Sheknits for Knitters Knit-a-Long Picture Album

Dumpling Bag!

2008-08-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

Hi all... I just love the cute Dumpling Bag that Sharon has in the Fall IK and had to make one right away. After making this I thought about doing daisies instead of the swirls for embroidery, but will have to try that on the next one! The little recipient of this will be thrilled as she loves pink & purple and her big sister is getting a bag I made, too.

Yet ANOTHER Carie Lynn joins the family...

2008-06-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

Well having knit 3 Carie Lynn bags, I thought I was done... but my 6 1/2 yr old goddaughter is a new knitter (and doing remarkably well!) and every time she sees mine she tells me how beautiful it is and how some day she wants to be able to knit like me...

So I made her one with hot pink and turquoise... so I call it my Child's Bright Carie Lynn. I used Cascade 220 (doubled) and it make a great child-sized version.

Happy Knitting!!
JavaNut

Some amazing She-Kntis customers Carie Lynn bags from Ravelry

2008-05-10T22:07:00.000-07:00

A whole buncha Carie Lynn Bags...these beautifes are from Dawn, Tina and Cheryl...thanks for sharing ladies!

Carie-Lynn done!!

2008-04-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a while since I've done a She-Knits bag, but here's the latest Carie-Lynn

Made with Valley Yarns Berkshire held doubled (less than 2 oatmeal and green, 2 complete chocolate). Didn't shrink too much in felting, but I wanted to keep the stitch definition of the cables and moss/seed stitch panels.

My Finished Bags

2008-01-24T14:05:00.000-08:00

Here are my Robin wristlets.

The second one was much easier with the intarsia. I was not totally in love with embroidery at the end, but it made a big difference. They were both gifts and the recipients loved them!

Finally!

2008-01-17T18:47:00.001-08:00

Hi all! Here is my finally finished Melly Bag. I started working on it in November, but couldn't finish it because of dye lot problems at Brown Sheep. Sharon saved the day for me and got me what I needed to finish it, so now I have an awesome Black and Red She-Knits creation! I couldn't be happier. I think the Marly Bag will be next on my list...or maybe Carie Lynn...or maybe...

A Finished Bag

2008-01-11T13:28:00.000-08:00

I finished the Marly bag. Loved this pattern. Now I REALLY want the Toothpick Optional bag. I'm going to get it as a reward for cleaning my house. I better hurry up then because I want to work on it soon!

Two new bags

2008-01-10T10:28:00.000-08:00

A Carie Lynn bag and another Bigbag...or not so big bigbag. I am very pleased with them both even if they are a little smaller than Sharon intended by the pattern. But I used other yarns and smaller needles, and these came out the perfect size that I like for bags.

Holly and Charlotte with their wristlets!

2008-01-03T14:33:00.000-08:00

My cousin in New Zealand very kindly sent me these photos of her daughters with the wristlets I made them. Are they the most adorable little girls! And I get to see them in 9.5 weeks :)

Its been a bit...heeerrreees (another) Melly

2008-01-02T09:26:00.001-08:00

Hi everybody- I finished, what I think will be my last Melly Bag to go to the boutique I sell out of. The nice thing is everytime one sells, and this is now the 5th one I have made for sale, I replace it with a new one with slightly different colors. I love Melly, and I am glad she sold but honestly 5 of them is ENOUGH, I am a little sick of her success....well, not really...however you knitters kow what I mean...how many times can you do the samey samey same.

I have finished a new pattern of a wonderful bag that has slip stitching and cabling and texture and and and... unfortunately I can't show you as that is the rules when you submit a pattern for potential publication...so I am just a big tease. I am working on finishing up a pattern for a messenger/laptop bag which should be done soon.

Last think I wanted to show you was my Dream Floral bag, which I haven't written the pattern for it however if anyone is interested perhaps you should e-mail me privately and let me know.

Toothpick Optional

2007-12-30T22:31:00.000-08:00

Well, Sharon has done it again! What a wonderful pattern and a CUTE CUTE CUTE BAG!!!

I did mine and took lots of pictures! Here are a few but if you want to see all the pictures I am hoping to post all about it on the blog tomorrow. But if you are on Ravelry...go and take a look :-)

xoxox

Marly

Caroline Bag in New Zealand!

2007-12-30T05:03:00.000-08:00

Here's a photo of Mum with her Caroline Bag. She was visiting a butterfly exhibition.

Another Melly Bag...

2007-12-28T19:53:00.000-08:00

I made another version of the Melly bag but this time I went with contrasting colors... I love the way it turned out!!

This one was made with Paton's Classic Wool Merino (doubled) so it's smaller than the 'original' made with Burly Spun, but it's still a good size. The Paton's felted really well (one cycle thru the wash) except the cream didn't felt as much as the other colors. I've heard that sometimes white doesn't felt in some yarns - anyone know why??

Happy Knitting!
JavaNut

toothpick (and olive) optional

2007-12-19T06:14:00.000-08:00

I knit this bag for my sister. It is knit from Sharon's latest pattern, and it was a lot of fun (and super quick!). I think I'm going to felt it a little more. I'll definitely make another wristlet. I hope my sister likes it! Sorry the picture isn't great - it really doesn't do Sharon's pattern justice.

Another Ali Bag...

2007-12-17T20:30:00.001-08:00

I finally finished my Ali Bag! I love the colors and think it's a great design!!

I still need to tack down the braid - I didn't tack it down (except the ends) before felting because it was a few inches shorter than the pattern and I was afraid it would felt much shorter. It didn't really so now there's plenty of extra to 'drape' between the Xs.

And next time I'd probably make the straps a bit wider... but I love it and decided that I just have to keep it for myself!

Thanks, Sharon!

Caroline Pictures

2007-12-17T18:23:00.001-08:00

This one is from the first She-Knits Felted Bag class I taught at my LYS. I am incredibly proud of this student!

Here it is again in the center flanked by the original colors Caroline Bag on the right and a cutomer ordered custom colored one I completed on the left.

Newest bagchild...and she is a fiesty one!

2007-12-01T21:06:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy!

2007-11-30T08:53:00.000-08:00

I'm such a proud new Mum here and I hope Sharon is too! I just can't tell you how much I love this bag that will be my Mum's Christmas present. I can highly recommend this pattern. The intarsia is not too difficult and I had a lot of fun with the embroidery. I used Berkshire Bulky wool which is a wool/alpaca blend from Webs. It came out a little fluffy for my liking but I just gave it a little shave with a disposable razor.

Caroline Before Felting

2007-11-25T07:55:00.000-08:00

Here's my Caroline bag before felting. I have to run out now but wanted to (hopefully) put a smile on Sharon's face :)

Melly's Cousin Bag in Berkshire Bulk

2007-11-17T15:36:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I'm Lisa and I'm from Pennsylvania. I started listening to Sharon's podcast a few months ago and have been more and more intrigued with the notion of making one of her gorgeous bags. I decided to start with Melly's Cousin Bag. I chose Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky from Webs in Coffee Bean and Tan. I used US 13 needles instead of the 15s called for because I didn't have 15s. And the handles were knit on US 10.5 dpns because I couldn't find 13s. Otherwise, I stuck to the pattern. I knit the bag in only a few days during my vacation. In fact I was knitting on it Halloween night in between answering the door for trick or treaters. Here she is pre felting...

And after...
The yarn was really hairy so I had to go over the bag with my sweater shaver. And the holes for the handle didn't close up tightly enough. In hindsight, I should have made the holes smaller knowing I'd be knitting the handles on much smaller needles. But it looks fine. And I've gotten tons of compliments on it. I just love when people ask where I got my bag and I say I made it and watch the look of awe spread across their face.

Turns out, this bag is just a bit too small for me though. So I just got the Ali Bag pattern to knit next. The yarn decisions are proving much more difficult for me on this one, though. I want the main part of the bag to be blue and the pipes to be purples or maybe greens (Sharon suggested both, which could be totally awesome too). It's so hard trying to decide by looking at pictures on the computer (I don't have a local yarn store so the majority of my shopping is done online). When I do find yarn, I'll be sure to post.

