Tote Exchange

Remove me please

2007-01-02T14:45:00.000-05:00

Remove me to please, house cleaning is starting asap & I want to clean up the house & the blog.
Thanks!

Another Angel Blessing

2006-09-09T20:35:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much to the angel who took the time to make sure I had a beautiful bag! I absolutely love it and have had a lot of jealous eyes staring at it :)! I had a good time doing this exchange, and I want to thank the hostesses and angels who came through to help out making sure no one was left out of the exchange. Thank you again!
~Kish

Thank you to my Tote Angel!

2006-09-08T17:26:00.000-05:00

I never received my bag so the Tote Angels swooped in & blessed me with this gorgeous Starfish Bag! Thanks so much to my Angel Holly---the bag is lovely & I appreciate your efforts so very much!! xoxoxox

I've Been Blessed by An Angel!

2006-08-21T18:44:00.000-05:00

I am one who was waiting and waiting and my bag never arrived, so our lovely swap hostesses made sure that an angel was called in to send me a bag. I just want to say that my Angel, Kimberly, is awesome. She knit me a fabulous tote bag, which I may have to fight with my 17-year-old-Diva daughter in order to have a turn to use it.

Thanks to Kimberly, for making me such a lovely bag, and thanks again to our extraordinary hostesses. I'm really looking forward to the next swap.

My Bag Arrived!

2006-08-15T23:53:00.000-05:00

My beautiful, wonderful bag arrived today and I am so excited. I am the lucky recipient of Joanna's (Brahdelt) bag. I just loved it when she posted it and even went to her blog and got the pattern hoping to make it myself one of these days. But I didn't have to!!! She made it for me. It came all the way from Poland - how cool is that? It was accompanied by a wonderful smelling candle (the bag now smells like that too :-), her favorite milk candies and some yummy tea. All the writing on the boxes is in Polish and it is just so fun to have these different things. Poor Joanna sent the bag 7 weeks ago and has been stressing that it was lost. That would have been such a tragedy since it is such a wonderful bag. I can tell you it is well worth the wait and I am so thrilled. THANK YOU to my wonderful pal!

International Tote Exchange II

2006-08-14T13:02:00.000-05:00

Sharon's answers to questionnaire
1. Name and blogger id: Sharon from Farmersville, Ca 2. Blog URL: http://www.sassybratluvs2knit.blogspot.com 3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: What ever you would like to do? Surprises are nice! 4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: I like the color Rust. I like Black and Something even with Fall Colors. Like fall leaves. 5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? Casual 6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? I don't have a preference. Last time I got one from Judy in Australia...and my bag was awesome she knitted me. 7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal):
I enjoy knitting as a hobby and I love meeting people.
I am very easy going and appreciate homemade gifts.
I love unique .

Final Notice

2006-08-11T15:48:00.000-05:00

There are still some of you who have not received your bags from Tote Exchange I. The hostesses are doing everything they can to track down your bags or line up angels to fill in. Although we are starting Tote Exchange II, we are going to continue to help those of you who are still waiting for your first bags.

Although we have been actively emailing those members with status updates, feel free to check again via the gmail account if you're not sure of the status. It is terribly disappointing to get "stiffed" and we are doing all we can to avoid that outcome.

Thank you Hostesses!!!

2006-08-11T15:40:00.000-05:00

Before Tote Exchange II kicks into gear I want to send a big thank you to the hostesses of Tote Exchange I. All of your hard work made this a very enjoyable and rewarding experience for us participants. This is the first exchange I've participated in and I was very impressed. Thank you for being so generous with your time and energy to make this a successful exchange!

International Tote Exchange II

2006-08-11T14:03:00.000-05:00

It's time to kickoff International Tote Exchange II. This exchange will include the exchange of a hand-knit or crocheted bag which may be felted or not. If you're interested in joining, read the rules at International Tote Exchange II and if still interested, send an email to toteexchangehostesses @ gmail . com (no spaces, of course!) that includes:

your name
online nickname (if applicable, i.e. Kim in NJ)
e-mail address
street address
phone number
blog address (if applicable)

This information will only be available to the Hostesses and your
Secret Pal. We will then send you an invitation to join the blog. Once
you have joined, you need to complete the questionnaire and post it on
the blog. Signups will close on August 25, 2006 and all totes must be
delivered by October 31, 2006.

Let me know if you have any questions and I hope you will join in the
fun. TOTE ON!

Bonnie

Pregnancy Brain

2006-08-07T11:13:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, I have a bad case of pregnancy brain so please forgive me! I received an AMAZING bag last week and with a last minute trip to NYC I totally forgot to post about it here... So please forgive me! This bag is simply amazing!!! I LOVE IT!!! It's grey with green trim and a lovely silver button.

The best part - it even has knitted/felted compartments so I can put things in various places in the bag and not get them mixed up:

Oh how I love this bag!!!! It was made by the amazing Kish and I am just in awe! Kish thank you so much - I will be using this bag all winter long!

:-) Alison

Thank You Kim in NJ

2006-08-05T01:12:00.000-05:00

I've been watching all these great bags come and go so when Kim in NJ posted her creation I thought this one finally had to be mine. And it is, I received it today!!! It looked beautiful in the pictures but it is even more beautiful in person. The colors are great and the needle felted pictures on the pockets really make the bag extra special. I know that my daughter will try to claim this bag but it is MINE! And if the bag wasn't enough she also sent me some great books including a mystery by an author she knew I was eager to try. Kim - Thank you for putting so much effort and creativity into making me a bag! It will definitely be used and appreciated.

TOTE EXCHANGE 2 - (almost ready!)

2006-08-02T08:35:00.000-05:00

In a previous post, we mentioned that we will be hosting a second Tote Exchange. We are still trying to track down the last few bags in Tote Exchange 1 before opening up the next Exchange. We want to make sure we don't have any participants who didn't fulfill their commitment as they will not be allowed to participate in future exchanges.

So please be patient with us. We hope to resolve the last few issues within the next week and then we will kick off TOTE EXCHANGE 2!!

We are still looking for someone to be the "Blog Mistress" for the next exchange. If you are an experienced blogger and are interested in assisting with the creation / maintenance of the blog for the next exchange, please email toteexchangehostesses@gmail.com

Edited on 8/3/06 as follows:

We have a new Blog Mistress. Thanks, Judith!

