Focus on Finishing: Bags & Texting Mitts

Pattern:  Matese.  Designed by Amy Christoffers (from Booklet #356).

This is a paid pattern / Berroco, Inc.

I used Berroco Espresso, Colorway Sand 7963 - 1 Hank.

This was a fun knit - I think I have another Hank of green fiber to create another bag.  (in my stash someplace).  It is about 12" x 11".

Yes, I finish-finished the Texting Mitts, too.  Sewing in the 'thumb' was new to me - easier to finish up the 2nd one.   This was a kit from Wool and the Gang - Montana Mittens.   Sugar Baby Alpaca Yarn, Color Quetzal Green.   

This project, I found in a box.   I won a Zoom Loom and 3 balls of yarn.   Made the squares, and somehow put it away - never put it together.   I think, not sure, that it was a giveaway thru Facebook.  Schacht Spindle Co & Classic Elite Yarns.   My plan was to sew the strips together and fold them into a Tolt Folded Bag.   So I hope to get the 3rd row of squares put together & now that I found the ball of yarn, can sew the 3 rows together.   Fingers crossed this works.

 

Stitches Midwest

DD and I visited two days.   I don't know how anybody can visit for just one day.   We enjoyed spending time together and being inspired by all the wonderful things we saw!

Above:  some of the free things from vendors.  I enjoyed the Clover booth, esp when the tatting was on display.   

Below:  some of the purchased things!   

 The green Lantern Moon ort pouch was grabbed up by me in a hurry.  Was 50% off.   Below - you can see a couple of the free patterns I picked up (hat/mitten set and lace scarf), the Nirvana acrylic "lamb" box for notions (mine currently has stitch markers, tatting shuttles), the beautiful Erin Lane bag, souvenir pin (a.k.a. Stitches GEAR - I feel fortunate as there weren't many to be had), and couple Zoom Loom squares I made with yarn purchases.

The cord in the photos was made on 6-peg knitting spool.   Stitches Midwest has "extreme stash" in the hall outside the vendor area.   There are 10 - 11" cuts of yarns (I wish they were longer!!!) of a variety of fibers.   On our 2nd day - as we were leaving, I noticed so many little pieces still there -- grabbed some and made a 26" cord using 3 fibers at a time.   Enjoyed putting those pieces to use.   I think the idea is to "sample" yarns & colors - not sure how to knit or crochet with such short yarn pieces.   Below - the paper near the yarns.

 

 These are G R E A T.   half crochet hooks on a finding.   Can be hooked to your bag, your project, your tools.   Nice for tatting, knitting, beading ... the list goes on.  They have awesome accessories (incl sport theme).  Etsy store link HERE.

 On day 2, I met Galina Khmeleva + she autographed my book! More information about the author, opportunity to attend workshop, etc. on the Lafayette Lacemaker blog post - LINK HERE.

 This yarn, cord, wool/tencel blend -- link HERE, was marked down to $2 a ball - and I didn't hesitate to try it out on the Zoom Loom!   Lovely colors.   

 This yarn (Artisanal Yarn from Pennsylvania)  was $5 and again, used on the Zoom Loom (pin loom) right away.   The booth was loaded with a variety of colors - fibers - types of fibers spun into yarns.   Very unique!

 Project bag (Makers' Mercantile booth) ... never seem to own enough of them.  This charming bag already put to use.

 Hello Kitty project bag -- and came with stitch markers!    I put my Good For Ewe yarn balls inside.   I may continue making squares on the pin loom (Zoom Loom) or may knit up a blanket with pattern DD has.

 Could not resist . . . Knit baah Purl one of my fav places to visit.  

 Thank you Skacel!  The yarn, hook, instruction from the FREE Crochet class.   DD and I did okay.   We hooked, ripped out, hooked, repeat.   I think we learned a lot in an hour ; )

Already have 2017 on the calendar ....