sold) and I can't remember anything that my dad couldn't fix.

The lasting memory I have of my dad is of him reading and studying his Bible. He was an awesome Christian and that example is one that I want to emulate. I have often seen him on his knees praying even in the latter years of his life when kneeling was not an easy thing. I know that I will be with my dad again and that is a wonderful comfort to me. He was always my rock, my "go to guy" for all things spiritual. Now I must depend on the true rock ~ the cornerstone of my faith, my heavenly father ~ he too will hold my hand and give me spiritual guidance. All I have to do is be still and know that He is God.

If you have a dad today, hug him, kiss him, hold him and tell him you love him and I pray that he has been a Godly influence on your life. There is no greater comfort when your dad is gone then when you know he is in heaven just waiting for you.

Knitting Book Reviews

2009-05-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

I love knitting books and I have a massive collection of books. I have been stumped about what to blog about so I thought I would review a couple of my latest books. Some I like, some I don't. If you are in the market for a new book, maybe it will help you out:

A Most Have:
Socks a' la Carte by Jonelle Raffino and Katherine Cade.

This book is so much fun. It brings you back to the flip books of your childhood..only the authors refer to them as split pages. The first part of the book explans how it works, gives you yarn choices and needle choices as well as some great techniques. Then the fun part: Cuffs, Bodies and Feet ~ thousands of possibilities and a lot of fun choosing the patterns. Here are a couple of pictures.

2009-05-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

Below is an article my mom wrote for a magazine awhile back. It is a very sweet story and I included a picture of my bear that I keep in my china cabinet. I love it!

Warmth Over The Years

2009-05-20T14:20:00.001-07:00

As a young mother with a family of five to care for, I had very few clothes in my wardrobe. My cousin Berla was much better off financially than I and had a beautiful black seal coat.
One day, in the mid-1960’s, Berla came to visit and gave me the seal coat. It stayed in the closet for several years until I began teaching again, at the age of 48.
Winter recesses in Maine are windy, snowy and cold, and each teacher had to take a turn watching the children as they played outside. Each time I wore the old fur coat, many children, including my son, came up to me for a hug. I knew their motive—to get warm under that coat. It soon became the desire of all the teachers to borrow the old coat when it was their turn on the playground.
After I retired, my niece, Faye, gave me the idea of making teddy bears out of the old coat. I presented a bear to each of my five children with a note telling the story of the old fur coat.
The bears, put in special places in their homes, now provide a pleasing connection among the siblings.
~~Maxine Pease, Pittsfield, Maine (Published in the March 2008 issue of Reminisce Magazine)

Bags, Bags and More Bags

2009-04-26T23:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, I'm loading up my shop with bags in new fabrics and some new styles. I have a lot more in the pipeline but finding the time to sew them all is the issue. I'm anxious to get my two other shops up and running http://littlebopink.etsy.com and http://lrichmond3.etsy.com but I just can't seem to get the time to sew for those yet. I have some great plans and patterns ready to go as soon as I get the opportunity.

I'm heading off to Sedona, AZ with the hubs for a week on Tuesday, April 28, but my daughter, Hillary, is on the job mailing out bags on a daily basis. I'm hoping to get a chance to do some knitting for a change and put some of the pictures up on my blog. With all the sewing in recent months, knitting has taken a back seat but is the reason I got started making the bags. I just couldn't find the right bag.

I'm going to put on a few more knitting patterns as well. Stay tuned for lots of new things on this blog as I fumble around trying to figure out what I'm doing!!

Back In The Saddle Again

2009-04-06T00:34:00.000-07:00

After a long and difficult three months, I'm back in California for a few weeks and throwing myself into my Etsy Shops (http://Knittingsmybag.etsy.com; http://lrichmond3.etsy.com; and http://Littlebopink.etsy.com). I'm using the next few weeks to load up all three shops with goodies and, hopefully, there will be sales to mail out.

I've received a great shipment of fabric and I'm ready to start creating. Now, if I can just adjust to West Coast time, I'll be all set.

Farewell to my Mommy

2009-03-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

On March 9, 2009 at 8:45 pm, my mom passed away peacefully. It had been a long road, although not painful for her, it was a long five years alone without my dad. She was never the same after he passed away. She longed to be with him and I can't blame her. They were married 58 years.