Last Call

2006-08-02T08:34:00.000-05:00

Would the following people check their email regarding the status of their bags:

~~Sherri~~
Bonnie K
~~Tess~~
Leena
Janet
Collette
Barbara
Melanie
~~Kish~~

The beast that wouldn't die....er, I mean, dry

2006-07-31T18:29:00.000-05:00

Well, after it took a good couple more days to dry than I'd expected, the bag is finally fully completed and on its way. Although it's terribly, terribly late, I do think it came out kinda cool. I especially like the colors (if I do say so myself, lol)! I've taken some pics, though I'm not sure my camera does the colors justice (honest, I got lots of compliments whenever I worked on it ;-). Here it is unfelted.

It's a double-thickness of knitpicks Wool of the Andes, with graduating colors. The felted fabric is nice and thick---it should be good to hold a lot of stuff. Not that this matters in a bag, but it's also really warm, I discovered while sewing on the pockets. I'm really thinking of making myself mittens or slippers with the same yarn!

Below are pics of it completely finished, with straps attached, from both sides---it has pockets (slightly different sizes) on both sides. The "scenery" is needle-felted on. If my tote exchange pal doesn't like that stuff, it's generally not that hard to pull the needle-felting off (though I thought it was cute, er, obviously, or I wouldn't have put it on ).

I really enjoyed working on this and am excited about doing another exchange!

I'm the lucky one!!!!

2006-07-28T16:41:00.000-05:00

I am the lucky recipient of Miriam's bag!!! Isn't it awesome? It's a funky long shape and is lined with some really cool fabric. I can't wait to use it! Check out all the cool goodies she also sent me. Delicious chocolate (yum!), a very cool yarn magnet that I'll put on my car (my kids are going to die of embarrassment!!! hee hee), a little holder gadget for my sewing or knitting accessories, some Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora that feels heavenly and some Kareoke yarn - I think it might be the same yarn that she made the bag with! Oh and check out the adorable little flowers. One is all loopy - it looks like it might be skinny I-cord that was felted and sewn into a flower - and the other is a lacy flower. Either one will look terrific on the bag depending on my mood.

I am truly doing the happy dance. Thank you so very much, Miriam!!!! And Miriam, your sewing was terrific.

Tote Exchange Weekly Update

2006-07-27T15:52:00.000-05:00

I believe there are 17 participants who have not yet received their totes. Please check your email to see the list.

We really want to wrap this exchange up and move on to the next one so please do your best to finish your lovely projects and ship them off!

Soon to Arrive!

2006-07-26T17:29:00.000-05:00

Okay, it's a week late, but I swear, it's the coolest thing I have ever knit! I'm worried that it's a bit unusual, but at the same time I think it has some panache. I really hope that my partner likes it. This was one of those projects that had a lot of hills for me to climb.

Guilty Hostess, but Well-intentioned!

2006-07-23T15:17:00.000-05:00

Okay, much apologies to my secret purse pal. It's taken much longer than I would have liked to make this project, but I had come across various obstacles along the way that required me to use some limited creativity. Here is my purse - almost near completion!

More details about it can be seen on my blog: Counting Sheep

1st obstacle: I had run out of yarn. I had to improvise by pulling some dark purple yarn from my own stash of Cascade 220 Superwash wool. I know, I know, you're not supposed to use superwash in felted items, but I risked it anyway. I didn't feel like buying another skein just to knit the cast off edge of the ruffles.

2nd obstacle: Felting - After I felted it, it was supposed to be a clutch purse. But when I did the actual felting, it looked.. um... a bit too long lengthwise to me. So I decided to do the next best thing and make it a shoulder bag. On to hunting for a suitable purse handle.

The initial pattern calls for weaving a ribbon through the eyelet holes and leaving it as that. However, I needed a purse handle, too. I didn't like any of the purse handles I saw availabe because most of them were too short. However, after shopping at Joann's ribbon selection to look for an appropriate one, I was inspired by the leather ribbons they had availabe. A purse strap was born...

3rd obstacle: Finishing the purse strap. Should I sew the ends together or find a buckle? The hunt continues today. :)

I hope she will be patient with me. I just don't want to give her a goofy looking bag because that's how it looked like to me initally after I felted it. Heh. :P

To My Secret Pal

2006-07-23T12:59:00.000-05:00

To my pal whoever you may be - I just wanted to let you know that I will be traveling for the next two weeks so if you have sent my bag and don't hear from me I don't want you to think I don't appreciate it. There will be someone home getting the mail so it will be safe - I'll just have to wait! Hope everyone is having fun and staying cool!

Gorgeous! Soft! Stuffed with suprises!

2006-07-23T09:55:00.000-05:00

Thank you Lisa in CS!!!

Isn't my bag gorgeous? It's just so soft, too! She made it from Cascade 220 and Malabrigo. I love the colors and how they go together. And the button, isn't it divine? Really it's a fabulous bag and I feel just so lucky.

And look what was inside! A mini purse with strap, two sets of stationary, some very cute pencils (Knitting may be habit-forming), A lovely skein of Noro Kujaku, a Yarn Cocktail pattern and recipe, and a lovely note.

And take a good look at this awesome photograph. Isn't it cool! (all the photos are great).

Thanks so much, Lisa! I appreciate all the thought that you put into my bag and package. I really enjoyed your note, too.

Tote Received

2006-07-22T01:12:00.000-05:00

My bag arrived yesterday and boy oh boy was the wait ever worth it! The pattern is very similar to the one below, except it is all made in my favorte colors. I think it is just perfect! I have never attempted to tackle enterlac before so I am especially impressed. And the felting.......spectacular! I'll try to get a good photo of it tomorrow and show it off for everyone.

I'd like to give a special thanks to the hostesses of this swap. A great job was done by all and it was super organized with great communication. I look forward to the next event. I already have my bag pattern all picked out and ready to go!

Woohoo what a bag!!

2006-07-20T23:14:00.000-05:00

My bag came today all the way from Chrissie in Singapore. Words cannot say how incridebly cool this bag is. She did entrelac in a whole bunch of great colors. The picture doesn't really show them as well as I would like. As if that wasn't good enough, she then button hole stitched some embroidered felt embellishments. As you can see by the picture, it is already loaded with knitting. Thank you soooo much Chrissie! If there was a contest to see who had the best bag, I know I would win hands down!
Sue in OH

Look at the bloomin' bottom of this thing!

2006-07-20T23:02:00.000-05:00

But I can't get anything done for looking at the bottom of this thing. Is this not gorgeous! It looks like this bag bloomed.

I got my bag yesterday

2006-07-20T10:48:00.000-05:00

And I love it!
It's absolutely lovely and I call it the magic bag because it was full of surprises.
Thank You Judy!

