Maybe Not

Now that my arm is feeling better and the muscle does not cause me to make strange facial expression whilst uttering the un-utterable, yarn work is progressing.  Witness the completed pieces of the TSS fingerless mitts.  

Let's just acknowledge that this photo is the underside, which is kinda cool in a funky way, but it gives a good glimpse into just how curly these pieces are.  Seaming is definitely required.

What I like about these finished pieces is the sturdy fabric.  So, I am thinking that maybe these are not mitts but rather they are the beginnings of a new travel pouch.  My old standby little packing bag is on its last legs.  About the only thing left that is not fraying on it are the snaps.

The right side of the TSS fabric looks mighty fine.  There is a funky, almost but not quite, plaid look on this side.  The curled wrong side is more stripe like.  Because of the wonky plaid vibe, I am really thinking that these should become a nice little travel bag.  Just big enough to hold the ID, valued paperwork (folded of course), phone,  keys and color for the lips.  I rarely have pockets safe enough for the valuables, so I depend on simple functional light weight accessory pouches when encountering TSA and the new empty pocket rule or running towards the next flight.

And this fall, I do have several excursions on the schedule.

So - - initially intended to be fingerless mitts for sitting on the patio during the chill of desert winter.  But maybe not.  Maybe a new travel bag.

I think that the many days of being barely functional due to the muscle mishap has left my brain in a fog.  I'll save the decision process for the moment that I feel like seaming.  

Owner's Choice

The owner still needs to finalize the selection of one button, but otherwise this project is finished.    In just over a month of occasional work, a very sturdy and quite functional bag is completed.  This pattern was published as Heather Stripes Bag in the January 2009 issue of Crochet! magazine.  The designer is Mary E. Nolfi and you will also find it as a free download from Caron yarns at this page.    On the Caron website, it is known as Textured Purse, so don't get confused.  It is the same pattern - two different names.

Crochet is normally quite fast for me.  Unfortunately, at the same time that I agreed to make this bag for daughter #2, I also agreed to crochet a lot of lacy jacket-ness for a local store owner.  Two involved and tedious projects at the same time, coupled with three weekends of travel and a holiday made for mighty slow progress all around.   I'll finally hand off this "biggie" purse this weekend.  Well, I'll hand it over after the owner makes the button selection.

Specifics: 

Mary E. Nolfi's pattern, by any name.

Body is crocheted with two different solid colors.

1.  Cotton Classic from Tahki Stacy Charles, Inc.  (100% mercerised cotton and one of my most favorite yarns ever)

2.  Venezia from Cascade Yarns (merino silk blend that always works up predictably and wonderfully)

The straps are worked in a sport weight linen from Claudia Hand Painted yarns.   

The pattern offers a somewhat unique twist on lining the purse.  After thinking long and hard about it, I kept to my tried and true regular lining with only one phone pocket added for functionality.  

A few random thoughts about this pattern follow.  So, if you don't like my opinions, stop reading now.

This is satchel sized bag.  It is not a petite and dainty evening companion.  It is a load-'er-up-and-have-a-full-day size bag.

If you decide to tackle the project, it is important to know that the body and side gussets are the fastest part.  Edging, sewing together, making the straps and attaching the straps takes as much (if not more) time as does making the major pieces.

And speaking of the straps.  Don't do it the way that I did it.  Learn from my struggle.  Edge the body piece and the gussets as instructed in the pattern.  Then, sew the body straps into place leaving the top free and hold off on the metal links.  After the body straps are sewn, then attach body to gussets and complete the purse top edging.  Once that top is edged beautifully, then finish stitching the body straps and add the metal links.  Finally, add the purse handles.

I put the whole purse together and then stitched on the body straps.  I found it awkward to sew the straps on the rounded purse and deal with one hand on the inside and one on the outside and twisty yarn.  It worked.  Don't misunderstand.  It was awkward.  

All in all and lovely workable pattern.  And my execution ain't bad either.

Why Did I Ask?

