Purse Straps - Handles for Knit Felt Purses

Today I had an inquiry on options to attach straps to purses.  I guess I didn't realize how many methods I've used in my purse designs.  I've listed several here with pictures.  Let me know if you have any questions.









This is the most common way to add an i-cord to a purse.  After the base is knit and felt, punching holes in the fabric and adding an i-cord strap.  See my video of making an i-cord here.

In the Coral stripe bag, the strap is attached by sewing belt buckles to each side attaching the middle bar of the belt buckle to the purse anchoring it, then running the handle through each belt buckle and poking a hole in the flat felted knit/purl strap, made from the same yarn as the bag.  I believe this was a 9 stitch, knit 2 - knit RS and purl WS - Knit 2 pattern for the strap, to avoid curling.

I called this bag Camo because of the distinct browns and tans I used in the design.  The strap was sewn directly to the purse just folding over the ends and attaching to the outside edges.  It was handwoven on a loom using the same yarns as in the bag itself.  But this strap was not felted after woven.  When you enlarge the picture you can see detail better.

I used macrame to tie half knots in leather strapping for this shell shape bag.  Then I punched holes in either side of the opening and slipped the strap through, a larger knot on the inside holds it in place.

Another handwoven strap added after the piece was felted.  The closure strap is also handwoven and added later, I sewed it to the back and let it hang as a closure to the front.  The straps are attached with closed rings.  I designed a larger flap on either side of the felted bag to attach at the bottom of each ring by folding over from outside - in, then sewing in place with matching yarn.  The handwoven strap was sewn by wrapping it around the top of each ring in the same manner as the tabs on the sides.

This has a similar strap to the one above only I left a fringe on the handwoven strap, so I threaded the strap through rings on both sides and sewed the straps in place so that the fringe decorated the sides of the bag, matching the closure.

Last but not least, I've designed a pattern for this bag which has the strap built-in, when the piece is felted the bag is finished!!  Here's another view, and a link to the pattern.

THE KNIT PATTERN FOR THIS PURSE

Embellish your purse.  That's the topic of this published article on-line.

I read this the other day and decided I'd like to quote it:  Earth without ART is just "eh."  Get creative!!

Vintage Sewing Patterns - Cleaning out the stash.

I don't know why or how I end up at the bottom of closets so often. I think I end up in there looking for a specific item that I know if I went to Wal Mart or Jo Ann Fabrics I could buy another one for $2 or $3, but I'm sure I had one (like an embroidery needle or a piece of elastic or a large metal button) whatever notions I need, end up being in one of those sewing storage containers that are never tapped into, unless I'm doing the desperate search to finish a project.


I don't hate sewing, I enjoy it, but I do hate quitting a project in the middle, cleaning up all the mess, tucking it away in a closet and, because it's tucked away, never getting back to the project. If I could leave the mess, work continuous from day-to-day, I'd sew more often, guess I need a sewing room. hm--m-m-m.

The point being, while I was in there looking for a button for a finished purse, I found several 1980's Sewing Patterns for skirts and jackets. I listed them under VINTAGE on Etsy, too weird. I have Vintage items in my closet. I listed a Vintage Macrame' Book awhile back and it sold almost as soon as I listed it.

So, if you're looking at my Etsy shop and see Vintage clothing patterns, don't assume I've flipped my lid, just know I've been in the closet again!

www.bigsis2.etsy.com

Knit Pockets - Taking Knitting Needles on an Airplane (TSA Approved??)

The pockets on a Toddler Cape are so tiny, knit in stockinette stitch for 2" knit in ribbing 1", they are the cutest pockets I've ever made.

OK, I am enjoying making this cape.

I'm struggling with laying it down, but I cannot take it on the plane with me because I'm concerned the needles size 2 (very tiny diameter) and very long, will be confiscated by the TSA. I've read and re-read everybody's blogs and all the TSA rules, they say knitting needles are allowed, but bloggers say they've had them taken even, or especially, if they have the printed TSA rules and argue the point. WOW - I'm taking my interchageable needles though, but that won't get this cape done, so I give in, I'm laying it down for a week, that hurts.