Bag received!

2006-07-20T08:37:00.000-05:00

Look, look, a blue-and-green bag! ^^

This morning I brought it from the post office.
I love the colours - light green is my first choice and recently I've started to tend towards blues more and more! ^^, I also receive a home made soap (how did she know I love everything with goat's milk in it?!... ^v^) and the bag postcard.
In fact, it's not the bag Darla knitted for me, but because she has some problems with her right hand and cannot knit right now she didn't want to leave me without a bag in the swap, so she sent me the bag she received from her pal (great job, btw, I love the lining that matches the outside colours!). How generous! ^^
And I've immediately decided to knit a bag for her because the girl cannot be without her bag, right? *^v^*
So, Darla, expect a bag from me some time in August and thank you one more time for your parcel! ^v^

Tote Recipients Listed

2006-07-20T08:25:00.000-05:00

Today is the day everyone's bags are supposed to be in the hands of the recipient. I am posting a list of the people that we know have received their bags. If any of you have received your bag and your name is not listed, please please please let us know ASAP. We may have missed that you received your bag. We will be contacting the people who are supposed to be sending the bags very soon. If our list is accurate, only 25% of people have fulfilled their obligation.

I know that some of you have been in touch to say that your bag will be a little late so if we've heard from you, no need to email again.

Name / Nickname	Package Received?
Bonnie D.
Selina (Two-Socks)
Lisa L.
Sharon	yes
Marty
Colette (Colette in MB)
Laurie
Rose
Debra
Ann (knitting kitty)	yes
Judy (Sheep Rustler)
Sherri	yes
Vicki
Evelyn
Miriam
Bonnie K.	yes
Stephanie (Stephknits)	yes
BarBara (jesusismyrock)

Alison R.
Suzanne (IB Appiah)
JudyG.	yes
Tess
Chrissie
Linda	yes
Darla (Darla, just-ducky)
Leena (Leenat)
Wanda	yes
Sue
Joanna (Brahdelt)
Lisa E.
Melanie
Kristen (Kish)
Kim (Kim in NJ)	yes
Allison T.
Karen
Janet

Finished and Kitten Approved!

2006-07-18T13:15:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, i finally finished the bag, and it is kitten apprroved!lol, my kitten found it a very nice napping spot. I am putting it in the mail today and putting it in the express post.

-Jesusismyrock<><

Tote Exchange

2006-07-17T13:22:00.000-05:00

I am the lucky recepient of the Tasha Tote bag
that Judy (Sheep Rustler) made. I received it on
Friday and I am totally in love with this bag. She also beads
and made the sweetest brooche that is attached to the bag.
Thanks again Judy. I hope you received an email I sent to you. Sharon

ONE WEEK TO GO!!! And Tote Exchange 2!!

2006-07-14T10:05:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe that there is only one week to go until this Tote Exchange is officially over. Most of you have already completed and sent your bags and I have really enjoyed seeing everyone's works of art!

As Allison mentioned a few days ago, you all agreed to have your bag delivered to your partner by JULY 21st - next Friday. That means they should be in the mail by Tuesday at the latest for domestic delivery.

If you have an overseas partner (or you are overseas) and have not yet mailed your bag or if your bag is coming along slower than anticipated and you will not meet the domestic shipping deadline , please email the gmail account ASAP and let us know your progress and an estimated ship date. We want to let your partners know right away so they don't feel like they have been forgotten.

Finally, if life has gotten in the way and you will not be able to fulfill your obligation, please email the gmail account ASAP so we can make sure your partner is taken care of in a timely manner.

Now a little teaser... Kim, Allison and I are going to host a Tote Exchange 2!!! Please don't sign up yet as we will be busy closing down this exchange, however, we wanted to give you a heads up - tell your knitting buddies! We hope you'll all join us again. The next exchange will be similar to this one only shorter (two months from sign-up to delivery.)

Selina was our fourth hostess for this round and she did a great job maintaining the blog. She is not available for the next exchange so we'd like to solicit some help. If anyone is interested in signing up to be our "Blog Mistriss" (isn't that a cool title?), please send an email to the gmail account. The primary duties will include setting up the blog and maintaining it. We only need one person and we ask that they have blogging experience.

Bonnie
toteexchangehostesses@gmail.com

Two more things...

2006-07-13T15:15:00.000-05:00

#1 - Remember that now is the time to get your submission together for the the next issue of For the Love of Yarn (and online knit and crochet magazine). If you designed your pattern for this exchange we'd love to publish it! Go to our site (http://www.fortheloveofyarn.com) and click on the submission page on the bottom to find out how you can go about submitting your work. The Fall issue (to come out in October) is a perfect time to get your own bags pattern published (or any other patterns you want to get published)!! If you have any questions on submissions you can email me directly at editor@fortheloveofyarn.com

#2 - I just wanted to let the person who is making a bag for me know that I am leaving on Saturday for a week (heading to the beach) and will not personally get any packages until I get home. However our dog/house watcher will bring all packages in side so they are kept safe and sound until we get home... I just didn't want anyone to worry when I didn't send a thank you note!

:-) AL
http://couldbefun.blogspot.com

Bag completed, mailed, and received!

2006-07-13T15:03:00.000-05:00

Well folks I sent my bag off to Linda on Monday and she emailed me today that she got it!! As I told Linda, I joined this exchange right at the beginning of my pregnancy and it was at the time when I was still feeling good. I shopped around for yarns and patterns and I was all ready to make a nice felted bag.

Well then the morning sickness came on (that is all day sickness) and knitting made me sea sick. I always figured that it would go away. Well here I sit at 23+ weeks into my pregnancy and I am still not back to knitting. It doesn't make me that sea sick now (unless I try it in the car) but I am still not up for it. I am tired and it's a lot of effort and concentration that I am not ready for. I know that sounds lame, especially coming from me who never put her needles down before getting pregnant, but what can you do?

Well I was worried at what I was going to do for this Exchange. I was not about to drop out, and I just couldn't get someone else to knit it for me - so I decided to get crafty. I took this GAP wool sweater (child size) and felted it down in the washing machine:

I then cut and sewed it into a bag... but didn't really like the results. So I took the handles back off, and lined the bag with interfacing and some red snowflake fabric:

I then reattached the handles using the fabric with interfacing and D-rings - for a better look, stronger hold, and longer handles.

Linda - the recipient of my tote, wanted a purse big enough for her wallet, keys, cell phone, check book etc... and I think I came through for her!

