Well, finally (thanks to a kick in the behind from my friend Rob at Threadbear), my Bags to Go! pattern is finally ready. It’s not on my website yet but will be soon, and you can order it any time by sending me an email at Lynn AT ColorJoy DOT com.

This pattern has two basic shapes (see photo at right) that you can knit to fit as far as size goes. There are exact stitch counts for the bags in the photographs but many instructions on how to alter to fit your favorite size. One pouch is flat, for sunglasses or Palm device or Ipod or wallet. The other pouch (the one which is getting all the attention) is actually a cylinder for carrying a water bottle. This one is sized for a relatively small bottle since that’s the size I prefer (they weigh less to cart around).

I actually had the pattern ready to go and then decided to add another option to the pattern. The originals were knit with one main solid color and bits of decorative yarns knit along in key spots.

However, I realized that not everyone likes to use novelty yarns. So I was chatting with Rae one day about some fun colorways of Karaoke wool/soy silk yarn she got in, and how to use the colors to their best advantage. I decided to try a bottle holder in just one rainbow-like colorway with no knit-alongs. It turned out cute as a button. (See photo at left.)

The little loops at the bottom were the suggestion of Cheanne, who was at the shop when I was pondering the too-long length of I-cord I’d made for the handle. They are optional, but I think really attractive.

So now I’m offering a class this Saturday 1-4pm ($25 includes a pattern) at Rae’s, to do the water bottle sans knit-alongs. You could use Karaoke, Noro Kureyon, or any fat worsted/aran weight yarn such as Lamb’s Pride worsted. Solids or multicolors will both work for different effects. It takes less than a ball of the fun Karaoke or Kureyon yarn, so is a very affordable and not-too-hot-to-knit project for summertime.

Will anyone join me? It should be fun, just a one day class covering lots of tips and tricks. We won’t finish but you will learn everything you need to finish it in the next day or so. If you haven’t made friends with Double Pointed Needles yet, this is a good starter project. The needles are nice and big (Size 7 DPNs, if you have some bring them along). The thicker yarn is easy to manage, if sockyarn and tiny needles put you off.

Call Rae at (517) 336-9276 to get details and sign up. Or buy the pattern at either Rae’s or Threadbear… or for those out of town, from me via email.

Thanks again for your support of my work. It’s a good time working for you!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 21st, 2006 at 1:18 pmand is filed under Knitting. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.