I will miss her so much. She was my best friend and mentor. She taught me so many things. I'm so glad that I had been with her since January. I had been coming home from California every two months and staying at least three weeks at a time. We had great shopping trips, great talks, lots of hugs and kisses. Memories that will get me through the coming days, months and years. I know that she is in heaven with my dad and that I will be there someday as well. That is what keeps me going. She was full of life and lots of fun.

Good-night, Mommy. See you soon. Love, your baby girl

Child's Coat Pattern from 1920's

2009-02-18T04:11:00.000-08:00

(Unfortunately, there isn't any mention of what size this is~whichis strange).
A very smart sppearance is given to this coat by the introduction of Cable pattern into the plain knitted fabric. It is Raglan shape and has a nicely fitting roll collar. The length of the original was 19 inches.
Materials: 10 ozs. 4-ply Beehive Scotch Fingering. Two No. 8 Celluloid Knitting Needles and a short one of the same size for the cable pattern. Four buttons. Work at a tension to produce about 6-1/2 stitches and 14 rows to the inch, measured over the plain knitting.
Commencing with the Cable Edging for the first front cast on 20 stitches. Work 18 rows in plain knitting. Then commence the pattern as follows:-
1st row.-K.4,P.2,K.8,P.2,K.4
2nd row.-K.6,P.8,K.6.
Repeat the last 2 rows once.
5th row.-K.4,P.2, slip the next 4 stitches, knit the 4 slipped stitches. P.2, K.4.
6th row.-Like the 2nd row.
Repeat the first 2 rows once.
These eight rows complete one full pattern and are to be repeated until the work measures 12 inches. Then cast off and, without breaking off the wool, knit up one stitch to each ridge (with the right side facing you) down one of the long sides and make a stitch after every third, this making 87 stitches on the needle.
Continue in plain knitting, keeping the lower edge straight and, at the neck edge (i.e., the one where the stitches were cast off), increasing once in every row until 126 stitches are on the needle. Always slip the first stitch at the lower edge, and knit it at the neck edge in each row while the shaping is being done, this giving more elasticity. Still keeping the lower edge straight, decrease once in each row at the neck edge until only 80 stitches remain.
Work one inch without shaping, then finishing at the lower edge, making a guesset, as follows, to give fulness to the skirt:-K.5,turn, K.5, turn, K.10, turn, K.10, turn. K.15,turn K.15, turn K.20, turn, K.20. Continue in this manner knitting five more stitches every 2nd row, until all are again in the one row. Keeping the lower edge straight, as before, shape the armhole by increasing once in each row until there are again 126 stitches. Work 3 inches without shaping. Then decrease once, at the shaped edge in every row until only 80 stitches remain. Finish at the lower edge, then make a gusset as follows:-K.75, turn, K.75, turn, K.70, turn, K.70,turn, K.65, turn, K.65, turn, K.60, turn, K.60, turn. Continue in this manner, knitting five stitches less in every 2nd. row until only five stitches in the last short row. Knit all the stitches on the one row again. Knit one inch without shaping.
Increase once at the shaped edge in every row (for the second front) until 126 stitches are again on the needle. Then decrease once at the shaped edge in every row until only 87 stitches remain. Cast off.
Work a second band on the Cable Edging and sew it to the cast-off edge of the 2nd front.
THE SLEEVES:-Cast on 60 stitches. Knit one row plain. Then shape for the seam as follows:-K.10 turn, K.10; K.20, turn, K.20; K.30, turn, K.30; K.40, turn, K.40; K.50; turn, K.50; K.60, turn, K.60. Continue in plain knitting, keeping the narrow edge straight for the cuff and increasing once in every row at the wide edge, until 106 stitches are on the needle. Work 10 rows without shaping. Then decrease once at the shaped edge in every row until only 70 stitches remain. Finish at the top edge, then shape for the seam as follows:-
*Decrease as before, knit to the last 10 stitches of the previous row, turn. Knit the next row plain decreasing once at the end of the row. Repeat from *knitting 10 stitches less each time until only 11 stitches remain in the last short row. Knit all the stitches on the one row again. Cast off. Work the second sleeve exactly like the first and fold them in opposite directions when sewing up the seams.
THE COLLAR.-Cast on 20 stitches.
Repeat the 8 rows of the cable pattern, as given for the back, but increase once on the 2nd stitch in every 2nd row (in the plain knitting) until there are 36 stitches on the needle. Then increase once (at the same edge) in every 4th row until there are 40 stitches. Continue without shaping for about 9 inches. Then work the shaping to correspond with the first side fo the collar, but decreasing instead of increasing until only 20 stitches remain. Cast off.
THE CUFFS.-Cast on 20 stitches.
Repeat the 8 rows on the cable pattern, as given for the back, until 6 inches are worked. Cast off. Work the second cuff like the first.
TO MAKE UP THE COAT.-With a hot iron press carefully all the cable pattern. Sew the cuffs to the sleeves. Sew in the sleeves, placing the seam towards the back. Fix in the collar, sewing the end of the dcable to the cable on the front The wrong side of the pattern on the collar will join the right side of the pattern on the fronts. Make button-hole loops down the right front and sew buttons to correspond on the left front. If the seams at the shaped edge of the sleeves are inclined to pucker they should be damped, then pressed carefully with a hot iron.