Isn't it cute??? I just love it! It stands up by itself (I love that) and it's so festive for the winter!! And you don't even have to shovel it!!! It was hard to part with this bag as I just think it's so cute! Lucky for me I have a few more wool sweaters that will be meeting the washing machine soon! Linda - I'm glad you liked it!! Wear it in good health!

Sparta Bag

2006-07-13T13:35:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of the Sparta Bag that I did for my exchange person. I hope it made it to Singapore okay.

Treading Felting Waters

2006-07-13T09:48:00.000-05:00

Hoo boy, so here I go to felt my item. It's my first time felting so wish me luck. I had finished my bag a few days ago, but didn't have the time (or at the time, the nerve) to go felt something. However, with the deadline approaching soon, I can't wait anymore if I want to make sure it arrives to my pal on time. :) After that ,maybe dry for a day or so, and then the finishing touches.

Bag Finished

2006-07-12T16:31:00.000-05:00

My Felted Ruffle Bag is finally ready to go and will be shipped tomorrow so somone will be getting a surprise in the next few days! Here is a picture of the finished product! I have really enjoyed participating in this exchange and look forward to recieving my bag! Thanks All!!!!!

The END is Near . . .

2006-07-11T11:32:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!

Just wanted to remind you that the end is near! All bags should be delivered to your lucky recipients by July 21st. If you haven't already sent your bag please send an e-mail to us hostesses and let us know when you plan to send it. Thanks to all and I hope you have been enjoying this exchange as much as I have.

Another One Done!!!

2006-07-10T17:03:00.000-05:00

Here is the final project. I just finished it up today and am preparing to send it out tomorrow! I had so much fun with this tote exchange. I hope there will be another one coming up!!!

Here is a closeup of the purse. It has 3 seperate compartments inside.

Here it is full length. It isn't a good shot of the color, but you can see the dimensions a bit better.

I am anxious to hear what my partner thinks. I hope she likes it!

I Got My Tote - Happy Day!

2006-07-10T13:27:00.000-05:00

I received this tote in the mail from Debra over the Fourth of July weekend. It's great - the blue and green are my favorite colors! And it's just the right size for carrying a knitting project plus a few other essentials. Debra also included some lovely beaded stitch markers that I can't wait to use in my next project. Thanks again Debra, and I hope we meet up on another exchange sometime!

I hope this exchange gets renewed for a second go-round. I had a great time making my bag, and found so many more patterns to try.

Finished bag!

2006-07-08T22:44:00.000-05:00

My bag is finished and posted. It worked out well, and I am pleased with it, so I hope its new owner will be too! It turned out a lot roomier than I had feared. It had intended to line it, but decided that I liked the drape of it the way it is, and as it is made from Rowan Denim Knit it can be machine washed and tumble dried over and over again and will fade and get drapier each time, and I thought the lining it might prevent that from happening.

It's Here--Lucky Me!!!

2006-07-08T15:45:00.000-05:00

MANY, many thanks to Annie for the bag she made and sent me. It arrived in yesterday's mail. Wow, can't believe it was for me, particularly because I had seen and coveted it when I saw the photo that had been posted. I really like the button, too. (I am a "girl" who appreciates a good button; button-fussiness is a genetic trait among the "girls" of my family.) I also love all the other goodies that arrived with it: patterns, thyme seed (which is the one herb I forgot to plant), lovely stitch markers (that would make beautiful earrings!) and two skeins of yummy yarn. Here is a photo of the bag in its new home. THANK YOU ANNIE!!

My bag is in the mail

2006-07-08T03:48:00.000-05:00

My bag was mailed Thursday. Since it only has to go to TEXAS, I wouldn't be at all surprised if it didn't make it there by Saturday. For sure by Monday at the latest.
I hope my partner is pleased!

Thank you Secret Pal !!

2006-07-07T21:44:00.000-05:00

I received a large package addressed to me today in a great big box, boldly addressed to me from Palo Alto. I asked myself, "I don't remember ordering anything", "I don't know anybody in Palo Alto".....then it dawned on me.... this must be my bag!! And WOW, what a treat to open this package and see the amazing bag (that I had read about here in and in this knitter's blog). The orange, blue and purples are my favorites and I love the mitered pattern.

The best treat of all is that Monday is my birthday so this makes for an even more special birthday. The bag came loaded with several individually wrapped gifts which I am waiting until Monday to open for my birthday!

After reading my pal's blog, I see we have other things in common as well and I thank you Allison, in Palo Alto.
From, Judy in Cleveland

Meanwhile, I am making progress on my Lucy Bag, and hope to have it completed and felted this weekend!! It has a long way to travel so I need to get in the mail soon!

Away to Play

2006-07-07T12:21:00.000-05:00

I have no idea on this earth who pulled my name but... we're going to be away from July 10-16. (We're off to play at the beach.) Just wanted to mention this in case the bag arrived, say on July 12, and my knitter thought she was being ignored, or my knitter was working fast and furiously when she could actually relax a bit!

On another note, my bag was sent off and, while it has quite a distance to travel, the folks at the local USPS assured me it would arrive at its final destination by July 21. (We'll see...in the meantime I'll keep my fingers crossed.)

Sick computer is better now

2006-07-06T16:15:00.000-05:00

sorry I didnot post in June, my computer got sick. I just got it back from the shop. I will be posting a photo soon of the tote I just received from Sharon, my pal!

Don't Worry Alone!

2006-07-06T13:09:00.000-05:00

We've mentioned before that there was not a requirement to contact your partner in this exchange, however, now that we're down to the last couple weeks, those who have not heard from their partners are starting to worry that perhaps they've been forgotten. To ease any worries, I'd like to offer that if anyone has not heard from their partner AT ALL and is concerned, we (the hostesses) can contact your partner for confirmation that they are still actively involved. Just send an email to the gmail account and we'll email your partner.

I have communicated with almost all of the 37 members personally and I am confident that no one is going to be ditched. Although I am only speaking for myself when I say that after seeing all the cool bags posted so far, I can't wait to get mine but I bet that's what a lot of you are feeling.

And while I have your attention, let me publicly thank those of you that I've contacted over the last few days for your prompt responses! You have made your partners very happy.

Bonnie

It's on it's way!!

2006-07-03T12:56:00.000-05:00

Just got back from the post office. . .my bag & goodies are on their way to their final destination. According to the mail clerk they should arrive by Thursday so someone's mailbox will have a white box from Georgia in it!!!

This was lots of fun---thanks for inviting me to play!!!

Yeah I'm done!