Wool Gone Wild

2007-11-15T19:09:00.000-08:00

Ok, I wasn't going to post this picture, but decided to so I can get feedback on what I should do with it. The main color before felting was more of a purple color, and actually matched the rest of the colors. After I felted it, the purple is less noticeable and now the brown/orange "Hairs" are sticking out, so much so that it is really shedding. I made the braid but didn't felt it as Sharon suggested earlier, but then it didn't match after I felted the purse! Then the X's weren't sewn onto the bag right, so I decided to cut them off - you can see what's left of them on the bag. I purposely made the shoulder straps shorter, and I do like the length of the straps and the size of the bag. I also like the way this bag felted more than the first bag I did.

So, gals, what should I do with this bag? Will the shedding eventually stop? I had black on the other day, tried this bag out, and landed up having to change because of all the "hair" the yarn left on my clothes (the yarn is Cascade). I've thought of somehow making purple polka dots on it to match the leftover yarn from my "x's." I could maybe embroider a design on it, or just put it away in my closet......

Ali Bag for my sister

2007-11-11T09:45:00.001-08:00

My house has that lovely wet wool smell and that can only mean one thing - another She-Knits bag is finished! This is the Ali bag knitted from Sharon's original kit. I just loooove the jewel tone colours of this bag and the construction is simply ingenious. My sister had better be nice to me between now and Christmas otherwise I'm going to keep it for myself :)

Purple Mini-Melly Bag

2007-11-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

Hi all -
I made Sharon's Melly Bag with a lighter weight yarn (Paton's Classic Wool) and love the way it turned out. It is SO cute in person... the obvious change was to do the cable design in the contrasting bag color which I think increases it's 'youthful appeal.'

This is the second time I've used this yarn and it felts beautifully! One cycle thru and it's completely felted (with assistance from Sharon's suggested flip-flops for agitation)!

Happy Knitting!
JavaNut

Roses at midnight

2007-11-10T06:19:00.000-08:00

This bag was so fun and superquick to knit. It has endless possibilities when it comes to decoration and I am in love! All the knitting took me just about 2 hours I think.

Stats:

Pattern: Roses at Midnight by She-knits for knitters

Yarn: Iglo from Trysilgarn about 1,5 balls.

Needles: 9 mm dpns.

Modifications: I did not decorate on both sides of the bag, and I needlefelted on the leaves instead of embroidering them on.

Marly Shorty!

2007-11-08T12:02:00.000-08:00

I got my kit I think on Tuesday and I finished it last night. I felted today and I LOVE IT!!! I did the Marly shorty with the patterned bottom. My bottom turned out a little different than Sharon's I believe because I was helping my DD with homework and knitting. However I totally love it! I also had a bit of yarn left over and used it to make a small pouch to put in the purse. I used 2 of the bag patterns on the pouch.

Here is before felting pictures

Bag

piece that will turn into a small pouch

Felted purse (sorry about the pic being sideways) Bottom of the bag, different but I like it)
Felted pouch, I am going to add snaps to the top flap

I sent pics to my sister and now she wants one too! It was a really fun knit. My sister is thinking she wants one in black and cream or brown and cream

Have a fun day,

Loretta

Out here in the wilderness...

2007-11-06T17:48:00.000-08:00

Hulloooooo,

Sorry that it has been so long since I posted. I finished the knitting on my sunflower bag, but decided to wait until I got the next one or two done to felt, so no bag children pictures. Sorry Sharon!:( Also, I'm going to NYC in three weeks and decided that I wanted to have a clapotis to wear with my new coat. ( This is what I'm using my hard-won peruvia for! :) To add to this knitting stress, more of my colleagues at work are having babies and it is tradition for me to knit a hat for each one. But...starting the second week in Dec. I'm going to do two more loop de loop bags( can't remember the new name) or die in the process. I'll post the pics then.

Hi Everyone

2007-11-01T05:38:00.000-07:00

Hi! I am just joining and waiting for my first purse kit. I am very excited to finally get one of Sharon's kits. I taught myself to knit when I was about 12 or so and have knitted off and on till about 3 yrs ago and have been knitting like crazy since then. I love felting it is so much fun. I have the Marly shorty on its way to me and I am already coveting another bag as well!

I am loving seeing all the pictures of the finished bags! Thanks for this Sharon.

Yoo-hoo- Silja where have your pictures all gone??? Jo's Marly Bags

2007-10-29T19:04:00.000-07:00

Seriously, is it just my computer or are have all of Silja's pictures become empty frames with a little box with a little red X on everybodies computer. WHERE ARE MY BAG CHILDREN???? (mother panic ensues)

Did anyone ever get to see the beauty of Jo's Marly Bags? She was the first person to ever buy from my Sheknits for Knitters Shop and she bought the Marly Bag kit in the original colors. Then she bravely made two more picking her own fabulous colors. Have a lovely lingering look at my first bag children (trying to calm myself down about my missing ones with looking at my first ones)

Caroline Bag pattern is FINALLY here

2007-10-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

This took forever, but I couldn't be more proud...toot toot! I am calling this an intermediate pattern, but only from the standpoint of the 3 flowers. If you have done intarsia work before....maybe a Robin Bag Wristlet...and feel comfortable with intarsia and want a knock out stand out bag here it is. I will call this a fast knit for all parts except the intarsia...it is a fun challenge and then the embroidery over the flowers and leaves takes some time but is a very gratifying pay=off at the end as the bag is a knock out....toot toot beep beep.

Caroline Bag

A bouquet of Robin Bag Sunflowers

2007-10-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

A customer ordered a Sunflower bag, I realized after finishing the bag for the customer that I had made it in a deeper red then what she had assumed she was getting...she probably never would of know the difference HOWEVER I WOULD HAVE! I already had an orange one done that I hadn't felted, finished up the dark red one and knit the red one she ordered...hence a beautiful bouquet...it even smells good! The Sunflower is such a HAPPY flower, I love it!

Love em' unfelted to but never the less they are to floppy that way

One down... one to go

2007-10-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

I finished my 'Melly Bag' and love it!

I felted it a little bit too much - one cycle would have been good, but I wanted the fabric a little more felted and then promptly got distracted so it went thru an entire second cycle. So the cable isn't as pronounced as it was after the first wash... And the pocket got slightly 'wonky' during felting... I was able to stretch it pretty well, but it's not exactly straight anymore.

And for a keen observer (hard to see in the photo), I attached the straps slightly wider than in the pattern.

It's a great bag, Sharon!! and I can see more of them in my future!!

My Ali bag is almost done... just have to sew the Xs on and attached the straps.

Happy (and happily) knitting!
- JavaNut

She-Knits Kal Questions

2007-10-23T10:36:00.000-07:00

Since two different people asked some questions , I thought I would answer it out here as I am sure we can all benefit. Please always feel free to ask me purse knitting and felting questions...that was some of the thought originally behind the intention of having the She-Knits KAL...well that an my on-going hunger and THRILL of seeing my bagchildren all in one place ;) Remember, there are NO dumb questions...really and truly.

Can two different projects be felted at the same time?

The short answer is yes HOWEVER, always put them in separate pillow cases and be mindful of colors if you are doing lights and darks or light and reds there could be some bleeding. You can also throw in one of those Tide (?) color catchers or take your chances. I have never ruined anything from excessive bleeding but it can happen.

My favorite way to felt again is:

1. Put your item in a zippered pillow case (really it is a pillow protector)
2. Add rubber flip flops for agitation
3. Until you get to know your yarn and your washing machine, check frequently so you don't ruin your item by over-felting.
4. If you have something hard like Tupperware or waste basket that is the right size for drying use it to stretch your bag over -OR- use many many many plastic grocery bags until you have really filled your purse- then and punch and pull it until it is shaped the way you want.

