Thursday, December 04, 2008

Sunny Delight

Pattern: Berry Bag by Nguyen Le (my Ravelry link here)
Yarn: Lamb's Pride Worsted in Lemon Drop, Limeade and Orange You Glad - 1 skein each; a tad of Old Sage
Needles: US 11 24" circs and dpns
Mods: None
Rating: Easy peasy lemon squeezy

Remember Mission Possible: 2008? 12 finished projects in 12 months? Or else? As the year end approaches, I've dusted off my MP:08 project list, amended it to better reflect what I'm knitting now instead of what I thought I'd be knitting now a year ago (this is allowed, so I'm not cheating), and re-attacked it with relish. Trying to stay true to the idea behind it, I've chosen a couple of projects using deep stash, which for me means yarn that's been hanging around unused for two years.

These sweet bags are the first of the two projects. Way back in the winter of 2006 Tom bought me a bunch of Lamb's Pride Worsted in single skein colors. Ostensibly it was to be using making a slew of Jess Hutch toys. Only one problem: I hadn't realized I find knitting toys fiddly. (And by fiddly I mean I'd rather stick US 1 needles into my eyes than make them.) So. It has sat unused. Until I tripped over this pattern on etsy. (Kinda expensive at $8, but I didn't feel like chasing down the Interweave Felts issue it's in; I was not to be deterred in my destashing.) It's, like, the best felt pattern ever.

+ Single skein stashbuster.
+ Quick. I knit and felted a bag a night over three nights, and the leaves took a half hour tops.
+Perfect holiday gift.
+ Cute. They measure 8" round after felting, which falls into the "small is cute" category. Perfect size for holding your sock WIPs.

I chose scurvy deterrent colors, in celebration of the citrus trees in our backyard, but any color combo would work. Mix it up with crocheted or felted flowers instead of the leaves. Omit decoration and go for minimal. Just make this bag. You'll be berry glad you did.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Those bags are absolutely adorable! Good on you for getting through 12 months. Such dedication, my friend!!! :D

jillian said...

Ummm, who are you and what did you do with "i love everything dark and sinister" Madge???

It's all good - I was just "who's blog am I reading again?" for a moment :) Those bags are indeed delicious, small and cute.

Ellen Bloom said...

Again...I must say that those little bags are positively adorable! Also, your photographic expertise and set-up has made them look like part of the garden! Bravo!

mary said...

I'm happy that we finally have something like winter, and you go all Florida Sunny Delight Anita Bryant on me! They're positively adorable! ;D

Annette said...

Suh-weet! I expect to see you carrying one of these the next time I see you. ;) The orange one. They're very sunny and cute!

cher said...

Cute bags! You've inspired me to take out some old WIP's and finish them!

Natalie said...

Those bags are super cute. Really, I mean it! I love them. They are happy and sunny. They make me want to do cart wheels. Good job!

Anonymous said...

These are so cute! So bright and cheery! :)

Anonymous said...

OMG!! How adorable are these!!! Great pics too!.

RoxyK said...

t cute gorgeous bags!!! Love em, just the colours you need to cheer you up in the middle of winter :)

LadyLinoleum said...

Those are totally neato!

joyful said...

I am interested in your Ravelry stash of Classic Elite Lush #4427 (3 skeins) I am inexperienced with Ravelry and have no idea how to get in touch with you regarding this purchase.
You can email me at donnelly@vom.com or call me at 707-938-2209. Hoefully you still have this yarn.
Thanks,
Joy Donnelly (joyful)