2006-07-02T18:13:00.000-05:00

I have finally finished my bag and it is felted and ready to go. Now I just need to find the right box and will be shipping it off to my secret pal. More photos can be found on my blog www.resipsaknit.blogspot.com So if you haven't received your bag yet - watch your mail box and you may get a surprise shortly. This was a lot of fun to make and I sure hope my pal likes it. It has also been fun to watch as the photos of the finished bags are being posted. Thanks for the photos everyone! Happy 4th of July!

Tote Exchange

2006-07-01T09:34:00.000-05:00

In the care of UPS

As of June 30th, my pals tote is in the hands of the UPS man, and he's mighty fine:-) Anyway Ms. Bonnie....be on the lookout. They got your address and your phone number.....
Its been fun and its been real.....real fun. Thanks for sharing of this group.

Another one finished...

2006-06-30T19:22:00.000-05:00

I have finished my bag and actually have it in a box to go to the post office... once I add a note to it. I'm afraid I won't get it shipped tho till after I get back from vacation (SC with DH's family) and I can't post a pic since I haven't gotten that far with the new camera and my pal knows who I am - I don't want to spoil it for her!!

So soon

2006-06-30T16:41:00.000-05:00

Can't believe June is almost over. This has been fun seeing all the various patterns.

The June post!

2006-06-30T15:56:00.000-05:00

It's been a tough and crazy month for me, but I have my bag underway. Ah, my poor pal! It'll be worth the wait!

Bye, bye, June!

2006-06-30T13:43:00.000-05:00

Ok, so here I am just getting my June post in under the wire! My goal for this weekend is to get everything together and get the tote ready for mailing on Monday. I'm sure someone is very patiently waiting and wondering. I never did get a "secret e-mail" address, so my pal has been high and dry with no communication from me. Well, hang on a little longer, it's on the way!!!

So You Want Pictures?

2006-06-29T18:19:00.000-05:00

As promised, Evelyn, here are the pictures:

Yes, I was the lucky recipient of Evelyn's beautiful bag! I was so thrilled to receive this in the mail since it's the first time I've ever received a knitted gift during a secret exchange ( the other one I participated, well, didn't go so smoothly).

Huge thank you to Evelyn! I love it! You will also be added to the Hall of Fame. Congratulations!

Now for my June update (making it before June 30th!):

As you can see, the main body is done. I just need to finish the edging. This last step is taking me a long time because I have to knit in the front and back of every stich... for 3 rows! That adds a LOT of stitches. Fortunately, it's a good project to take along to knitting groups when I need something simple to knit and don't require so much concentration. I'm s l o w l y getting to the finished line. I did eventually chose to knit with Frog Tree alpaca in purple.

It's done!

2006-06-29T12:33:00.000-05:00

My bag is done, lined & justa bout ready to be wrapped & boxed up! I need to gather my other little "goodies" & get to the post office either tomorrow or Weds (Saturday we'll be in ATL shopping).

I LOVED doing this pattern & hope my partner likes it!!

Photos Please!

2006-06-29T11:14:00.000-05:00

Hey Ladies:

Glad everyone is enjoying the Exchange and it sounds like lots of bags are being worked on fast and furiously! I want to ask people to please, please post photos so we can see all the wonderful work. Post a photo of your bag before you send it. Then those of us reading the blog can ooh and aaah and hope it will show up in our mailbox. Post of photo of it when you receive it - funny thing is that the bags often look different when they arrive (different lighting and cameras of course but still fun to compare). For instance - I can't seem to find a photo of Collette's bag that was sent and received - is it on the blog? If you're having trouble posting then e-mail the photo to us hostesses at the gmail account and we'll post if for you if we can. Anyway - just a plea for photos as we really want to see what all this effort is creating! Have a wonderful 4th of July everyone and here's hoping we all have lots of time to knit this weekend (we can hope anyway!)

Against the clock

2006-06-28T16:30:00.000-05:00

I've been knitting furiously to meet the deadline, and tonight the main body of the bag took a trip through the washing machine. I like the effect, but my husband thinks it should be felted more. I'll make the handles while I decide what to do.
Hope to get the finished article in the post next week.

Almost done

2006-06-28T14:24:00.000-05:00

Only three more inches left to go. I'm so slow because the yarn I have chosen is hard on my hands, but it is very beautiful and I am anxious to finish and get this tote in the mail!

My tote is out the door!!

2006-06-28T13:31:00.000-05:00

You should have it by Saturday.. Hope you like it.
blessings, debra

Tote Exchange

2006-06-28T11:33:00.000-05:00

I have finished my pal's tote, and hope to get it in the mail by this weekend. I hope she likes it and hopefully she will post a picture as I have been having troubles doing that...This has been alot of fun and would love to do this again sometime.

I got my tote!

2006-06-27T23:38:00.000-05:00

I was the lucky recipient of Colettes fair isle bag. the bag is darker than the picture depicts.. but I love it- reminds me of roses. Thank you Colette.
I got my handles yesterday, I put them on today. Hope to have the bag out in the next few days..
blessings,debra

June message

2006-06-27T20:58:00.000-05:00

I have completed several bags, ready to felt, and have a couple more still in the works. I just got back from a trip to L.A. I spent 7 hours in the airport waiting for our return flight to Cleveland and made alot of progress knitting !!! I'm looking forward to hearing more from my secret pal and the actual bag exchange too.

Getting There

2006-06-27T20:22:00.000-05:00

I thought I had posted in June but it turns out that my last post was 31 May, so an understandable mistake there!

I have finished knitting my bag, but I need to sew in ends and wash the pieces and sew them together. Then I intend lining it.

I have made a pin to go with it, which I really think turned out well - my daughter wants it so I have had to promise her one of her own!

checking in

2006-06-27T19:59:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, just checking in for the month of June, i am still working on the bag, but it is going good, it has just been so so busy around here, so the bag is coming slowy but surely. Well i guess i better go get working on the bag. ttfn.

BarBara<><

Checking in for June

2006-06-27T19:41:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone. I'm just checking in for the month of June. My bag is pretty much done. I'll be taking pictures this weekend and get it in the mail on Monday. I've enjoyed this whole exchange thing. I love surprising people!

Vicki

Still a blobb

2006-06-27T14:57:00.000-05:00

Hi All -- I am writing this update to say hi, and to give the hosts one less person to email :-) The bag is still a "blobb" of knitting, so no pictures to post, but I must say it's coming out nicely!