2.What color should the inside pocket be on The Melly Bag (this was from someone who was working from the kit). I suggest using whatever yarn you have the most of left over if you are using the kit. The most important thing to keep in mind is, the Burley Spun Yarn is double thickness of the Lambs Pride bulky. SO if you use the Burley Spun then it is single strand and if you use the bulky weight yarn then do it doubled. Also be sure to put your interior pocket on the same side (inside) of the side you are putting the exterior pocket so you don't have ridges shoring on the outside from that interior pocket. I have ruined entire bags from that interior pocket showing through.

Lastly one person brought to my attention that she did not have enough yarn in a kit she purchased to finish 2 specific parts. Please let me know in detail if this has happened to you if this has happened to you. I will send you the additional yarn you need...I stand by my kits. I have increased the price to cover the additional yarn needed on one particular kit. It is my intention that I can keep the prices as low as possible on my kits.

Toooo quiet...and new pattern up in shop

2007-10-22T06:34:00.000-07:00

Hellooooo...*said with sound echoing into a big empty cave* is anybody out there making a purse??? Have you all moved on to other projects? I would especially love to see any new bag-children and hey what happened to all the lovely Norwegians that bought the Melly Bag (formerly know as Cables on Pickets)pattern....I think I have only seen postings from Marit and Silja. Are you all burnt out on bag making? If so then I hope to see you again sometime...I am a bid advocate of only knitting what something that is fun and makes you happy!! Apparently I am never burnt out on bag making!!!!! So maybe it will perk you up or inspire you to see a new pattern that is up for sale in my She Knits for Knitters shop (or maybe not)?

Introducing-
Roses at Midnight

This wristlet starts as two pieces then becomes one so you are able to knit it on a circular needle...NO SEAMING!!!!! The leaves are embroidered on before felting, and the flowers, done in cotton yarn, are added after felting.

My very own gulum voice PRECIOUS

2007-10-18T23:22:00.000-07:00

Hey all! I have been wanting to post all about my Marly bag on here for a while but have been super busy and now I am finally getting a chance to do that!

I was lucky enough to get my very own Marly Bag Kit from Sharon as an early birthday gift (NOV. 10..and I have beautiful brown eyes...LOL...inside joke). SERIOUSLY, I wanted to cast on for it as soon as I got it but didn't have the right size needles. So, had to wait for the stores to open the next day.

I did get the cheapo Susan Bates needles at Hobby Lobby because they were 50% off and seeing that my wallet was a little thin (if you know what I mean) I couldn't afford the nice stuff. Anyway, that was Friday. I think I did the Cast On and maybe the first five rows Friday Night.

Saturday morning...I sat in my arm chair and did NOTHING...barely even got up to PEE...but knit this bag! It was so totally addicting! The slip stitching color work is like magic! Sharon told me it was but to actually see it with my own two eyes...AMAZING!!

Anyway, by 7:30 Saturday Night I had it in the washer!!! I called Sharon to let her know...you know, so she could share in the excitement :-)

I pulled it out and stuffed it full of a Sam's Club (economy size) bag of diapers. Seemed to be the perfect fit! It dried over night and I have been using it as a purse ever since!!

Here are some pictures of the Great Event :-)

Now I can't wait to make the Pipes and Braids bag...or the Ally Purse :-)

Marly

Pre-felted...inside out...

Can you tell I haven't showered all day?
I always get a little worried when I put something in the washer...
And for some reason I always take a picture of myself...why?
After the washer and stretched to fit the diapers :-)

Sharon always takes pictures of her bags with either her daughters
or herself holding it. SO, I thought I would
get my daughter to hold my bag.
The dress doesn't really hide her does it, LOL!!

I LOVE MY BAG!!!

Thank You!

2007-10-18T04:59:00.000-07:00

I also got a package from Sharon :-) Thank you!!! It totally made my day!

I was expecting either the book OR yarn, so to get a book, yarn, stich markers AND a knitters ring (in my favorite color- purple!) was quite a suprise! I haven't successfully knit a pair of socks yet, but this yarn is so pretty.... If it doesn't become socks it will be a lacy scarf or a pair of gloves :-D Yeah!

As for KAL progress, I gave my Mom the bag I made & she'll be using it at Rhinebeck on Saturday. I'm finishing up her Christmas gift, then I'll start on my Marly bag.

Happy Knitting!

Small Ali Bag with knit (and not felted) braid

2007-10-17T11:34:00.001-07:00

I like...you like??? I suggest, for those of you doing the Ali Bag (formerly Pipes and Braid) that you consider making the bag and the X's , assembling and felting but do the braid afterwards (or while you are felting or drying your bag as we all need to multi-task) and leaving it unfelted. The look is really good. Having the texture of the knitted against the felted is awesome. How do you figure out the length the braid should be? To do this you have to be slightly relaxed and adventurous. Knit some i-cords, maybe make them 3 ft long., secure them loosely at their ends so you can easily undo them. Braid tightly and string it though the X's to see if it measures out ok. If you need to make shorter, just undo the ends and do it. I also secured the slightly messy braid ends under one of the X's by tacking it down with some yarn.

surprize!

2007-10-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

Look what I found in my mailbox today! My prize from the contest! I won this Beutiful skein of sockyarn by Zen String Lotus Toes. The colorway is called Draconian.

Sharon also sendt me these supercute stitchmarkers!

And to my Big surprice I also got a knitters ring *jumping up and down* I have been eyeballing these for quite a while now!

Thank you so much Sharon! I really really love what you sendt me!

A small Ali Bag for a customer

2007-10-16T11:46:00.001-07:00

Customer picked color and size. The full size Ali is a 40 st cast on this one I cast on 26. So the bag is done and now I am making the braid which will have the same colors as the pipe. All those little pieces are the X's. It was fun to make a smaller one, and I love the pipe of red. I wanted to make one of the shoulder straps in red but she didn't like that idea. I thought one charcoal and one red would of been beautiful.....but she didn't think the recipient would like that. What do you think?

I decided that I am going to sew on the X's and felt the bag. Then I will knit the braid, and ready for this leave the braid unfelted....I know don't drop your needles. I think the texture will be cool.

Finally cast on...

2007-10-15T23:00:00.000-07:00

hi all -

My first post for this KAL, but I've loved the 'formerly-known-as-cable-on-pocket-XLBowling-Bag' since Sharon published it. (and Sharon, I think the renaming of your bags was a great idea!)

Despite numerous projects on my needles, I needed to cast-on something that didn't require focused attention (how did I end up working on 3 lace shawls at the same time????)!

I knew "Melly" would be a fun and relatively easy knit, but who knew it would be so addictive? All that's left is the panel for an inner pocket, a little seaming and some hot water! Sadly it will probably be the weekend before I'll be knitting again. I hate it when the day job creeps into the evenings

Happy Knitting!
- JavaNut

My Intarsia

2007-10-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I thought I'd show you pictures of my intarsia. I'm getting used to it and it is going OK. :)

Oops!

2007-10-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

I meant yarn color not yarn size...seems this is happening more often since I hit the big 5-0!

5 Petals Wristlet Pattern

2007-10-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

I am Julie from California,. I don't have a blog yet...I'm still thinking about it. I bought the 5 Petals Wristlet pattern. I was actually hoping to start it tonight but I realized I didn't have the correct needles....how is this possible??? I must have 25 pairs of needles! Anyway, my thumb ring size....hmmmm...I would say size 9. I have big hands I think. My favorite yarn size changes depending on the seasons...fall is fall colors and the rest of the year is purple and blues. Favorite stitch marker size.....never really thought about that one...I guess any size would be great if it's a prize.
Annierose your bag is looking great! It looks like you are doing fine.

My Progress...

2007-10-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

Hi KAL Friends,

I have some progress to share, the back of my bag went amazingly fast.

Now that I am into the intarsia, however, it is going soooooo slow! I wish I was sure that I am doing this right. I Keep telling myself that no one will see the errors when it is felted anyway.
These are the times when I wish I had someone to actually look at my work and let me know if what I'm doing is OK.

Keep your fingers crossed for me!

