Frog in knots

Knitting, knots and frogging.

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Bag Lady

I seem to have gone bag crazy recently, with DOs Pirate Swag Bag and now this one and two more in the pipeline. The pattern was one of those MUST. MAKE. NOW! items, I saw it and fell in love with it instantly. It's the Brea Bag from Berroco in their free patterns section. The green is a DK mystery yarn from my El Cheapo supplier, I think it's some sort of cotton blend. I'd been eyeing the yarn up for weeks, but felt the green was a bit much for clothing. As soon as I saw the pattern I rushed out to get some.

It's a pretty easy make, but the base and sides are a long moss stitch strip and do I not like moss stitch. I decided to use a belt for the handle so I can double it and carry it by hand, or use it single to throw over my shoulder. I couldn't get D rings wide enough to take the belt, so I dug out a few old wooden curtain rings which do the job quite nicely. I did have a big wooden button in mind, but couldn't find anything suitable and went for the bronze heart instead, the loop is a crochet chain worked double for strength.

The lining. Don't talk to me about the lining. It was a nightmare to do. I finished the bag about two weeks ago and have been avoiding sewing in the lining since. I managed to break two sewing machine needles and have learnt in the process that sewing is not my forte. It's in though and will do the job. I had wanted a stiffer fabric that was a bit more interesting than what I found, but now it's in I quite like it. Due to the strange shape of the bag I didn't put anything in to steady the base, but it's not like I'm going to be carrying bricks around in it.

I've been a bit distracted all week and haven't picked up any knitting for days, so it may be a bit of time before I have anything to show. Scout died on Tuesday and I'm still a bit shell shocked. I keep wandering around the house looking for something to do, but can't concentrate on anything. I miss him terribly.

45 Comments:

At 12:13 pm, Blogger Spinningsue said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Scout. It always amazes me how much a part of out lives pets become. Hope you feel a little less lost soon.

I love the bag, I might have to chase up that pattern myself.

 
At 12:20 pm, Blogger Wye Sue said...

Another Sue says exactly the same :-)
take care, happy thoughts xx

 
At 1:31 pm, Blogger Bad Amy said...

Oh, Rain, I'm so sorry. Our critters are so dear to us, that it's such an empty pain when they pass on. All the more reason to give extra pats and scratches while they're here. ((hugs to you))

 
At 2:57 pm, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am so sorry about Scout:( Know your pain only to well. he will be in your heart forever so rest assured he isn't 'gone'

 
At 3:49 pm, Blogger Jerry & Maxy said...

Oh Rain, I am SO sorry to hear about the loss of Scout. What a shock indeed. May your memories of the lovable critter help provide some solace.

Gorgeous bag.

Go England! I've got the pre-game on now.

 
At 4:41 pm, Blogger Brittany said...

Scout is beautiful.

The bag looks fantastic too. I love the belt as the handle.

 
At 4:48 pm, Blogger Samantha said...

Rain, I'm so sorry to hear about Scout. {{{hug}}}

The bag looks good. :)

 
At 6:38 pm, Blogger KnitPastis said...

Woooo, honey I am so sad to hear this as you know how much that dog made me laugh. I am so very sorry. Pretty green purse you made.HUGS

 
At 8:12 pm, Blogger dreamcatcher said...

I'm so sorry :-( Sleep well Scout.

 
At 10:10 pm, Blogger Heather said...

I'm sorry to hear about Scout. It's so hard losing a pet.

The bag looks great, I love the color!

 
At 10:10 pm, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about Scout! I know how hard it is to lose a dog.

 
At 10:39 pm, Blogger Charity said...

Oh, Rain, I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you.

 
At 10:44 pm, Blogger Ling said...

Hope you feel better soon. I'm sorry to hear about Scout.

 
At 10:57 pm, Blogger Cerridwen said...

I am so sorry to hear about Scout. My sympathy is with you.

 
At 11:32 pm, Blogger Peg-woolinmysoup said...

So sorry to hear about Scout! They are such wonderful friends and their lives are just too short!
Thanks for the link to the pattern. I am currently knitting Picchu Picchu, which is also a free pattern from Berroco and I have an extra ball of black ultra alpaca - a new purse indeed! It would make a great gift for a young granddaughter!
Take care of yourself and even months from now, you will carefully open the door expecting Scout to be there.

 
At 12:56 am, Blogger Heather said...

I'm very sorry to read about the passing of Scout. He was such a cutie. Enjoy the memories of the good times you shared - I'm sending you cyber hugs across the pond.

Your bag looks fab - loving the greeness.

And I know what you mean about putting in the lining - I also have 3 bags hagging around waiting desperately to be lined, so that I can show them off! You have inspired me to put down my knitting and get the fabric out.......well, maybe tomorrow!

 
At 1:19 am, Blogger Knittypants said...

Oh, Rain, I am so sorry to hear about Scout. I know how much you loved him and I will miss seeing pictures of him.

Your bag is lovely, I think green suits that pattern perfectly.

 
At 8:13 am, Blogger Seahorse said...

{{{HUGS}}} I'm so sorry to hear about Scout. He looked like such a great little companion and I loved his appearences in your photos.

The bag is beautiful.