I love looking at every's finished product!! Way to go ladies - you all have raised the bar pretty high!!

decisions decisions

2006-06-25T13:28:00.000-05:00

i have been meaning to post and then i couldn't remember how...reread the directions...duhhhhhhh.

i have finished one bag, just need handles and some finishing touches on 2 others. as soon as i finish the handles and final touches, i'm going to post them on another site that i frequent and see which one they think i should send...i really like them all. and they are each really different from each other.

if i really like them and want to keep them, hopefully the person on the other end will like which ever one i end up sending.

i have accrued some cute little goodies to fill the bag with as well...

decisions decisions which shall i send??

i'll post again when i make my decision and get it in the mail.

have a great week.......Lisa in college station.

Nearly done!

2006-06-24T21:07:00.000-05:00

My Via Diagonale is done, the straps sewn on & the lining is all that's left to do!

With any luck I'll get it done this week (hectic week w/ MOMS stuff ) & then it'll be on it's way to my partner!

ATTN: TOTE - EXCHANGER'S!

2006-06-24T14:24:00.000-05:00

Have you posted your June update yet? I don't mean to nag, but only less than 50% of our members have posted for June about their Bag's progress and there's only less than one week of June left! Help a poor hostess out so that she doesn't have so many e-mails to send to remind people to post. :)

time to say goodbye...

2006-06-24T13:13:00.000-05:00

I see it is time to say goodbye to my Via Diagonale and send it on its way to my secret pal. My daughter loves this bag so I had to pack it up when she wasn't looking.

So pal I hope you like it too - it will be on your doorstep in a few days.

Bag is on the way to you! ^^

2006-06-24T09:28:00.000-05:00

Today I completed my parcel and sent the bag to one of you! ^^ It may take some time to get to its destination since it's an overseas route but I hope it'll make it in time for the deadline.
This was fun and I already want to join another bag swap. *^v^*

Bag is Complete!

2006-06-23T10:38:00.000-05:00

OK, I declare that this will be the most lame post EVER because I finished my bag, mailed it to my pal and failed to take a final photo! Curses! It's a celadon green felted bag with two thin, black bands down the front, black I-cord trim around the top, black leather straps, a fabulous lining and a magnetic snap.

I have asked my pal to send me a picture of it when she receives it so that I can post it here. For now I'll say that I'm pleased with how it came out. I almost wanted to keep it for myself, but as I am the original bag addict, I really don't need another bag.

This was fun, and I hope that we do another round 'cause I can make bags all day.

Just About Finished

2006-06-21T20:59:00.000-05:00

Here is a recent picture of the tote. I felted it today. I had so much fun doing it, as I have never done a felted project before. It did make me really nervous that it would shrink too much, or get all mangled in the wash. I used Lambspride Bulky and it worked really well! All of the pieces and parts to the purse are in the picture. I tried to take a picture of the 3 pockets on the inside, but they didn't turn out. Hopefully I can have it assembled and mailed out by the weekend!

Thank you, Thank you to my Pal

2006-06-21T12:53:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much Sue in Ohio for my great bag. When I stopped by my mailbox yesterday (it's not at my house, so I admit that sometimes it takes me a week or so to remember to fetch the mail), I saw that I had a package and went totally blank for a moment. I couldn't figure out who would be sending me something, and I was confused even further when I saw the "joann fabrics" on the box. I do believe that denial is a highly underrated coping strategy, but if I've started purchasing things in my sleep, I'm going to worry!

But of course, it all came clear when I opened the box and saw my fabulous new tote! It's really fascinating, because it's a bit of an unusual shape---like a felted basket or bucket kind of shape, but with straps for carrying. Very, very cool. I love the "fabric," too---it's a great blue color overall, but has an underlying multicolored thread. I'm not sure I'm describing it very well, I'm afraid, but it really is great.

I'm going to try to get some photos over the next couple of days to post on the "hall of fame" section. In the meantime, though, thanks again, Sue. I really like it a lot!

Now, in other news, I must sheepishly admit that I'm nowhere near done with the tote I'm knitting for my other pal, but I am working on it. The second set of yarn has been purchased and a rather large swatch, which might, in fact, become either a pocket or a little "extra" bag (seriously, it's a big swatch) has been knit, felted, and dried. The bottom of the bag is cast on and begun, so now it's just a matter of keeping knitting! So to all who've not yet gotten your bags, one of whom is my pal, don't lose faith! The tote is coming along!

Tote Exchange

2006-06-19T15:10:00.000-05:00

Tote Exchange
Hello all!
I have been having such a hard time posting here - hopefully, this will not get sent off to some unknown blogsphere!
I am diligently working on my pal's tote. It has been going slow, though, due to the fact that my carpal tunnel has decided to flare up at the very moment I DON'T want it to!!! So, what would usually take me a few days to complete, is now taking me weeks. But, I plod on.
Hopefully, I will have pictures to post by the end of the week. Say a prayer that my hand gets better soon. Due to medical history, I am not allowed to take anti-inflammatory drugs, so the hand has to heal on its own. If you guys have any ideas to heal my hand sooner, let me know!!
Later, everybody!
Just-Ducky

All Done and Ready to Go

2006-06-19T14:57:00.000-05:00

It's knitted; it's felted; it's assembled--whew! I really like how this backpack came out--for starters it doesn't look like a cow-udder warmer anymore. (See my post from May 11 for the "during" photo). It has pockets on the back and inside, the straps are adjustable and you can cinch it shut. I think it's big enough to carry a fair amount of stuff while not so big that you'd loose everything in its dark recesses. My favorite detail, though, is the button, which is modeled after an old-fashioned American buffalo nickel. It's the nice finishing touch for a bag made by an American who lives in the West.

Sadly the youthful figure in the photo does not belong to me, but rather to my DD who I coerced into modeling. Many thanks to Allison and her post about the endless band; her perseverance inspired me to do the final assembly on this. It's off to the post office tomorrow a.m. for the bag's long journey to its new home.

This has been a lot of fun for me and got me to try a pattern that I had literally been contemplating for 2 1/2 years. I sure hope the recipient likes it. AND I'd love to take part again if there's ever another tote exchange.

Thank you Linda

2006-06-18T20:14:00.000-05:00

I received a really pretty bag from Linda a few weeks ago. I have been back and forth to California and haven't had a chance to post a picture. Thank you very much for the wonderful bag.

Also my bag went in the mail on Wednesday to Singagpore.

Wanda

Mine almost done!

2006-06-17T17:16:00.000-05:00

I ordered handles yesterday for my bag that was finished before I had the baby. So hopefully by the end of next week my bag will get sent out.
blessings,debra
http://woolieacres.blog-city.com

And the Band goes on and on and on and on . ..