Prototype Knitting Bag

2009-02-07T15:46:00.000-08:00

As you can see at the left, I recently took a poll on what knitters are looking for in a knitting bag. I learned a lot from those who participated and I made up a bag which I think includes what most are looking for. Introducing: The Etsy Knitters Knitting Bag. It is made from great fabrics and has tons of pockets. I plan on making other versions of the bag with a new twist here and there.

Taking Care of Mom in a Winter Wonderland

2009-01-31T09:19:00.000-08:00

My daughter, Hillary, and I are staying with my mom in Maine for a few months while she recovers from radiation treatment. We are enjoying spending time with her and watching the snow fall. It is wonderful to be with the two most beautiful women in the world. We love just talking, playing card games and my mom and I love to give Hillary dating advice (and I have to say that she graciously takes it silently). Here are a few pictures from last week.

Free Crochet Bunny Pattern From Lion Brand Yarn

2009-01-30T07:20:00.000-08:00

Lion Brand® Vanna's Choice
Amigurumi Heartfelt Bunny
Pattern Number: 80018AD
SKILL LEVEL: Easy
SIZE: One Size
11 1/2 in. (29.5 cm) tall
CORRECTIONS: None
MATERIALS
• 860-101 Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Yarn: Pink
1 Ball (A)
Free Crochet Pattern: Vanna's Choice Amigurumi Heartfelt Bunny http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/patternView.fcgi?80018AD=1&pdf=1...
2 of 3 5/13/2008 4:41 PM
• 860-100 Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Yarn: White
1 Ball (B)
• Lion Brand Crochet Hook - Size G-6
• Lion Brand Stitch Markers
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles (Set of 6)
• Additional Materials
2 plastic safety eyes, 6 mm diameter
Fiberfill stuffing
STITCH EXPLANATION:
sc2tog (sc decrease) Insert hook into st and draw up a loop. Insert hook into next st and draw up a
loop. Yarn over, draw through all 3 loops on hook.
NOTES:
Work in continuous rnds; do not join or turn unless otherwise instructed.
HEAD AND BODY
Beg at top of Head, with A, ch 2.
Rnd 1: Work 6 sc in first ch.
Place marker in first st for beg of rnd; move marker up as each rnd is completed.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around - 12 sts.
Rnd 3: *2 sc in next st, sc in next st; rep from * around - 18 sts.
Rnd 4: *2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts; rep from * around - 24 sts.
Rnd 5: *2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts; rep from * around - 30 sts.
Rnds 6-12: Sc in each st around.
Rnd 13: *Sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts; rep from * around - 24 sts.
Rnd 14: *Sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts; rep from * around - 18 sts.
Beg stuffing Head and Body.
Rnd 15: *Sc2tog, sc in next st; rep from * around - 12 sts.
Rnd 16: Sc in each st around.
Rnd 17: *2 sc in next st, sc in next st; rep from * around - 18 sc.
Rnd 18: *2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts; rep from * around - 24 sts.
Rnds 19-30: Sc in each st around.
Rnd 31: *Sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts; rep from * around - 18 sts.
Finish stuffing Head and Body.
Rnd 32: *Sc2tog, sc in next st; rep from * around - 12 sts.
Rnd 33: (Sc2tog) around - 6 sts.
Fasten off.
FACE
With B, ch 2.
Rnds 1-5: Work Rnds 1-5 of Head - 30 sts.
Fasten off.
LEGS (make 2)
With B, ch 2.
Rnd 1: Work 4 sc in first ch.
Place marker in first st for beg of rnd; move marker up as each rnd is completed.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around - 8 sts.
Rnds 3-15: Sc in each st around.
Fasten off.
ARMS (make 2)
With B, ch 2.
Rnds 1-12: Work Rnds 1-12 of Legs.
Fasten off.
EARS (make 2)
With A, ch 2.
Rnd 1: Work 4 sc in first ch.
Place marker in first st for beg of rnd; move marker up as each rnd is completed.
Rnd 2: *2 sc in next st, sc in next st; rep from * once more - 6 sts.
Free Crochet Pattern: Vanna's Choice Amigurumi Heartfelt Bunny http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/patternView.fcgi?80018AD=1&pdf=1...
3 of 3 5/13/2008 4:41 PM