She-Knits KAL contest winners

2007-10-12T10:34:00.000-07:00

I am so happy with this She-Knits KAL and I hope that regardless of whether or not you are all posting or responding to other peoples posts that you are somehow being inspired by what you see or at least learning something. I just love it all, and kind of ran the contest as a way to thank you to all of you for taking the time to share your creations. I was feeling so...I don't know...sort of like this KAL is more for ME then anyone, so I ran a contest so I could give you all something a.k.a .... ...a thank you of sorts...I wanted to give you the chance to win some free stuff ....something more then my ongoing writing of THANK YOU and awesome and all the other things I find myself saying! For better or worse just 4 of you entered, and I am not sure whether it is because you aren't interested in contests, or the prizes offered, or not reading through the post. Since there were only 4 of you I have decided to give you all a prize of some sort. So Valerie, Cynthia, Silja and Anne, please e-mail me privately and tell me of the listed prizes (form the original contest post- here-) what your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices would be and you addresses and I will send you all something!!!
*****Added later in the day...Ok Cynthia + Anne, not that you snooze you lose however Valerie and Silja responded right away, so what I have left is the Peruvia yarn (and maybe a little goodie) just send me your addresses if you want the yarn******

I am so curious, for you others that didn't enter was it because
1. Not interested in contests?
2. Not interested in those prizes?
3. Didn't catch the post?

I am stillll writing up the Floral Bag ...which will be called the Caroline Bag...it's a very detailed bag...am almost done!
I am writing up a pattern for a messenger style bag, which can also be used as a laptop bag. Here's a peek...lots of texture.

I'm In!!!

2007-10-12T05:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, I always have a little challenge getting in to these things. I have been working on my Marly bag. I like it quite a bit, having lots of fun with it. Gonna be sad when it is done though!

Here is a pic, got a little bit more done on it last night, but this is pretty much where I am.

I Made it!

2007-10-10T19:11:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! I finally got on...
I am AnnieRose, I live in Bismarck,ND. Like Sharon, most of my knitting life exsists online. I listen to podcasts, have Ravelry as my homepage etc... We don't even have a real yarnstore here. I also spin and crochet, but knitting is my real passion. I've managed to avoid intarsia until now, but am starting SheKnits Red Sunflower loop in a loop bag tonite! (Sorry Sharon, I know I said that I'd start it last nite, but didn't have #13 DPNs!) My thumb size is 7, I love thumb rings!. I love warm colors Oranges, bronzes, greens etc. I promise to post, this is my very first KAL!

:)

It's me again...

2007-10-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

I took some pictures of THE bag post felting. I ran into a few problems in that area. I ran it through once and everything had begun to felt except of course the very light, nearly white aran color. I thought about just leaving it that way but was afraid of things poking out, so I did a test with a pen and yup it had to go one more time. I took a deep breath and threw it back in. I was shocked when I came back to it to find that it shrank a lot, but I love the shape of it and (as if this is possible) it's more pretty now than it was before.

The shape of the bag is great. In order to keep the top together I'm going to sew in a zipper instead of just a snap so the top will keep a super straight line, and let the bottom kind of fluff or balloon out like it does.

Flowers and Vines/Pipes and Braids

2007-10-08T18:39:00.000-07:00

I finally put the finishing touches on this bag and it is currently felting in the washer. While I absolutely love the way this bag looks, it has taken me forever to do the finishing work on the bag. I had to sew down the leaves and secure the flowers, lots and lots of hand sewing which is always the worst part for me. BUT I had commited myself and actually finished it. I'm a little worried about it actually felting because of the aran color, but I've got my fingers crossed and I'm toughing it out. If nothing else I have these pictures.

Here's the front of the bag:

And the back:

Gorgeous right? I almost hope my MIL doesn't like it so I can keep it for myself :)

Inspiration comes from everywhere

2007-10-05T18:22:00.001-07:00

Sunday night, while planning my trip to a LYS that was having a sale, I was struck by instant inspiration. I needed a present for my mother in law's birthday (I still have a month but when inspiration strikes you don't ignore it), I decided to make a pipes and braids bag, but with some modifications. I took off the pipe around the bottom of the bag and one from the top of the bag, following the design change Stitchnscrap did (the belt instead of the braid) I had a flash of using a vine with flowers going around it based off of this scarf. I'm using lambs pride bulky in lotus pink and aran. The flowers are going to be done in lambs pride worsted in lotus pink and the vine in kiwi. Here's some pictures of my progress so far. I wrapped my vine around the bag in one picture to give a vague idea of what it will look like all put together. Oh and if you look closely, one of my little monsters is in one of the pictures.

Thanks to everyone for my inspiration :)

Now for the picture

2007-10-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

Here's the picture of my bag :

It's floppy, but I like it anyway :-) The straps actually GREW in the washer (remind me not to felt with this yarn ever again!!) and they're long enough to wear the bag slung diagonally across my body, which is kinda cool. I hope my Mom likes it....

~Valerie

Completed Bag: Take 2

2007-10-05T05:10:00.000-07:00

This is my 2nd time trying to post this, my computer ate my first attempt.

I finished and felted my XL Bowling Bag last night :-) Quite a big *issue* with it though: I only used Lambs Pride for the bag strips, I used this other wool form a mill in NH for the body, pocket and straps. The top strips are the only areas that felted properly. The strips felted, shrunk down, became sturdy, did everything they were supposed to do. The restof the bag hardly felted :-( It's ok though. I'll put in a base on the bottom of the bag to make it sturdy. This is for my Mom anyway, and she'lllove it just b/c it was made for her. She doesn't know how sturdy it's supposed to be anyway! LOL! I totally know that I'm supposed to use the same kind of yarn for the entire project, I've learned that lesson the hard way already, but I figuredit may work out this time... Oh well. I still like it :-)

OK, Blogger wont upload my pic, but if you're on Ravelry you can see it there. I'm Valink on Ravelry. I'll be back after work to try the pic again.

off and on.

2007-10-04T23:25:00.000-07:00

I am having some laptop issues and therefor not so much online these days. I hope to get a new one and then I will be bcak in action. I finished the two pairs of socks I had to before I went back to bowling bags... Well I have two bags finished.

Stats

yarn: various leftovers.
pattern: XL bowling bag from She-knits for knitters.
Needles: 4 mm.
Contribution to the she-knits kal and Holiday kalcal

When knitting it this small I would advise to skip the inside pocket, because when you have a pocket on each side of that “wall” it is so small and tight that the “wall” dont felt as good as it should because it is protected by the pockets.

Stats for the black:

yarn: Iglo from Trysilgarn bought at europris (10 balls of black og 3 balls grey)
pattern: XL bowling bag from She-knits for knitters.
Needles: 10 mm.
Contribution to the she-knits kal and Holiday kalcal

And I am loving seeing all the different bags here!

Should be finished tonight

2007-10-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

I should be finished with my bag tonight! I have to wash my son's sneakers later, so I hope to get the bag in the washer with the sneakers. Here's a picture of what I've knit thus far:

Modification: My Mom didn't want the figure 8 cable on the pocket, just the diamond. If I was thinking I would have done a double diamond.... I have enough yarn for a 2nd bag, so maybe I'll do it as a double diamond on the next one :-)

If I have it finished tonight I can bring it up to NH this weekend & my Mom can use it for the Wool Arts Tour that we're going to :-)

~ Valerie

A little different looking. . .

2007-10-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

My bag just doesn't look like most of yours, but I like it. I used a Lamb's Pride bulky yarn for the body so maybe that has something to do with the elongated look of my bag. And I always have a little bit of pattern anxiety. . . wondering if I am interpretting things correctly. Thanks to Sharon, this has been a very stretching experience. I ordered the pattern without a paypal account and now I have one. I hadn't previously worked with cables and now I have. And I've never posted to a blog. So hurray!

My new bag!

2007-10-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm finished my first XL Bowling bag and I think it came out quite well. It felted a bit to mutch and the pattern on the outside pocket nearly disapeard. I'm not sure that the yarn was right, I used Artic (Trysil Garn), and will try out some other yarn next time. I have not felted mutch, so that can also influens the result, but it was fun! Here are some pictures of the bag before and after felting.