2006-06-17T11:01:00.000-05:00

I'm diligently working away on my pal's bag. I started with the front piece. It was fun to knit and went fairly quickly. Then I began - THE BAND. You knit a band about 16 stitches wide, it forms the side, then the handle then the other side and then the bottom. Little did I know it would take me MY ENTIRE LIFE to knit the thing. Each side is supposed to have 140 rows but after 111 and decided it was the right size to fit. Then the handle is over 200 rows - I also shortened that as I'm pretty sure my pal is not an orangutang (sp?) I knit that side and then about half of the handle and couldn't take it any more. So I knit the back of the bag. That went quickly and was also fun to knit. But I finished that so I'm back to THE BAND. And I'm knitting and knitting and knitting. My dearest pal - I haven't forsaken you - I'm just still knitting!

Almost done and then...

2006-06-16T17:34:00.000-05:00

Well here the bag is pre-felting. It doesn't look too exciting, but I will be using some embelishments on it after I felt it. It actually has 3 pockets on the inside and I really liked knitting it! I have it all stitched up and I am ready to put the strap on, but....I ran out of yarn. So I will have to pick up some more at my LYS tomorrow. I am going out with a friend anyway for my stashalong day off. No need to twist my arm for a reason to buy more yarn :).

Bag finished

2006-06-14T03:22:00.000-05:00

The bag finally felted and is now drying. The fabric is so thick it feels bulletproof! I have posted a picture on my blog. I hope my pal likes it. I am going to post it from the UK because I am leaving Singapore in less than a week's time, so if whoever is making me a bag has not yet sent it email me for my UK address please. Now I have to knit 6 more felted bags within a week as presents, but they will definitely not be as complicated as this one, the others will all be in plain stockinette.

2006-06-13T18:47:00.000-05:00

Here is my bag pre felting. I still need to add handles. This was my first project using fair isle knitting and I loved it.

2006-06-13T18:46:00.000-05:00

Here is a close up of my bag so you can see the pattern This is pre felting.

2006-06-13T18:45:00.000-05:00

Here is a photo of my finished bag. It will be in the mail by Monday, latest.

Still working, a bit behind, but still working!

2006-06-13T10:24:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone. Just wanted to post that I'm still working on the bag! In fact, I've kinda re-started working on the bag now. When last I posted, I'd determined from my swatch that the combination of yarns that I wanted to use wasn't going to work (they felted at different rates). So I went ahead and ordered new yarn (because basically, I will accept *any* excuse to order new yarn!). It's the Andean wool from Knit Picks, since my bag will be felted.

And now, I've begun again. The good news (aside from my having an excuse to order more yarn, that is ;-) is that the colors (chosen from the internet) are really pretty together.

So if there's anyone else out there still working---take heart, you are not alone! I'll post again when I have more news.

June update

2006-06-12T15:36:00.000-05:00

I finished the knitting on Saturday evening and felted the bag last night. Now I just have to wait for it to dry before I assemble it all. I made a felted backpack so there's still the sewing on of straps and so on. I'm very please with how the yarn--a "heather"-- felted. It will be tough to let this one go! Will post a photo when it's all together and ready to be shipped.

Saying goodbye....

2006-06-10T15:14:00.000-05:00

OK, I put it in it's box and had to close it quickly so it wouldn't try to stay here.
I love this bag, if I may take a moment to brag...
Hope my bag buddy likes it as much as I do.
I will take it to the PO tomorrow and it will be on it's way.
Sue in OH

Junebug Thoughts....

2006-06-09T06:45:00.000-05:00

Here we are, almost at the midpoint of the exchange! Whew! Now would be a good time to remind folks of the helpful people at your local post office. They have tracking services so that you can monitor your parcel's travel progress to its destination. They have a FAQ on how to package properly as well as how to ensure safe delivery of your package! For the international folks, some of these FAQ's might be useful to you, too.

The US Post Office

Remember, all packages must be received by July 21. If you'd like to know how long the mail delivery system takes to get to a certain destination, I would suggest talking to your local Post Office or going to the website.

Good luck everyone! I look forward to posting some pictures soon in the Hall of Fame!

Post if you've Received your bag

2006-06-09T05:52:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone is having fun creating their bag! The pictures posted so far have been wonderful. I can't wait to see more!

I just wanted to post a note on behalf of the hostesses to remind you that if you've received your bag, we'd like to know! And don't forget to let the person who created your bag know as well.

Also, if you haven't already done so, I'd like to suggest you contact your partner. Although it wasn't required, I think some people are getting worried that they haven't heard from their person. If you don't have an anonymous email address, feel free to send an email to the gmail account and I'll send your email under that address so you can remain anonymous.

Bonnie

Finished bag photo teaser......

2006-06-05T00:41:00.000-05:00

Here is the finished photos of my bag. One of the design features that you can't see is that I put in a grommet on the side of the bag. This is so that if she wants to use the bag as a knitting bag she can keep her yarn inside the tote run the working yarn outside the bag to knit with if she wants to. I thought that would maybe be a neat feature that would keep the yarn from perhaps tangling especially if she was doing color work. As you can see the bag has especially long handles so she can carry it across her body if she wants to. It's got a nice sturdy bottom and a heavy rim so it stands up fairly well on its own.

I hope she likes it.

Lisa

Felting

2006-06-04T23:30:00.000-05:00

The bag is now felting in the washing machine. I decided that, since I asked for a modular knit bag, I should attempt a smilarly difficult one for my exchange partner. The bag is entrelac + crochet + appliques, rather colorful, with a circular base with a bucket bag. It was quite large before felting but I do not know what it will be like after the washing machine gets through with it. Will post a picture after it's felted and the handles sewn on properly.

Felted Knitting Bag is finished

2006-06-04T07:03:00.000-05:00

I've finished the bag for my Exchange Pal (my second felted project ever! ^^) and I'll be sending it to one of you next week, so check your mailboxes in the second half of June, girls!
(*^-^*)
I call it the Knitting Bag because it's roomy enough for a pair of straight needles and some yarn, but of course my Pal will use it the way she chooses.
If anyone's interested, here you can find the free pattern for this bag, because I designed it myself. >^v^<

sassybratluvs2knit

2006-06-02T15:38:00.000-05:00

sassybratluvs2knit

If anyone has any questions for me regarding B4 Bag, or other knitting questions,feel free to email me...if I can answer your questions , I would be happy to
at slamb@sunpacific.com or s_toolesassybrat2@yahoo.com

It is done!

