This is fun... A wool knit bag:1918 Pattern from "Exercises in Knitting" Cornelia Mee

I may try knitting this sight unseen, strictly from the written pattern and see what happens.  I've read and read it and I believe it ends up being a semi circle.  We'll see!!

Shell Knitting for a Bag, in German Wool.

(taken from Exercises in Knitting, by Cornilia Mee copyright 1918 no illustrations!!)

Pins No. 14.

Take 11 shades of wool, begin with the darkest and 4 rows of each shade; that is, 1 pattern done of each.  Cast on 155 stitches, 57 on 2 of the needles and 38 on the third.

(She's referring to double pointed needles)

First Round- Knit 4 stitches, plain.  Bring the wool forward knit 1, bring the wool forward, knit 1.  Repeat this 8 times.  Knit 4 plain, seam 3.  Repeat this all round.

Second Round - Knit 2 plain 2 together, 15 plain, slip 1, knit 1 draw the slipped one over the knitted one, knit 3 plain, seam 4 repeat this all around.

(Note:  when she says "seam stitch" she's referring to purl stitch)

Third Round - Knit 2 plain, 2 together, 14 plain, slip 1, and pull 1 over as before, knit 2 plain, seam 3.

Fourth Round - Knit 1 plain, 2 together, 14 plain, slip and pull over as before, knit 1 seam 3

Fifth Round - Knit 2 together, 14 plain, slip and pull over, seam 3

The stitches will now be reduced to their original number.  Tie on the next shade and repeat the 5 rows as before.  Repeat this 15 times, Then take very small needles, and knit a binder, in simple ribs, in any of the shades 15 rows deep.

The handle is made by knitting on 2 needles of the same size as those used for the bag, with double wool, in the following manner:  Cast on 14 stitches, slip 1, bring the wool forward, slip 1, knit 1, pull the slipped one over the knitted one to the last 2, which are both knitted; without bringing the wool forward fold the two edges into the middle and sew together with the double wool.  Silk tassels to match.


Open for suggestions from people who know how to read older knitting patterns.  I'm stumped on yellow highlighted comment.

I know, I know it's a sickness - trying to get my mind around the technique in the early 1900's.

That was fun! I bought myself some watercolor pencils.

After buying the watercolor pencils, stepping through all the techniques in a little book then spending a day at the park trying my best to paint one silly tree ... I saw this picture on my screen saver.

I decided to give it a whirl.


The end result:

Seriously, I assumed all my still painting talent was totally gone, it's been so many years.  I over did it in a few places, just have trouble leaving it simple.

But after winning a still painting contest in elementary school and getting a summer scholarship, I decided painting wasn't for me, too structured.  My little tablet has about 1/2 dozen tries in it before I landed on painting a photo of a purse.  I may try another one ... I've been wanting a new logo for my blog.

35 year old mother has 21 year old daughter in college, supported by "crafts"

She is 35 years old with a daughter in college, talk about overcoming adversity and making a living in spite of your economic circumstances.  I'm inspired by this article and you will be too.

Read Complete Article here: Friendship Bridge

I've experience the joy of giving away my handmade items, woven pieces, knit and felted designs, baby clothes, sweaters, scarves, but I'm extremely fortunate.

My handmade items aren't necessarily a means of financial support.  (It buys more yarn.)

What an honor to receive cash for items at Art or Craft Fairs, which I thoroughly enjoy, but ...

In the above article ... and on this incredible website Friendship Bridge anyone who is able can become a part of financially supporting women who have, in the past, sold their creations for next to nothing, but are willing to establish their own businesses and make a living to support their families from a very young age.  The way friendship bridge works from what I read, is small loans are given, and paid back through the organizations the women establish in Guatemala, called "microloans."

I'm thoroughly investigating this type of contribution.  And I know that someday if my plans go well, I'll go to Guatemala and mingle with these ladies.

My personal interest in Guatemala?  Our sweet Aven, our granddaughter was adopted from there. 

This picture take last year - her 3 year birthday present - pierced ears.  She's precious!

(My weaving instructor goes into Guatemala every year, and my plans are to go with her to shadow her on one of these trips.  Not to mention going someday with this little lady and her family!!)