Finished Pipes and Braid in Grays ...some tips

2007-10-01T10:09:00.001-07:00

Now that I have finished another pipes and Braids, here are a few thoughts and tips.
You can always make the bag longer by adding a few more rows to the main part of the bag or even adding more pipes...simple thought but you really ought to think of customizing size to suit your needs.

Make sure you sew on the X's and thread the braid through before you felt the bag. I had forgotten to do this and felted the bag, and then had to felt the additional pieces separately and sew it all into place afterwards which was a bit harder then sewing them in the pre-felted stage.

Make certain you like the way the braid fits around the bag. It should not be droopy or conversely too tight either. If it seems to long you can either unbraid however much you need to and re-tie the end or even cut it off and re-secure the ends.

Secure the part in which you have sewn the ends of the braid together, underneath one of the X's by tacking it down through the X so those pesky ends don't show.

Lastly if the braid ends up not being the way you want it to be after felting you can confidently cut it off and re-sew it so it is more to your liking

I have made some slight changes and a minor color correction on Cables and pockets (thank to Valerie) as follows

Page 4:
Bag strips are done in Oatmeal bulky wight which is listed as [D}. In the directions I also call it [C].

I like the look of the top strips to be 2 rows taller so I am amending that section on pg. 4 to read as this

Using #13 circular needle and [D] working back and forth in garter stitch, drop first stitch marker and k across 40 sts, drop next 2 stitch markers, turn work and knit back on the 40 sts. you just knit across. Continue with garter st. on those 40 sts for a total of 10 rows (5 ridges).

It used to read 8 rows.

The yarn choice for the Exterior Cabled Pocket is not listed, it should be listed as [B]

Contest for She-Knits KAL members

2007-09-30T18:48:00.000-07:00

I have decided to have a contest to give away some of my yarn and it is exclusively for my She-Knits KAL members that have posted at least once. You can still post between now and the end of the contest and be counted so if you haven't introduced yourself, go for it! There will be two winners picked.

How do I enter?

You enter by leaving a reply to this post with a web address link to a knitting pattern or a picture of a knitted item that has a pattern for sale (or free) of something you think is great that you have not yet knit, but want to. If it is a pattern from a book, then link the book.

You may enter up to 2 times if you have two separate links. The links must all be working, so make sure you check!

When will the contest begin and end?
The contest begins now and ends midnight Oct.10
The winner will be randomly drawn and announced Oct. 12.

What do you win?
There are two prizes to CHOOSE from...in other words first place winner gets their choice, and second place winner gets what is left!

If any of you listen to my podcast you'll know that even though I ordered the Berrocco Yarn, Peruvia to make the tilted duster, I have decided against knitting the tilted duster so I am going to give some of it away in this contest. Now, since a number of you are International I hope you understand that if you win I will be sending you a smaller amount of yarn then if you win and are within the United States, international postage is just BRUTAL.

Here it is...the color is tomato, the skeins are 174 yds and I haven't decided how many I will give away yet but it will be at least two or more.

It is a 100% wool and is considered by most to be quite soft (though i still think it is a little scratchy...but I think all wool is scratchy.

OR***************

A surprise mystery skein of sock yarn that is 400 yds.

OR************* ( and sorry my lovely International participants this last choice is only for people within the US because International postage is just brutal!

My additional copy of Laurie Perry's (aka Crazy Aunt Purl) book, Drunk Divorced and Covered in Cat Hair.
----------------------------------------
I will announce the winners on Oct 14 here on the KAL and then you will e-mail me your choice of prize and your mailing addy.

Sound good? Hey you have a pretty good chance of winning sine there are 14 f you in the KAL and I don't think everyone has posted! If you were lurking and considering joining, now is the time.

Remember enter by submitting your comment here.

Have fun- and please make sure your links work.

Pipes and Braid Bag - or Just Pipes Bag

2007-09-29T23:27:00.000-07:00

I have finished my bag! I did mine a little differently, and didn't add the braid. I had a belt I used to wrap around it instead. To me, a couple of the colors on the top could have been a little different, but I still love it. Do you think I should have felted it a little longer? I'm excited to get started on another one.

Pipes and braids bag

2007-09-29T21:25:00.001-07:00

I finished the bag on Wednesday. Here it is right before going in the washer to be felted. (apologies if the picture is too dark, I've tried lightening it several times but it keeps coming out dark when I post it)

I took it to my mom's on Thursday, and she fell in love. She took it with her to a doctors appointment on Friday and the sweetest thing happened. A woman in her 60s and her mother were both waiting in line behind my mom to check in. My mom felt something touching her bag and after the 3rd or so time she turned around. The younger woman apologized and the older woman asked my mom where she got the bag. My mom told her that I made it. The old woman's mouth dropped and said you can't have a child old enough to do work like this. Young people don't knit anymore. My mom laughed and said well, neither do us middle aged people and that I had taught myself. My mom also got a bunch of compliments from office girls and even her male doctor!

The goal was to take a few pictures with my mom holding the bag, but she wasn't feeling well today. (The following story is to explain the next picture) My mom was once diagnosed with both multiple sclerosis and Nerofibromatosis, the doctors have since revoked the multiple sclerosis diagnosis and have gone simply with neurofibromatosis. She has A LOT of tumors growing in her spinal chord. They did a surgery and actually removed some of her vertebrae in order to allow the tumors to grow and ease the damage done from pressure on her nerves and nervous system. Because of her disease she's on a walker at only 53 years old (don't worry though she's getting great care and is amazing doctors with her strength, she's always in high spirits and refuses to let the disease win). It makes it kind of hard for her to find a bag that she can carry and use her walker. Most bags either drag on the ground or slip off the handles, and if she carries it on her shoulder it trips her up. This bag hangs PERFECTLY on the walker. The straps are the perfect length to rest on one of the support bars and the perfect width. Check it out.

My mom adores this bag, and even though she didn't want to be in the pictures today she stood on the porch to make sure I didn't run away with it.

I love all of Sharon's bag and can't wait to get started on more. General purse addiction + beautiful knit designs/patterns + ability to knit= TROUBLE

So interesting how they are the same but different.

2007-09-29T21:05:00.001-07:00

Here is my version of the 5 Petal bag that Jo did in the post below.

To me they look so different just because of the color differences. I like Jo's color choices as they are going to little girls. My color choices are more appropriate choices for grown-up "girls". So my question to all of you is does color choice make an enormous difference or as long as they are ok colors it really doesn't make that much of a difference? Could a little girl also where mine and a big girl wear Jo's?

Here is my second Pipes and braids in grays and black unfelted. I forgot to add the X's and braids and just now have a felted it. So now I am going to felt those additional pieces separately and sew them on hoping for the best. I may have to give it all one more short cycle of washing to fuse it together however I am a little leery of doing that as I don't want to make the bag any smaller. For whatever reason the gray bag shrunk more the the red Pipes and Braid bag even though I washed them both the same length of time and at the same temperature.

Another Loop in a Loop Bag

2007-09-29T08:27:00.001-07:00

I just finished another Loop in a Loop Bag. These sweet little bags are addictive!

Pattern: She-Knits Loop in a Loop 5 Petals Bag
Yarn: Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky (85% wool, 15% alpaca)
Needles: Size US13 9mm
For: Christmas gift for cousin Holly aged 6

I am in love with this bag!

2007-09-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

I started the pipes and braids bag a couple of days ago, and I can't believe how fast it is knitting up. I usually knit only socks, so knitting a bag was completely new to me. Oh, I am so in trouble now - a new addiction! Sharon, the directions are wonderful. If I can understand them, just about anybody can :-D I've knit the body of the bag, and am almost to the first piping on the upper part. Now I'm at work and keep trying to sneak in a row here and there. You know what I'll be doing tomorrow on my day off!