 
At 8:23 am, Blogger HPNY KNITS said...

sorry to hear about your Scout.
big virtual hug from NYC.

the green bag is smashing.

 
At 9:56 am, Blogger Dina said...

Wow, loved how you worked the bag ...

Very sorry to hear about Scout ... hugs from me, too.

 
At 10:11 am, Blogger Rain said...

Thanks for all your kind words folks.

 
At 12:30 pm, Blogger KnitYoga said...

Rain, I'm really sorry to hear about Scout. Lots of happy memories, I'm sure, which I hope will help. (Big hug).

The bag is lovely. I really like the added touches of the handle and the button which both look so individual.

I have a little pressie for you and wondered if you could email me to let me know your address so I can send it to you (contact details in my Blogger profile).

 
At 3:09 pm, Blogger knitfriendly said...

Dogs become such an important part of our lives and I am so sorry to hear of Scout's passing. I will keep you in my prayers. When you are feeling down, try to make yourself think of one funny thing that Scout did. It will make you smile. Scout will aways live on in your heart. Take care Rain.

 
At 3:13 pm, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry about your pet. I hope everything gets better for you.

 
At 3:43 pm, Blogger acrylik said...

Oh Rain, I am so sorry to hear about Scout. Lots of hugs coming your way.

 
At 8:41 pm, Blogger bcat said...

Oh! I am so very sorry to learn of the loss of your doggie pal!!! It is so very sad when these dear creatures die and amazing how we miss them. Don't worry he's still romping and caring for you from doggie heaven! XOXOXO

 
At 8:44 pm, Blogger T said...

Rain, that's so sad and such a shock *hugs* I am so sorry for all of you. You gave him a great life :)

The bag is so unusual, you did a great job.

 
At 9:49 pm, Blogger Zonda said...

Hugs Rain, sorry to hear of your loss of Scout.

Your bag is so cute too! Hang in there! :) hugs!

 
At 1:20 am, Blogger RheLynn said...

pretty bag. sad about your poor pup :o( **best thoughts to you**

 
At 3:52 pm, Blogger Stefaneener said...

Oh, I'm so sorry. I look away from your blog for a day, and miss big news. Be gentle on yourself.

 
At 4:56 pm, Blogger allisonmariecat said...

Cute, cute bag, and brilliant use of shower curtain rings!

I'm so sorry about Scout.

 
At 6:24 pm, Blogger Angie said...

Very sorry for your loss.He was such an adorable dog .It takes time but you'll always have him in your heart.

 
At 7:54 pm, Blogger reluctantMANGO said...

Oh, I'm so sorry you've lost Scout. From all of your photos it was clear that he had a good life with you and was a happy pup. He'll be missed. *hugs*

 
At 12:55 am, Blogger Baigneuse said...

I'm very sorry to hear about Scout. Losing a doggie companion like that is never easy.

 
At 5:57 am, Blogger Sherri said...

What a beautiful bag!

 
At 5:58 am, Blogger Sherri said...

ps I am soooo sorry about Scout. It is hard, isn't it. May you find comfort in the memories.

 
At 3:04 pm, Blogger Emily said...

Im so sorry to hear about your loss, I hope you begin to feel a little better soon.
The bag looks gorgeous!

 
At 3:55 pm, Blogger Modelwidow said...

In a while you will be able to think of Scout and have happy memories, but I know how hard it must be right now.

 
At 2:56 pm, Blogger turtlegirl76 said...

Oh My God. I'm so very sorry about Scout. Losing a pet is one of the things I fear most. They are really members of the family, and sometimes, it seems they are even closer than that. (((((hugs)))))

 
At 3:53 pm, Blogger Melissa said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Scout! I can't imagine how strange it must be not having your little friend under your legs.

 
At 7:11 am, Blogger TutleyMutley said...

Oh Rain - I've not been on line much lately and missed this post about Scout - BIG HUG from me - can't bear the thought that I will lose my canine pals one day - dogs just don't live long enough - though they live well and leave us GOOD and happy memories ay? That's a beautiful, wonderful photo of him.

 
At 5:33 am, Blogger String Bean said...

Rain, I'm so sorry you lost your puppy. I know how it is to lose a beloved pet. I'm preparing my self to lose my dog that I've had for 10 years. It's so hard. I would have given my condolences earlier, but I haven't been reading any blogs lately.

*HUGS*

Rain! I'm so sorry!

 
At 9:20 am, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Rain, I havent been reading blogs for a while, and just saw your post about Scout, I am really sorry to hear he has died. Take comfort from the times you did share and how much bigger your life is for having had that experience. Big hugs!
Beverley xx

 
At 7:39 pm, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh rain, I'm terribly sorry about Scout!!! My Kittie died a few weeks ago and it's the pits. Hang in there-they are both in a better place hanging out together.

 
At 9:27 pm, Blogger Dorky Demigoddess said...

So I know this item was posted in 2006 and it's now 2007 but the internet never dies so I thought I'd leave a comment to anyone interested in making a bag such as this with a lining. :) Fusing interfacing to the wrong side of the lining makes it much stiffer and sturdier and works great especially for knit bags! Beautiful work Rain!

 

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