Rnd 3: *2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts; rep from * once more - 8 sts.
Rnd 4: *2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts; rep from * once more - 10 sts.
Rnd 5: *2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts; rep from * once more - 12 sts.
Rnds 6-11: Sc in each st around.
Rnd 12: (Sc2tog) around - 6 sts.
Fasten off.
TAIL
With B, ch 2.
Rnds 1 and 2: Work Rnds 1 and 2 of Head - 12 sts.
Rnds 3 and 4: Sc in each st around.
Stuff lightly.
Rnd 5: (Sc2tog) around - 6 sts.
Fasten off.
HEART
With B, ch 4.
Rnd 1: 2 dc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, 3 sc in last ch; working along opposite side of beg ch, hdc in next
ch, (2 dc, slip st) in last ch.
Fasten off.
FINISHING
Following package directions, attach safety eyes to Face. Sew Face to Head, and Ears to top of Head. Stuff Arms
and Legs lightly and sew to Body. Sew Tail to Body. Sew Heart onto Bunny. With A, embroider a straight st nose.
Weave in ends.
ABBREVIATIONS / REFERENCES
Click for explanation and illustration
beg = begin(s)(ning) ch(s) = chain(s)
dc = double crochet hdc = half double crochet
rep = repeat(s)(ing) rnd(s) = round(s)
sc = single crochet st(s) = stitch(es)
Learn to crochet instructions: http://learnToCrochet.LionBrand.com
Every effort has been made to have the knitting and crochet instructions accurate and complete. We cannot be responsible for variance of
individual knitters and crocheters, human errors, or typographical mistakes.
*Vanna's Choice® (Article #860) is a 4-ply worsted-weight 100% acrylic yarn. • Solids in 3.5
oz/100g (170 yd/156 m) balls • Prints in 3 oz/85 g (145 yd/133 m) balls 100% acrylic
We want your project to be a success! If you need help with this or any other Lion Brand pattern, e-mail support is
available 7 days per week. Just click here to explain your problem and someone will help you!
For hundreds of free patterns, visit our website www.LionBrand.com
To order visit our website www.e-yarn.com or call: (800) 258-YARN (9276) any time!
Copyright ©1998-2008 Lion Brand Yarn Company, all rights reserved. No pattern or other material may be
reproduced -- mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying -- without written
permission of Lion Brand Yarn Company. If you would like to send a copy of this page to someone, click here and
we will be happy to do it for you.

Wow, now that's tiny

2009-01-29T10:22:00.000-08:00

This is a great video of miniture knitting. I have never seen anything like this. She woman is knitting appeal for tiny characters for an upcoming movie. Check it out!

Some Basic Knitting Guides

2009-01-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

Yarn Weights
Yarn is divided into weights. Heavy, worsted weight, sport weight etc…this is how you’ll find them categorized in a yarn shop. But, what does it mean?
It simply means how thin or thick they are. In other words, their correct gauge. Gauge is: How many stitches per inch. Here’s the breakdown from thin to thick:

Fingering: (aka baby yarn) 7-9 stitches per inch.

Sport: 6 stitches per inch

Double Knitting: (aka DK - not as common, but needs to be mentioned.) 5.5 stitches per inch.

Worsted: 5 stitches per inch

Heavy: 4 stitches per inch

Bulky: 3 stitches per inch

Super Bulky: 2-2.5 stitches per inch.

What all this means is…these gauges are where these specific yarns will look their best. Example: If you knit a bulky weight yarn on tiny needles (well, first, your fingers would cramp terribly!) but the end result would be rather bulletproof. On the other extreme…knitting a fingering weight yarn on big huge needles would result in something rather net like. All knitters knit differently…some tight, some loose. So needle size to obtain the proper gauge will vary from knitter to knitter. All patterns give you the specific gauge for that particular pattern. This needs to be accurate to achieve the proper size. A pattern will also give you a suggested needle size. Play around with it until it’s right. By doing this you’ll save lots of time and heartache. We all have our horror stories….