It is my own fault, really.  In the last post, I asked for suggestions related to my next project.  Something to start  just as soon as the new cotton v-neck shell was drying into my size.  Why, oh why did I ask?

First to offer guidance was daughter #2.  It seems that she is searching for a new summer purse and really wants something "custom and individualized."  Color me wimpy mom.  I crumbled like feta cheese and even took her to the LYS to select her custom colorway.

My brain is now occupied.  There is a goal.  

Notice that two colors are required.  One might immediately correctly surmise that the purse of the moment has stripes.  Very simple two row pattern.

In order to make a sturdy hard working purse-worthy fabric, the entire piece is worked with two strands.  

And a big hook.

There will be no felting which is what is hinted at by double strands and a larger hook size.  Something felted  is what #2 daughter suggested.  But as the production artist, I am offended by felted wool in the summer.  You, of course, are allowed your own opinion.

Two strands plus a big hook equals fast progress.

Repetitive repetition might be boring if not for the dimensionality resulting from the post stitches.

I know.  I know.  I have previously waxed poetic about crochet and post stitches.  What can I say but that I know what I like and I like what I know.

More to come....especially the panic over running out of color #2 as there was not quite enough at the store to coincide with the amount requested in the pattern.  

And you should know that another "friend" offered up the opportunity to make a little summer wearable.  Because of swatching for that and working on the purse, I still have not finished MY project.

Why did I ask?

Lagniappe

Just a note that links to my FREE patterns are over to the left. All are PDF files, so be sure you have at least the Reader. Once there, just click the little download arrow (right side of screen).

Enjoy

Blogging Is Not My Whole Life

Some weeks are just too busy for adding to the Blog. This is surely one of them. I got off kilter early on with meetings.

First there was a strategic planning committee meeting and I missed it. More on that later. Then there was a budget and finance committee meeting. I really have to prep and focus for those. It is not my strong point, so I try to go into b&f with just the right level of caffeine, my files at hand, and a pen for notes.

Let's not forget the Riverside Knitting Guild meeting. After all, it was the third Tuesday. Our tip this time was on utilizing the Russian join. I truly enjoy simple ten minute tips and hints. Even when it is something I already have in the repertoire, it is useful to brush up on these things.

Second, there was surgery. My oldest daughter had a little problem. So there was driving an hour to meet her for the pre-op meeting and make sure we were on the same game plan as the surgeon. (That little excursion is why I missed the strategic planning committee meeting.) Then there was getting to the hospital early, prepping for the surgery and then the waiting. And waiting. I'll spare the details, but do know that her man friend was forced to sit in public view and hold the knitting while I frogged. It's hard to count to "2" when every footstep could signal the surgeon coming to give the news. But now it is over, she is past the hardest part, released from the hospital and firmly bedded down in my guest room trying to stay awake long enough to watch stupid movies. Chicken broth and jello - yum, yum.

Third, there is the boutique. Brockton Arcade here in Riverside, where Knit 'n Stitch holds a prime corner spot, is the location. We set up at 8:30 this morning.

There was a lovely young woman setting up her birdhouse decor items.

Riverside Knitting Guild was selling tickets for the afghan raffle. See how beautiful it is! Those are President Sue's pillows for sale.

I can't believe Sue would sell the flag coverlet. But she put a price on it and there it was - ready for a proud American to purchase.

My friend Lisa was a bit late in arriving and I did not get photos of her soap and lotion line. The big joke with Lisa is that after 3 or 4 years of loudly claiming she would never knit a washcloth - ever - what's the point - what a waste - - - - she is know producing washcloths like a knitting maniac. Turns out that people who like goat's milk soap also like organic cotton washcloths. What a concept!!

Of course I unpacked and then tried to set up - so it looked messy for a while. Eventually, I got all organized and pretty. You can't see it in this photo, but a nice coat rack was used to hold purses and make the whole area really look like a boutique.

Also helped Mitch out by watching over his sales while he went to his real paying job. Cool necklaces! Each and every one a 'gem'

The boutique runs all day Saturday as well. What kind of mother am I? I'm leaving the precious girl all stitched up and in the care of a father and a man friend who will likely spend the day munching and grunting at football. Oh, yeah. Now I remember. . . . . . .