Introduction of a new-comer

2007-09-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm Marit from Norway and I get so inspiered by all this lovely bags. I want to knit them all! But now I have a small problem or two. First of all it's not enough knittingtime in my life, and second, I don't have the right needles. The smaller one are on needles 6mm, and the bigger on 10mm. I don't have needles in sizes between, and I have to choose one of this. Please help me! My bag is going to be brown and white and I'm eager to start.

You might consider....

2007-09-26T23:35:00.001-07:00

sending me to the nut-house...... I am so in love with the simplicity and good looks of the xl bowling bag. The wonderful thing about this pattern is that it is so easily changeable when it comes to yarn. What yarn you use determens(?) the size of the bag.

I am working on a black/grey one for my MIL as a christmasgift, I have started a small (even smaller than the pink) for my daughters cabbage patch doll in odds and ends from my feltingyarnstash...

and I am thinking about how I can make it even smaller... So I am considering knitting one on 2,5 mm needles with lacewool...

Now, does that not qualify for a little trip to the nut-house?
I am so hooked on knitting that bag that I have had to give myself a time out so I can get two of the three pairs of socks that I also have on the needles done. One pair was finished last night, and I hope to get lots of work done on the second pair tonight.

Info. about Pipes and Braid Pattern

2007-09-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my test knitters the knitting pattern for Pipes and Braids is officially done an up for sale as a pattern as well as a kit. I have started another Pipes and Braid in grays and black

I am still working on writing the pattern for the Floral Bag as well as working on two new bags, one with loads of cables, and one with loads of color.

The weather here which was up in the 80's until t-storms yesterday was a glorious 72 today. I really think it makes knitting with wool a more pleasant experience. I do it all summer anyway, but it is the best sitting outside and listening to my i-pod and knitting and NOT getting hot from the bag sitting on my lap.

Tips and tricks:
When you have knit enough of your large style bag for it to hold your yarn ball. pop it inside the bag and it won't be rolling all over the place.

So you don't constantly have to count where you are in a repeat pattern, use a hanging stitch marker to mark the beginning of the pattern repeat...even one of those little hard plastic closures that are on the bag that a loaf of bread are in works great----those plastic thingies are also great as mini bobbins for intarsia

My Intro

2007-09-25T22:30:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone!

I just purchased my first pattern from Sharon, the Pipes and Braids Bag. It will be my first felting project, and my first bag project. This KAL is a great idea, the bags all of you have done look wonderful. I can't wait to get started on mine!

Arlene

Feedback plea + felting tips

2007-09-24T18:16:00.001-07:00

May I kindly ask that those of you that purchased a pattern or kit from my
Sheknits for Knitters Etsy shop and were satisfied, to please go back into your Etsy account leave me some feedback saying so!
Some tips about felting. If you have never done it before please consider doing a swatch in your washer before you do a whole bag. If you don't swatch...and to be honest, I am the worst person as I NEVER swatch....then take it slow. DO a short cylce first and keep doing short cycles so you don't accidentally over felt. If you over felt you could get a overly scrunched up bag that you can;t stretch back into shape. ou can stretch these bags alot after they have been felted, especially the straps, but if you have over-felted you are kind of a goner. If you don't like the amount of fuzziness or halo that yarns with wool and mohair produce (it's the mohair that's fuzzy)you can invest in an electric hair clipper (I did) and carefully give it a buzz. I bought mine at Walgreens...they are not exactly cheap but well worth it if felted bag making is going to be a fairly regular activity for you. If yrou have floor vents that blow air, put your bag right on the vent. One tip about pictue taking, if you have the opportunity to take a picture outside...do it...it makes a world of difference.
Sharon

An Introduction, and a couple projects

2007-09-24T17:43:00.001-07:00

I got my invitation this morning and just got the chance to join and start contributing. My name is Johnna, I'm from Sunny California, married with 2 dogs and a cat... I like to say I have 4 kids (the pets and the husband). I first knit the XL Cables on pockets from the kit after nicely begging Sharon for a while. I was scared to death of the felting process and even though I may have made a boo boo in felting it, there's a first time for everything, it's one of my favorite things ever. Here you can see it before I took the plunge and threw it in the washer.

And after enjoying some sunshine (and full of my stuff!)

I've secretly been working on the pipes and braids bag as well, and I hope Sharon doesn't mind me sharing my identity, and the pictures of the bag being worked on while on a trip to San Diego recently.
Yes I got caught knitting away and enjoying the ocean sounds.

And just for kicks here's a picture of how far I was first thing in the morning before leaving in the afternoon. Needless to say I'm almost finished and hoping to have it in my mom's hot little hands before Friday.

All I can say is these bags are amazing. Super fun and quick to knit...plus who doesn't like compliments? I get them all the time on the cables on pockets bag. Everyone loves it.

Sunflower Wristlet

2007-09-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

I need to take a better photo of my felted wristlet in daylight but I couldn't wait to share my latest She-Knits creation:

Pattern: She-Knits Loop in a Loop Sunflower Bag
Yarn: Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky (85% wool, 15% alpaca) and scraps for the embroidery
Needles: Size US13 9mm
Modifications: the sunflower seeds made from French knots
For: Christmas gift for cousin Charlotte aged 4

This bag has an ingenious construction and the felted bag has a wonderful round shape. I especially enjoyed doing the embroidery and I'm looking forward to making more She-Knits flower patterns!

Edited to add better photos.

Since I got the OK I here by present

2007-09-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

Pipes and Braid :) Yes I am that scary scary secret testknitter of this bag!

Stats
yarn: Østlandsgarn from Gjestal
pattern: Pipes and braid from She-knits for knitters.
Needles: 7 mm.
Information: I used double østlandsgarn and 7 mm needles on everything.

*edited to add: When flat the bag measures 25 cm i height and 33 cm on the widest part of the body. Østlandsgarn equals sportweight yarn suitable for 3,5 - 4 mm needles according to the band around the ball and is 23 stithes pr 4 inch in gauge*

Silja @ http://www.silja-devine.com/

XL B.B. in Sable and Cream

2007-09-23T21:43:00.001-07:00

I honestly loved making it a second time and when it sells I will make a third...and 4th and and and.... I suggest you do the interior pocket in something that 'pops' so you can easily see it when you open your bag. Why? Because it is fun, and you don't have to search for where to dip your hand.

My two secret test knitters have finsished knitting Pipes and Braids, and except for some color changes on the braid, it is deemed error free. As soon as the second knitter finishes her straps and felts her bag it will be officially for immediate sale. Did you know that one of the test knitters is on this KAL. Oh lovely test knitter will you please expose your identity and show us your gorgeous bag??

A dash of pink.

2007-09-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

Ok… a BIG dash of pink. I finished the Pink Bowling Bag for my daughter. She loves it, I love it. I migt have to make one in this yarn for my self too. I just love this pattern. It is so userfriendly if you know what I mean.

Stats
yarn: Østlandsgarn from Gjestal
pattern: XL bowling bag from She-knits for knitters.
Needles: 7 mm and 6 mm.
Information: I used double østlandsgarn and 7 mm needles on everything except the bagstrips, on them I knitted with one thread and 6 mm.

silja @ www.silja-devine.com

Bowling Bag

2007-09-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

Ok. So I ordered the patten a couple of weeks ago, but put th projec on hold...but then this kal came along so I ordered the yarn. I got Burly Spun in Limeaid (only because the didn't have a pink I liked, ) for the pocket I was "safe" and went with cream. I ordered the yarn on line ( http://www.shuttleworks.com - I'm in Canada and this store is in Canada as well) as i do live in a rather remote area and don't have a yarn store near me. I was surprised when I received my order (2 days later!) as the burly spun was expensivve at $20.20 each skein...is that a "normal" price? Anyway i love the color, wound it into balls and cast on last night. I couldn't wait to felt it so I don't have a before pic and it is currently in the washer now. Once it comes out I'll take a pic and post it so Sharon can see one of her bag "children".