Gauge
Gauge = number of stitches per inch. If a pattern tells you to cast on 100 stitches for the back of a sweater, and it calls for a gauge of 5 sts per inch. Then: 100 ÷ 5 = 20. 20 inches. If your gauge was off…even by half an inch…then: 100 ÷ 5.5 = 18.8 inches or if the gauge was off the other way, 100 ÷ 4.5 = 22 inches. Remember this measurement is just for the back, so the entire sweater size would be off by up to 4 inches! In other words…gauge is important.

Ply
Ply is how many strands are twisted together to create yarn. There are 1 ply bulky weights, and 4 ply sport weights. Generally, the more ply…the stronger the yarn.

Needles
There are so many different types of knitting needles today. Work with what you like…but here are a few suggestions.
Wooden needles are nice, but tend to be slow. So wood works well with slick yarns. Slow yarns, such as cotton and thick synthetics, work best with fast needles, such as Teflon coated aluminum. Play around with them, and you’ll find your favorite combinations.

Back in the Day

2009-01-16T14:24:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned before, I found a great knitting book from 1920 in my Grandmother's attic and I am adding a lot of the patterns one at a time to my blog. As I type them in, I notice that they are written as if EVERYONE knew how to knit. I talked to my mom (88 years old) about this and she said, "Well, everyone did know how to knit..and sew and cook and embroider and set a proper table." They were taught from an early age to be wonderful wives and mothers. I just wonder what the world (and our children) wouuld be like today if those things didn't change. If women were content with staying at home raising their children and creating a 1920 home. Something to think about.

Men's Fingerless Gloves 1920 Pattern

2009-01-16T14:19:00.000-08:00

Knitted plain (except for the ribbing, to give elasticity at the wrist) these mittens are simple to make ad very comfortable to wear, especially where the fingers require to be free.
Materials: 2-1/2 oz 3-ply double knitting wool. Four #11 knitting needles.
Cast on 52 stitches, 18 on each of two needles and 16 on a third. Work, in rib of K2 and P2 for 36 rounds. Work 10 rounds in plain knitting.
47th round - commencing the thumb, P1, increase once in the next stitch (by knitting through the loop just underneath the next stitch, then knitting the next stitch). K2, increase once in teh next stitch, P1, knit to the end of the round. The 2 purled stitches mark the outside of the thumb. *Knit 2 rounds plain, but purling the stitches that were purled in the previous round.
50th round - Increase once on the inside of each of the purled stitches, then knit plain to the end of the round. Repeat from * until there are 18 stitches between the 2 purled stitches. Knit 2 more rounds without increasing: then in the next round, K1 (the purled stitch), leave them for the thumb, cast 4 stitches after the K1 follow on and finish the round. Work 10 rounds, in rib of K2 and P2 and cast off loosely. For the thumb, take up the 18 stitches that were left on the thread and divide them onto two needles; with the third needle knit up 6 stitches along the space between the two needles. Knit 6 rounds in plain knitting. Then work 6rounds in rib of K2 and P2 and cast off loosely.