Men who are not capable of pampering and caring are not real men.

Double Post Crochet Purse

The season has definitely changed. Even here in southern California the evenings are cool, the vista is crisp and pastel tints are being replaced with darker shades. Definitely time for a change in the wardrobe - including the bag de jour. That makes it a wonderful time to revisit a favorite of mine. Actually a design of my own.

The Post Modern Purse works great in solid cotton. The texture provided by the crochet post work is all that is needed to give subtle (OK maybe not so subtle) interest. Make it plain or embellish with ribbon. The choice is yours.

Post Modern Purse
Designed by Lenora François Stewart
copyright 2007

This modern and functional draw-string purse features front and back post double crochet panels. Scallop finishing and drapery cord closure add glamour making this lined purse perfect for day to evening.

Finished Measurements
Approximately 9” wide x 7” high x 3” deep (excluding handles)

Materials
• Butterfly Super 10 Mercerized Cotton light (dk) weight yarn (4.5 oz/250 yds/125g per skein) 2 skeins # 3429 merlot or equivalent substitution
• Size E/4/3.5mm crochet hook
• Wrights Home Collection 27” drapery tieback with tassel at each end
• 1/4 yd. lining fabric

Gauge
10 dc = 2 inches; 5 pattern rows = 2 inches

Special Stitches
fpdc (Front Post Double Crochet) yo (yarn over), insert hook from front to back and to front again around the vertical post (upright part) of next st, yo and draw yarn through, yo and complete dc.
bpdc (Back Post Double Crochet) yo (yarn over), reaching over top of piece and working on opposite side (right side) of work, insert hook from right to left around vertical post of next st, yo and draw yarn through, yo and complete dc.

Note
Front, bottom, and back are worked as one panel. Side gussets complete the purse shape.

Main Purse Panel
Chain 87
Row 1: dc in 4th chain from end and in each chain across, turn (85 sts)
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc throughout), dc each st across, turn (85 sts).
Row 3: rep Row 2
Row 4: Ch 3, dc across in top loop only, turn (85 sts)
Row 5: Ch 3, dc in next st, fpdc, [dc, fpdc] 16 times, 15 dc, fpdc, [dc, fpdc]16 times, 2 dc, turn. Note: The 15 dc will become the bottom of the purse
Row 6: Ch 3, dc in next st, bpdc, [dc bpdc] 16 times, 15 dc, bpdc [dc, bpdc] 16 times, 2 dc, turn.
Row 7: Repeat Row 5
Row 8: Repeat Row 6
Row 9: Repeat Row 5
Rows 10 – 16: Repeat Row 2
Rows 17 – 21: Repeat Rows 5 – 9
Row 22: Repeat Row 4
Rows 23 – 24: Repeat Row 2

Gusset
(Make 2)
Chain 37
Row 1: dc in 4th chain from end and in each chain across, turn (35 sts)
Rows 2 – 7: Ch 3 (counts as first dc throughout), dc in each dc across (35 sts)

Lining
Using Main Purse Panel and side gussets as pattern, cut one panel, and 2 gussets from lining fabric adding seam allowances. With RS facing, sew lining pieces together. Fold top edge 1/2” to WS and stitch in place. Set aside.

Finishing Purse
Holding wrong sides together, sc bottom edge of gusset to first 35 dcs of Main Purse Panel, sc side of gusset to the 15 dcs of bottom of purse, then sc top of gusset to next 35 dcs. Repeat for 2nd gusset.

Work Scallop Edge along top of purse as follows:
Sl st in any corner and work *5 dc in next space, sc in next space * Repeat from * around opening.

Beginning at middle of one gusset insert one tassel end of drapery tie; weave through under scallop stitches skipping from center of one post work panel to the center of the next post work panel to form handle; continue around to middle of second gusset. Repeat with second tassel end for 2nd handle. Tie cord together so tassels hang on one gusset end.

Slip stitch lining to inside of purse below scallop edge.