Loving my XL Bowling Bag

2007-09-22T09:17:00.001-07:00

Here is my XL Bowling Bag post-felting. I love it! It's so big and roomy and is going to be the perfect go-to-work bag for me. I'm almost looking forward to Monday so I can use it. It's sturdy and strong enough to carry around all my scientisty papers but soft and smooshy enough to make a nice pillow to have a nap on if I get tired on the train.

Project Notes: I used Brown Sheep Company Burly Spun in Wild Oak and Oatmeal, and Lambs Pride Bulky Winter Blue. Five stars from me - thanks She-Knits!

XL Bowling Bag pre-felting

2007-09-21T16:51:00.001-07:00

Here's my XL Bowling Bag pre-felting. It's currently in the washing machine so check back tomorrow to see the finished product!

A cable-knitting tip

2007-09-21T07:04:00.001-07:00

Just thought I should put this link up for those knitting cables here.
Cabling without a cableneedle

It seems hard at first, but after you get the hang of it you will never go back to using a cableneedle when you knit cables.

XL bowling bag times two.

2007-09-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

I have started both of the bowling bags I was going to knit. One is almost done and one is just started. The pink one is for my daughter and the black will be a christmasgift for my MIL. I really love this pattern. It is so simple and nice to knit! The pink one is in double Østlandsgarn and the black one in double Iglo yarn (both norwegian yarns). The pink is knitted on 7 mm needles and the black on 10 mm needles.

- Silja @ www.silja-devine.com

Getting started soon :-)

2007-09-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

I'll be starting my bag soon- yeah!!!!

So, this weekend I had gone up to NH and was able to get some yarn shopping time in. I had visited my Gpa on Sat morning (he was admitted to a nursing home during the week) then went to the library to place a Snapfish order of pix that I took two weeks before when I was up there with my kids. I had it printed at the local Walgreens so I could bring them up to him that night. While I was waiting for the pix to be ready I got some yarn at Harrisville for the XL bowling bag and some yarn at the Knitting Nook for the Marly bag. I can't decide what to make first now!! I can't start until next week though b/c I forgot the yarn in my Mom's car :-( My parents are saying in NH until this weekend, so I'll get my yarn when they get home. They live in the next town over from me. Glad they haven't moved out of state yet! LOL! Any suggestions as to what to make first? I think the XL bowling bag for instant gratification!

I REALLY have to stop getting new yarn though- I have a Wool Arts Tour in NH in the beginning of October and Rhinebeck at the end of October. There will be LOTS of purchases made there & I'm running out of yarn storage space!!!

Ok! Now it is my turn!

2007-09-19T01:02:00.000-07:00

Hello! I’m cetes!
I’m 25 years old and live in Norway. You have to excuse my English it’s become pretty rusty… I’ll try as good as I can :)
I started to knit on the XL bag yesterday, and I’m loving it, I’m finished with the bottom and have started on the body! I knit with Trysil garn: Iglo, grey body and nature-white pocket, I’ve not decided if the handles should be grey, dark grey or nature-white yet, but it will come to me ;) I’ll try to post some pictures soon.

A big + because it seems to grow pretty fast, because I really hope that this bag will be this year Christmas present (for the ladies ;)

Errata and Tips for XL Bowling Bag Pattern

2007-09-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

***Added 9/19 have to add (now that it is the next day and I have heard from others, that this error does not apply to everyone as other lovelies have found their XL Bowling Bag pattern to be error free- the error free pattern reads like this for the top strips,k8, bo 3, k13, bo3, k8 next row: k8 co3 k13, co3 k8. The pattern WITH the error is described below but in a nutshell it reads, k10, bo 3, k14, bo 3, k10 (which is correct) then k10, co 3, {k10}, co 3, k10 - the mistake is the {k10} it should read {k14} I am thinking the error occurred in this pattern on Sept 2 revision***

Our wonderful KAL New Zealander Kiwi Jo found an error. Though it is very upsetting that there is an error, I am so grateful to Jo for finding it and letting me know. I wonder why others have not found it that have completed their bags, and I can only think that it luckily happened to be in a row that you would of instinctively been doing the correct thing from looking at your knitting, as opposed to reading your knitting instructions at that particular point. These errors make me feel so HORRIBLE, it makes me wonder if I am cut out for this pattern writing business as I sit here with a knot in my stomache concerned if I ruined anyones time they spent knitting
.
Here it is in the fourth grouping of sentences down from the top on page 4.

It now reads:

Next row:
K 10, CO 3 sts. using backwards loop cast on method, k10, CO 3 sts., k 10
Garter st 8 rows. BO all sts.

It should read:

Next row:
K 10, CO 3 sts. using backwards loop cast on method, k14, CO 3 sts., k 10
Garter st 8 rows. BO all sts.

Get out your big bold markers and please correct it. Will you all please accept my humble apology. I am so glad that it hasn't caused a problem for anyone here on the KAL, or all the others out there in knittingland. I am sure I would of heard!
NOW COULD SOMEONE PLEASE POST SOMETHING NICE SO I DON"T HAVE TO LOOK AT THIS EVERYTIME I CHECK ON THE KAL (which is honestly about hourly!)???? Errata will be posted on the side bar.

********ADDED 10/1

Page 4:
Bag strips are done in Oatmeal bulky wight which is listed as [D}. In the directions I also call it [C].

I like the look of the top strips to be 2 rows taller so I am amending that section on pg. 4 to read as this

Using #13 circular needle and [D] working back and forth in garter stitch, drop first stitch marker and k across 40 sts, drop next 2 stitch markers, turn work and knit back on the 40 sts. you just knit across. Continue with garter st. on those 40 sts for a total of 10 rows (5 ridges).

It used to read 8 rows.

The yarn choice for the Exterior Cabled Pocket is not listed, it should be listed as [B]

********added Oct 7
For Pipes and Braids Patterns purchased before 10/7 (which is now called the Ali Bag) the pipe that is on the bottom of the bag is done in the same color as the bottom and therefore you can not see the purl bump (that is on the inside of the bag that you need to pick up as well) as the upper pipes as there is no contrasting color

My not so big Big Bag.

2007-09-17T00:43:00.000-07:00

My not so big Big Bag is finished. I love how it turned out! My mom has her brithday today, so she will get it as a present. Actually I wanted to keep it for myself, but if there is one more person that deserves a beauty like this it is my mom.

Stats
yarn: Double Finull (about 30-40 grams of each color)
pattern: Big Bag from She-knits for knitters.
Needles: 7mm circulars and dpns
Size: 25 cm tall (without the straps) and 15 cm in diameter.

Nicky Approves

2007-09-16T17:06:00.001-07:00

I cast on my XL Bowling Bag today and I'm loving the Brown Sheep Burly Spun (as does my cat - I think she's going to be disappointed when she realizes that I'm not making her another cat bed). It knits up super fast on those big fat needles! The color is Wild Oak, the same as Sharon's original bag, and I will also use Oatmeal for the outside pocket. But to make the bag my own I'm using Winter Blue for the strips at the top of the bag, as well as the straps. Loving my She-Knits bag!

A new bag is done and the pattern is almost ready....Pipes and Briad

2007-09-16T10:32:00.001-07:00

I am done writing the pattern for Pipes and Braids which will be for sale in the She Knits for Knitters Shop. This finished bag is going to a local boutique and going to be for sale in my Sheknits Shop. More often then not these pricier bags sell more quickly out of the boutique rather then off Etsy. I wish it weren't the case however I totally understand it. It takes a leap of faith to spend $195 on a artisan kind of thing when you are only seeing a picture. When you can actually pick it up and put it on, stroke it, feel its quality and strength etc. etc.....you get the picture... its just easier to fall in love enough to buy it in person, rather then on the computer! I'm hoping and thinking that this bag will have a new Mama pretty quickly. Whatdayathink? Anyone interested in the pattern? It is going to be tested soon and when it is up for sale I will let you all know.

How come all you lovely participants aren't introducing yourselves? Maybe I jumped the gun creating this KAL. I know we are all so busy with so much. Anyone out there starting their pattern? We would all love to hear about it!