Kid's Sock Pattern

2009-01-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

Materials:
Yarn: One skein sock yarn (yarn that makes its own design is great)
Needles: Size 1US/2.25 mm set of five double point needles
Tapestry Needle
Stitch Holder
Marker
Gauge: 8 stitches= 1"/2.3 cm
Finished Dimensions:
To fit a small child.
Directions:
How I made my sock. I cat on 50 stitches, then placed them on four needles in this manner:
Needle 1: 10 stitches
Needle 2: 10 stitches
Needle 3: 15 stitches
Needle 4: 15 stitches
I joined the yarn being careful not to twist, and then knit all the stitches around in 4 rounds.
On the next round, I began my cuff ribbing.
Ribbing: I did a K3, P2 ribbing until the cuff/leg area measured 2-3/4" from the cast-on edge to the heel beginning.
Heel: I worked my heel on 20 stitches only, using the last 10 stitches from Needle 1 and the first 10 stitches from Needle 4. I placed the remaining 30 unused stitches (instep stitches on a stitch holder).
Row 1: slip 1, K 1 across, turn
Row 2: slip 1, Purl all stitches across
I repeated these 2 rows for 1-1/2"
Heel turning: I gave it my usual box-like heel in this manner:
Row 1: K10, place marker, K3, slip1, K1, psso, K1, turn.
Row 2: Purl to marker, P3, P2together, P1, turn.
I repeated these 2 rows until all stitches were worked.
Gussets: With Needle 1, pick up and knit stitches along the left heel flap.
With Needles 2 and 3, knit the 30 instep stitches from the stitch holder.
With Needle 4, pick up and knit the same number of stitches along the right heel flap as left heel flap.
Next round, I knit all stitches around.
Gussets Decrease: Round 1: Needle 1, knit to last 3 sts, K2tog., K1.
Needles 2 and 3: continue in K3, P2 ribbing pattern.
Needle 4: K1, slip 1, K1, passo, knit to end.
Round 2: On Needles 1 and 4, knit all stitches.
On Needles 2 and 3, continue in K3, P2 ribbing pattern. Repeat these 2 rounds until you have original 50 cast-on stitches.
Foot: I continued in knit round 2 for 3". Knit the foot to desired length. On the last round before starting toe, decrease 2 stitches evenly. You will now have 48 stitches.
Toe: I decided to give my sock a Round Toe because I thought it would work well for this very small sock. Here's how I did mine:
Round 1: K4, K2tog. around.
Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Round 3: K3, K2tog. around.
Round 4: Knit all stitches.
Round 5: K2, K2tog. around.
Round 6: Knit all stitches.
Round 7: K1, K2tog. around.
Round 8: Knit all stitches.
Round 9: K2tog. around
Cut yarn, leaving an ample tail.
Finishing: Thread yarn into tapestry needle, then into remaining stitches. Pull tightly and tie off. Weave in loose ends.

Getting To Know Me ~ Getting To Know More About Me!

2009-01-08T22:47:00.000-08:00

I love that song from The King and I. I thought I would post a few family pics to livin up my blog.

Me and the Hubs

My Mom ~ My hero!

Knitting in Grandmother's Attic

2009-01-08T06:10:00.001-08:00

When my grandmother passed away many years ago, each of the grandchildren were allowed to pick one item we wanted to from her possessions. I chose "A Practical Guide to Knitting and Crochet with Beehive & white Heather Knittings Wools" book. I was only 12 years old but already a knitter. This book is filled with old patterns from a company in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (where my grandmother was from). I'm going to post some of the patterns from this book. I can't imagine anyone would care if I shared them; I mean the book is aboutt 100 years old. I don't know the exact year it was published because the cover was off when I got it. I hope you enjoy these great old patterns. I'll post one every so often. There are some really fund ones and others that are quite strange! Enjoy

Infant Bonnet Pattern from the 1920's

2009-01-08T05:24:00.000-08:00

Materials: 1 oz. white and 1/2 oz colored 4-ply fingering yarn. #8 knitting needles. 1-1/2 yds. ribbon.
Work at a tension to produce about 6-3/5 stitches and 13 rows to the inch.
Using the colored wool, cast on 80 stitches.
Work 12 rows in plain knitting.
Fastening off the colored wool, join up the white and work five inches in plain knitting. Then shape for the crown as follows:~
Knit together every 9th and 10th stitch.
Knit 3 rows without shaping.
In the next row knit together every 8th and 9th stitch.
Knit 3 rows without shaping.
In the next row knit together every 7th and 8th stitch.
Knit 3 rows without shaping.
In the next row knit together every 6th and 7th stitch.
Knit 3 rows without shaping.
In the next row knit together every 5th and 6th stitch.
Knit 3 rows without shaping.
In the next row knit together every 4th and 5th stitch.
Knit 3 rows without shaping.
In the next row knit together every 3rd and 4th stitch.
Fasten off and run a thread through the remaining stitches, drawing them up and darning in the end very securely. Sew together the two shaped edges of the crown. Taking the colored wool, knit up one stitch to each ridge at the neck of the bonnet, but missing 9 ridges at each edge for the fold over at the front.
Work 6 rows in plain knitting. Cast off.
Add rosettes made from the ribbon to each side of the bonnet.

A New Beginning

2009-01-05T00:16:00.000-08:00

I've decided to make the plunge and change my Etsy username. I've had 81 sales and 67 positive feedbacks but my old name, Bagladybags, never really described what type of bags I make. People thought I made purses instead of needlework bags. So, I decided to switch over and start all over again. All over again means my blog, flickr, myspace, twitter, plumdrop, indiepublic, we love etsy, and on and on but I think it will be worth it. Stay tuned to watch my shop grow and my blog grow as well. I have some fun things planned for all your knitters out there!