I'm taking the needles I need to make Ken's slippers (clogs), finally starting them, wow I've really had a knitting mental block. If I figured up all the stitches in this little cape (teeny tiny stitches) I've probably knit enough stitches for 3 felted bags ... but oh, my goodness, this project is coming along beautifully, I think I'm going to use the scrap yarn to make some hacky sacks for some boys I know, found a great free pattern from Berroco called CATCH.

So, off to the store, laundry tomorrow and pack the next day, Little Rock here I come, without my size 2 needles.

Knitting, Starting Over, and Knitting Needle Woes!

Probably sounds like some pretty sad complaints compared to what some people are dealing with today, but I'm beginning to think there is something I'm supposed to be learning from STARTING OVER!!

Now, I got on a forum, called www.knittinghelp.com/forum, and followed all the threads that pertained to knitting socks, knitting with circular needles, circular needles that are interchangeable, choices of needle tips, etc. Don't know if I would've bought the needles I bought if I'd known about this forum. Also, don't know if I'd be knitting such a detailed item (for the granddaughter) if I hadn't read and re-read and started over so many times on patterns that confounded me last year, I'm a determined little creature, kinda like when I learned to ride a Motorcycle. Only my life depended on listening to instructors and paying attention to directions, not like a sweater depends on me thinking clearly.

So here I am in the state of starting over again, thinking of the time I spent making the next very large piece to Aven's cape, and walla, when I started the re-do -- much to my surprise, I had done it WRONG!! YES the sweater would have been WRONG!! If my needles had not failed me IT WOULD BE ALL WRONG all in ONE PIECE AND WRONG - I'd be devestated...I read the pattern wrong, I'm so glad I started over...patience my dear, patience.

And Oh, my gracious, I haven't begun the clogs yet, where does time go when you're having so much fun - TEARING THINGS UP!!

A Knit Out and a Question about Knitting and My Scrapbooking Experience

I'm so into this now. We were at the Mall of Americas last year for 1 1/2 days, and it was a scrapbooking convention everywhere. My scrapbooking experience is NILL. All of my pictures are now officially in a plastic tub in the basement (up on a shelf). Well there are MANY PICTURES on this computer and the old one, on CD's and there is a storage container on a shelf in the home office of our ministry photos. OK I admit I'd rather knit than make photo albums. But, that wasn't the point.

The point is Scrapbooking crafters, Snippers, Clippers, I'm sure there are names for what they do, were everywhere, there were tables in the foyers, aisles, just outside the Anchor stores, in the balconies, etc. It was interesting to catch some of the workshops, and listening to the pounding of punching paper, the chatter of ladies in line to receive free handouts to add to their collections in their giant craft storage bags. I remember thinking wow a knitting or fiber or weaving theme would be great in this place ... WELL ...

Next month, yep the 14th and 15th of February, there is A KNIT OUT so to speak it's really a Knit Out and Crochet, is that a proper title (hey I do crochet too). Here's the info:

Knit OUT & Crochet at Mall of Americas

If this link doesn't work go to www.lionbrand.com and check out the KNIT OUT & CROCHET event.

It's at the Mall of America. Evidently I still haven't had a unique idea, it's already being done. I would love to go to this event. I think my sisters and I should plan on attending next year, it's pretty short notice for us right now.

My question is has anyone made the item SAIGE from Berroco Yarns? I'm a little stumped. I'm going to post the queston on the forum www.knithelp.com/forum

I'm about to start the side panels, and to do that I need to pick up stitches along the front back panel (the front and back are one piece, but I'm wondering if this is a typo - should it be front/back, or is it front or back? I read and re-read patterns before I take the next step. It also tells me to seam the backs together up to the markers and there are no previous markers other than at the neckline. I hope someone has already done this pattern and can explain, there aren't many pics for reference. It is pattern #280 Sockcetera, the little girl's poncho, Saige.

Don't want it to turn out like this photo I found last year.