Tuesday, April 20, 2010

avoidance...it's in the bag!

Over the weekend it was too cold to work outside and to avoid inside work because I had some cute fabrics I wanted to use, I did a bit of sewing.  I saw this cute project tote on Yarnmonster's blog and had just enough fabric to try it out. 
 I've been wanting to cast on for a sizable knitting project, but can't quite seem to settle on a pattern, so dishcloths have become my back up therapy.  I have a fondness for dishcloths and whenever I'm in between projects these little babies fill the gap for my idle hands.
This little bag is perfect for holding my cotton yarn, my needles, tape measure, scissors and chocolate.   Now my dishcloths in progress have a totable, practical home. 
 You can whip one of these up with a mere two fat quarters of fabric.   Jessica's tutorial is easy to follow and satisfyingly quick.  The only modification I made was to add eyelets for my cord to pull through.
These little bags would be great for holding socks, hats, mittens or hand sewing in progress (whatever your addiction might be!)  And since we're full swing into baseball season, now I can grab my bag and head for the ballpark!
And in the midst of my weekend sewing, I received my napkins from Elaine!  She made these out of special indigo fabric her mother sent her from Japan...aren't they gorgeous?  And check out the mitered corners she did...fabulous. (Thanks Elaine...I love them and they've already been put to use!)

I hope your weekend was full of good things even if you were in avoidance mode like me...and since I'm on the prowl for a new project let me know what projects you have going on right now?  (I might be wanting to avoid more indoor jobs....)

21 comments:

At Home Mommy Knits said...

I love the bags. I have been meaning to make myself some drawstring bags to house my projects....in an effort to make choosing one before I leave the house that much easer. Yours turned out perfect! Thanks for the link.

Meg said...

I love the fabrics! The bags are so cute, and I love that you remembered to include the chocolate--this may be what I need when we finally get to go to a baseball game that is warm (the last one was cold and windy--not good knitting weather). And lucky you with the napkins--they're beautiful!

knittinbrit_in_wi said...

Love the project bags. Will definitely have to take a look at the tutorial.

The napkins are great. Her mitered corners really did turn out great.

From All Stitched Up said...

Those bags are awesome and spectactular, I can't wait to make one or two or three. I used to have pocketbooks that looked like those and may try to add a strap. I love the black floral fabric. I will be at the fabric store on Saturday am getting some fat quarters !!!! Great job.

Gloria said...

Very cute bags and dishcloths, those turned out great!!! The napkins that were made for you are wonderful!! Lucky girl! :)

I am working on a floral cross-stitch project (to bond with my daughters), and I also have a colored pencil sketch in the making. I was going to garden today with my daughter, but it starting pouring rain first thing this morning!!!

Mackenzie said...

Oooh, I love the bags!! Talk about the perfect use for my fat quarter stash...even if I just used them as gift bags.....I just love how inspiring this blog is. :)I'm sooo glad I found you!
My current projects are a few sets of placemats and napkins (some of which can be seen on my blog), and I'm also working on some washcloths! My little man's birthday is coming up in about a month too, so I'm starting to plan for that. :)

cathleen said...

Very pretty creations, Lisa! You sound so content! I'm glad.

Stephanie said...

You always make the cutest stuff. Love those little bags, perfect for knitting projects!

Kristyn Knits said...

LISA!!! I love them!! the bag...the fabrics...the purpose. Not sure I could make one, but I'm off to look at the tutorial. I knit up two dishcloths over the break and have now cast on larissa's neighborly. I have a Debbie Bliss short sleeve, pleated front sweater up next.

Larissa said...

Your bags are fantastic! I love drawstring bags - they always swing so well from the wrist. Now all i need is a small project - my shrug is project is huge but thankfully at the final stages of knitting. I bought two simple hand knit washcloths at the thrift store last week and immediately thought of you and all the special ones you knit in the cutest patterns. Love your napkins - i have a bit of that Japanese woven fabric in red and white and i need to use it on something i'll use and enjoy. I only have 4 fat quarters but i need to stop hoarding them and make something.

Tracy said...

So many goodies today, Lisa! You bags & cloths are wonderful...Love those drawstring bags--great project for fabric stash-busting. ;o) The napkins are so beautiful--those rich blues in the fabric are dazzling. She did a super job on those--very happy set of napkins there! Happy Day ((HUGS))

Molly said...

i love those bags! i've been thinking of making drawstring bags to hold my projects, but i like the idea of the square base. i'll definitely check out the link.

i tried to email about the chimichurri sauce, but my message failed to send. it can be kept in the fridge for up to one week. enjoy!

Ruth said...

The bags are so cute!! What a cute project. I love to crochet dishcloths. I have a book of knit patterns but haven't tried one yet.

Ruth

Christina said...

Your bags are so pretty (and practical!). I love the fabric. I almost laughed out loud when I started this post because I have a post in draft form right now that's called "When swamped by laundry--craft!" I guess great minds think alike...

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

I'm having serious fabric envy. You have a great eye for picking out fabrics. And, I share your love of dishcloths. They're the perfect little project for instant gratification.

Mama Sewing said...

I love the little totes, I can think of many uses for them - I have a weakness for bags of any kind!

Gigi said...

Oh la - cute dishcloths and bags! Love the colors! Would you mind sharing your dishcloth patterns?
Brightest blessings,
G
Oh, and that cute puppy face -- smooch ;)!

Jessica said...

I made a knitting bag similar to that for my sister a couple of weeks ago...but now I need a few for myself!

From All Stitched Up said...

I love your new header. How did you learn to do that ? Where did you find the grommets and cord for your bag? Too many questions!

kirsten said...

the bags are great! useful + way cute.

Tonya Gunn said...

Your bags are great - you are so good at sewing!
Such wonderful projects.
Warm wishes, Tonya