Hi from Madison

2007-09-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

This is my first entry and am very excited. I am going to to the yarn store on Saturday and will be forth coming with questions. I taught myself to knit by watching video clips on line.... Enough about me other than I have no children, just two of the world's best cats!

Should I introduce myself...well I guess I just will - Hi I am She-Knits!

2007-09-12T22:00:00.001-07:00

I am Sharon. I live in the burbs of Chicago Illinois. I am a SAHM of 7, well does it still count as 7 when 2 are in college...wait I can answer that OF COURSE it still counts, just less laundry. Besides having a passion for creating knit and felted bags, I also am a doula, which means I work with birthing women during labor and delivery. I am thrilled...seriuosly...to be hosting this knit-a-long, and again want to thank Silja for the suggestion. I really want to encourage you all to not be shy, this is going to be a msaller more intimate KAL, which is how I like it. I don't imagine we will grow bigger (for now) then 15-20 of us.. I love hearing what people have to say about there knitting, see pictures both in progress and finished., and am always fascinated by how one pattern can look so different when using different color combinations of yarn. I also want to say that there are NO dumb questions EVER, and if you are too shy to ask openly on here you can always e-mail me.

I just finished another BIG BAG in black, gray, purple and pink

I have just cast on another XL Bowling Bag which will be used as a sample my LYS as they have asked me to teach a class on felted bags with my patterns. This one will be made with a darker brown bottom and straps, but will have have the same warm oak brown body, and I am not sure on the pocket and top strips as of yet in terms of color.

I am also just finishing a new bag that I am writing a pattern for that has been great fun called Pipes and Twists.Here's a little teaser.

Last but not least I am writing up a pattern for my Floral Bowling bag, as there have been mnay requests for it.

I never thought this would happen, however I have been knitting and typing so very much in the last 2 weeks that the space between my ring finger and pinky on the top of my hand is KILLING ME and I must stop typing tonight and rest it..
I plan on adding more pictures to this post tomorrow.
Night all- or good morning depending on what part of the country you are from. Please oh please introduce yourselves!!! How do you say good night and or good morning in your native languages? I kind of grunt in the morning, and pretty much say nightey night :)

Intro From Valerie

2007-09-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm Valerie, from Long Island, New York :-) You can find my Blog here, or you can find me on Ravelry as Valink. I plan on making the Marly bag, but honestly, I'm not satisfied with any of the yarn I already have, so I feel a shopping trip coming on before I start!! I'll be going up to New Hampshire this weekend (most likely) and there are several great yarn shops close by, so I may go stop by one of them. If I don't get up to NH I'll place an order at WEBS, so I'll have to wait for that to come in before I start. Oh well. At least I've got the pattern in my hot little hands! Maybe I'll make a Mini Marly to placate me while I wait for the good stuff... I also want to make the XL bag too, so maybe I'll order the yarn for that too now.

I'm looking forward to the KAL & can't wait to get started!

Let the games begin... ehh... knitting begin :)

2007-09-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

Hello all :)

Silja calling from the eastern part of norway! I am the one responsibe for that green bag *pointing down* I have started a Big bag.. but I use 7 mm needles and double Rauma Finull yarn instead so it will be a not so big Big bag. I am hooked on this slip stitch patterning... so clever, fun and easy for a nobrainer like me when it comes to fair isle knitting.

I am going to make a few more XL bowling bags, My daughter has requested a pink one and mu MIL have requested and black/grey one.
I went yarnshopping today... I was planning to only buy for these two projects but somehow without me knowing how it happend I got more than I planned for... I got 54 balls of yarn... that equals 2,7 kilos..... I suddenly saw bag in all colors and combos so I just have to have one more bowling bag that is a little smaller than the green one and it will be in purples. I am thinking of making another Big Bag too in turqouise/lightblue/black.

Introduction from Jo

2007-09-11T05:37:00.000-07:00

Hi there She-Knitters! I'm excited to be sharing the joy of She-Knits patterns with you. My name is Jo, I blog at Kiwi Jo and I'm Pania on Ravelry. I am a New Zealander who came to the USA in 2001 to work as a scientist at the National Institutes of Health. I met my husband in 2002 and we will be celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary on Saturday. Sadly we don't have children but are devoted Aunt and Uncle to 1 niece and 4 nephews with another 2 nephews on the way. We share our home with 2 dogs, 1 cat, 1 hamster, 2 snakes and a bunch of fresh and salt water fish. I love all sorts of crafts - at the moment I'm mainly knitting but I also love to crochet, cross stitch, sew and quilt.

I've already made 3 Marly bags, one in the She-Knits original color way and Mal's Marly and Funky Marly where I chose my own colors (which was a lot harder than I thought - it made me appreciate Sharon's talent for putting colors together). Over the weekend I ordered some more yarn and I will be knitting the XL Bowling Bag for myself and the Five Petals Wristlet and Sunflower Bag for my little cousins who live in New Zealand. Here's a photo of Charlotte (4) and Holly (6). I can't wait to share a photo of them holding their new She-Knits' bags.

Happy knitting She-Knitters! I'm looking forward to getting to know you all.

2007-09-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

See the welcome message and how to join the She-Knits KAL HERE.

So far I think most of you are doing the XL Bowling Bag. I know Silja, is working on a small version of the Big Bag and Lisa, are you going to do the Marly Bag in darks? Is that right? Don't forget you all have can write your on here...it's your blog too! I would love PICTURES PICTURE PICTURES please. Can anyone say when they were hoping to cast on their bags?

I am working on a new pattern called Pipes and Braids. I too have to make another XL Bowling Bag to leave as a sample at the LYS that just hired me to teach a felted bag class. I need to leave some of my bags there to lure people into wanting to take the 3 session class and the Bowling Bag I already made is now in a boutique waiting for a new home. I am trying to decide if I should do the yarn shop sample in the same browns and cream, or switch it up...even just for my own sanity of not knitting the exact same bag! The company that makes the yarn I use wants to buy this pattern, but then they own the copyright and I can no longer sell my own pattern. The good part is that it would get my name out ALL over the place. I can still sell the pattern, but I would have to buy their printing of it to sell. I think I want to continue self-publishing this one. Is this stuff boring to all of you....should I just keep it strictly about the ins and outs of the patterns? Would love to know when anyone is going to begin their Bowling Bag so I can cast on with you!

Can any of my lovely Norwegian Kalers tell me how the knitting differs in Norway? Feel free to answer as a posting as opposed to a comment....do whichever you feel most compfortable with

Welcome She-Knits Knitters!

2007-09-09T18:56:00.000-07:00

=== SCROLL DOWN FOR INFO. ABOUT HOW TO JOIN ===

Hello and welcome to knitters of She-Knits patterns. Inspired by a lovely knitting customer who just finished the XL Bowling Bag, Cables on Pockets (shown above), and because some of my patterns have been blissfully selling like hotcakes, I thought I would offer a knit-a-long so we could have a forum in which we could all share, connect, support one other and exhibit (aka totally show-off) our She-Knits purses.

Now who out there is going to cast on a bag, where are you from and what yarn are you using??

***TO JOIN THE SHE-KNITS KAL***

You must be knitting a She-Knits pattern. You can purchase your She-Knits pattern at She Knits for Knitters shop at the link on the side bar (click on She Knits for Knitters which is located under the thumbnail pictures) or go to She-Knits.com and click on the link for patterns.

Leave a comment on the She-Knits KAL and ALSO send an e-mail to:
sdreifuss(AT)msn(DOT)com

In your e-mail, be sure to include:

1. your name
2. e-mail address
3. your blog URL (if you have one)

I will then send you an invitation to join the blog so you can kindly post to the group:

1. which She-Knits pattern you are going to knit (need to know this one)
2. any questions or pictures you have or want to share
2. your blog URL (want to know this one so we can connect better, and of course if
you are blogless that's fine too)
3. where in the world you live (we are all just curious on this one)
4. Thumb ring size, favorite yarn color and favorite stitch marker size (this is
in case we do prizes!)

You may want to print out or save this post as a reference.