I found the yarn for the knitting bag!

Once I found the pattern for my knitting bag it did not take too long for me to find the yarn I wanted.

The pattern called for Patons Classic Wool 100g. Of course it did! The pattern was created by Patons. However, being the thrifty woman that I am I looked around the Internet to find a good deal. When I looked on Patons the classic wool was not on sale. So, I browsed around several on line yarn stores. I found what I was looking for on www.knitpicks.com. I enjoyed the easy browsing feature and the sale on 100% Peruvian Highland Wool.

I redesigned the colors of the bag. I went with my personal favorite combination of navy blue, yellow, green, and white.

When the yarn arrives I will share the colors I selected. I am curious to see how close the color swatches on my monitor compare with the actual colors.

I need a new Knitting Bag!

As you can see from the photo, I am in need of a new knitting bag.!

I'm not even sure where this cute paper bag with ribbon handles came from. I love the rectangle shape. It can hold a few small projects at the same time, yet is shallow enough that there is not too much hiding on the bottom of the bag. However, the paper is not holding up well, and I have lost a few items out of the bottom corner...

So, my search began. Of course the thrifty side of me started by looking for a free pattern. BINGO! I found one. It is unbelievable how many free patterns are out there! The trick of course is can you follow the instructions??? That is a post for another day.

I started by googling felted knitting bags. You could spend a whole day, maybe even a whole weekend looking through all the patterns. I finally found one that I liked through the ravelry.com web site.

This was found at www.patonsyarns.com, via the Ravelry web site. The things I like about this bag are the big opening at the top, the attached handles, and the ability I have to make it a bit shorter so it is more of a rectangle. Also, this will help me to achieve another of my goals for 2010, felting something.

Next, finding the yarn for the project...

Weavers Guild of Minnesota Open House

Here is a great opportunity to see the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in action. They are having an open house this Sunday, January 16th from 11:00 - 2:00.

They have a great gift shop with knitted, felted, crocheted, and woven items. Also, this is a great place to buy gifts. They have jewelry, scarves, handbags, and my personal favorite...the bargain room.

That is where I bought some interesting yarns.

I have not had a chance to use the glow in the dark purple yet!

I'm Rolling My Eyes Now!!

OK I can cross of goal #11 off my list. I now know how to make a knitted ruffled edge.

I found out through some very basic research one way to make the ruffle on the edge of your knitting. Also, my mom let me know of another way.

Option 1 Thanks MOM!!
If you will be knitting with size 8 needles for the main part of your item, then start with size 11 and knit for a row, then switch to size 10 for a row, then switch to size 9 for a row, then switch to size 8 for the remainder of your work.

Option 2 Thanks Google!!
Cast on four times as many stitches as you need. In the first row knit 2 stitches together across the row. In the second row knit or purl 2 stitches together across the row.

HELLO!!!

So cool, now I'll have to try it.

One more Goal for 2010

Learning to knit a ruffled edge is my #11 for 2010.

I have always wondered how this is done. It is probably super easy and I'll roll my eyes once the mystery is revealed to me.

Baby blankets for Africa

While I am in my lull waiting to be inspired for the next great project, or starting in on my 2010 resolutions...I have been working on a baby blanket. In Africa many newborn babies die because of the cold. A lot of Africa is desert, so even though it is very hot in the day time, it is also cold in the night.

The blankets need to be about 30 x 30 inches. They can be made from cotton or acrylic yarn, NO wool is recommended! They also like light colored yarn. I'm not sure why this is??

If you feel inspired to help, or just need to knit something for someone else, you will find all the information you need at the Global Health Ministries. http://www.ghm.org.

Knitting Goals for 2010

As a perpetual planner and strong believer in setting goals...I have created the following list for myself for 2010...

1. Finish the Coral Sweater!! Really all I need to do is attach the sleeves!!

2. Explore all that Ravelry has to offer. I joined, but have not done more than that!

3. Make something to felt.

4. Try ordering yarn on-line. The prices seem to be great. I want to find out if the colors will be close and the service will be fast.

5. Visit more local yarn shops.

6. Attend a knitting event this spring.

7. Make a knitting basket. This one may be the felting project I am looking for.

8. Teach someone how to knit.

9. Find a nice yarn for knitting dish cloths.

10. Knit a sweater for me! (I already have the pattern picked out.)