Have Bag, Will Travel!

Ta-dah! I’ve finally finished the Amy Butler Patchwork Handbag featured in her “In Stitches” book. It is made mostly of fabrics from Amy Butler by Rowan, and a couple of Heather Bailey pieces. I should be cleaning up after myself in the kitchen and sewing room but I couldn’t wait to post the photo.  This was an easy (and messy) bag to make for someone who has made bags before. I’ve made several in the past and have even designed a couple so I wonder why I thought I needed to follow this pattern. It would have been faster on my own because the instructions were overly spelled out and I wonder if that would make it easier for a beginner ~or maybe more difficult. Anyway, it is now my new knitting carry all for taking projects on the run. It’s nice and long to fit my longer knitting needles. It measures 6″ x 6″ x 16″ and is completely lined. I didn’t make any pockets because I find that I never use them anyway. Rather, I may make a zippered pouch to match that will hold smaller items and fit nicely inside the bag.

 

This new little project will be great for taking along in my new bag. This sweater is out of Debbie Bliss’ “Simply Baby” book and will be my very first attempt at tackling cables. One sleeve is finished and has seed stitch around the wrist. It is my first time doing seed stitch – on purpose, that is. I love the yarn. It’s Bernat’s Soy (half soy, half acrylic) in the color ‘Seasalt’. It has a soft drape and sheen, making it perfect for this baby sweater. Hopefully, it will hold up well in the wash as I’ve never heard about or read any reviews on the characteristics of soy yarn before. Okay, onward to cleaning up my stuff so I can get knitting!