2006-05-31T23:27:00.000-05:00

Well all except the felting, my bag is done! I am quite pleased with how it turned out. My pal will have a totally handmade bag. Totally hand made as in from raw sheep fleece to handspun yarn to hand dyed and knit bag. I can only hope she likes it. In reading her likes and dislikes, I know she wanted something kind of big for carrying lots of stuff, but that she also wanted something funky. Well, big I can do, but funky....well not so much. I'm afraid I did more of a traditional stripe job. But I did incorperate her favorite colors with only an alternate accent color thrown in.

Now I'll have to decide if I'll mail it right away or make her wait hehehehe!

Lisa

She's a beauty

2006-05-31T19:13:00.000-05:00

Here is the finished bag, I think it looks great to me.

I made up the pattern, used two strands of yarn held together, one was a Galaway and the other was a handpainted sock yarn.

I think I might have seperation anxiety sending this one off.

Hope my buddy likes it!

Sue in OH

FINALLY got started!!

2006-05-31T17:54:00.000-05:00

I've lost track of when I am supposed to have posted on here, but here goes anyway. I have been agonising over bag patterns for what feels like ages. Everything I looked at wasn't quite right, or I couldn't decide on the right yarn, or I couldn't find the right yarn for it. I had decided that I would definitely use yarn from my stash rather than buying it - and as I have a LARGE STASH that isn't being mean, it's just something I have been trying hard to do all year. I knew I could knit something really nice from my stash, it was just a question of what. After much, much thinking, I have decided not to do a felted bag, but this ... Tasha from Knitty ... as I have had some Rowan Denim maturing in the stash for ages, and it struck a chord with something my pal said in her questionnaire. I only started it last night but it looks like it will knit up quite quickly. I am planning to line it, which isn't in the pattern, but I want to chose some nice fabric (also from the stash, I have a fabric stash too!) that complements the denim look. It won't be a huge bag, but my pal didn't say anything about size, and I think it will be really pretty. If I have time I am hoping to make a pin or something to put on it as well.

It's certainly big

2006-05-31T14:05:00.000-05:00

A last minute entry for May. I agonised long and hard, choosing my pattern, then got down to knitting...and knitting...and knitting.
Here's the result:

Ok, at first inspection it looks like a knitted boulder. Not very inspiring, but not too bad. The disturbing part is when you realise that what's inside that boulder is ... me. And yes, I am a full sized adult. This thing is a monster, and it doesn't want to felt!

Back to the drawing board in June!

Bag almost ready!

2006-05-29T08:52:00.000-05:00

Just to let my Pal know that her bag is almost finished! ^^ I knitted it last weekend, and it's felted this morning, and when I took it out of the washing machine - I LOVE it!!! ^^ (and I hope my Pal will love it, too).
(Yes, I've changed the pattern - I was supposed to knit the unfelted bag from the pattern I found on the Web, but then it turned out that there was someting wrong with the pattern and the bag didn't look nice, so I changed it into my own pattern - I was anxious whether it'll turn out nice, but now I know I can proudly share the pattern with anyone interested - I'll post it to my blog when the bag gets dry so I can take pictures. ^-^)

I also want to let my Pal who's knitting the bag for me know that I received your mail, I'll answer you soon (I didn't have access to Internet recently).

I hope everyone's so happy with their bags as I am! ^^
Happy knitting!

2006-05-27T02:46:00.000-05:00

well, here I go again. The first try in felting this bag did not go well, apparently I miss read one of the yarns used and it ended up to be a washable wool, and well it didn't felt. So I will give it another try. But, I know my secret pal will not be disapointed with the final (and correct) outcome.
So with no further delay - a knitting I will go, a knitting I will go......

Good thing Lost was 2 hrs long last night. . .

2006-05-25T07:14:00.000-05:00

because it bought me some good uninterrupted knitting time! I finished the body of the bag for my Pal & today will decide if I'm going to do knitted straps or leather ones. Then the lining & it'll be on it's way to my pal!

I like the way the bag came out (have decided to make it for myself this fall in cream & brown) but wish it was a little smaller. I really think once the handles are on I'll feel differently.

Nothing like waiting....

2006-05-24T17:05:00.000-05:00

... until the last minute to post for May :-)

You see -- I am somewhat here, hiding in my corner, afraid to show my face. The reason... well I haven't started my bag yet. You see I have a good excuse... well sort-of.

For the past 9+ weeks, knitting has made me horribly sea sick! Yup! Can you believe it? It's sad but true. It's only in the last few days that picking up my needles hasn't made me want to run and barf... but unfortunately I have yet to start on my bag!

What's taking so long you may ask? Well I still need to pick the perfect pattern, the perfect yarn, and the perfect time to get it all done. I have some ideas, some cool fresh new idea that is going to make for a totally perfect gift... I just need to get it from my head to my needles.

So, that's my excuse... but have no fear... my June post will soooo have a WIP update if not a FO report... I promise!! :-)

-Alison
http://couldbefun.blogspot.com

P.S. If anyone created their bag from their very own pattern design and wants to have it published on the new online knit/crochet magazine For the Love of Yarn - send me a note at editor@fortheloveofyarn.com - I'd love to get your patterns published on the site!

Still working and a thank you

2006-05-24T16:24:00.000-05:00

Wow, I'm feeling like a real slug right about now. I'm not finished. I'm not close to finished. In fact, depending on how you look at it, I'm not quite started yet! I did pick out the pattern, and I got some yarn and swatched, but.....

I just don't like how the swatch turned out. I think it was a problem that I used two different kinds of yarn, though I felted with both of them before (and they both felt nicely). I think the problem is that they didn't quite felt at the same rate, so instead of a nice rectangular swatch in stripes, I got a, well, not quite sure what you'd call the shape, other than "not quite right" .

So I'm re-evaluating. Still planning on making the same bag, but I think I'm going to order up some new yarn and go from there.

But in the meantime, I want to send a big thank you to my pal (whoever she may be ;-) for the lovely package she sent with personalized address stickers with the cutest little knitting sheep on them AND the most adorable little change purse. It's a knit sock with a purse top on it (and it's even lined). If I can figure out how to get the camera working, I'll take a picture, cause it's completely adorable! It also made my month, since my family is going through a bit of challenge at the moment (we seem to be having dueling health crises---just not fun!). So thank you very much, pal. Your thoughtfulness is really lovely!

Well, off I go on a yarn hunt. I'll post again once I've made some progress!