Polka Dots in Different Sizes

When I find a material that I like I buy enough to make two bags - a larger project bag and a smaller DPN bag.  I play around with the contrasting colors a lot, yellow on the front on the smaller bag, orange on the larger bag.  This is partially because I enjoy color, partially because I don't always buy enough of one color to do all the pockets in it on both bags.  In this case the orange linen was upcycled from an old tablecloth.  Here's the interior of the smaller bag. 

 That's the side with the two pockets, one for a cell, one for make-up or odds and ends. 

It can be hard to gauge the difference in size from just measurements (at least if you're me, and very visual), so here's a picture of the two bags next to each other.  

In the larger bag I've been able to fit projects up to the size of a baby blanket, it's surprisingly roomy.  The smaller bag is great for socks and the like.  Both are for sale on etsy :)

- D

Stash Busting, Pt 2

Yes, another pair of socks.  What can I say?  They're fast, they generally only use one skein of yarn, and I can give someone something useful when they're done.  Of course, since this pattern is called "Baby's First Sock" I mistakenly though I'd gift it to someone with a newborn.  Ha!  They fit my best friend's three year old.  The pattern is from Interweave Knits Accessories 2009 issue, which I love.  I've made five of the patterns in this issue, which is a lot for me.  This was the first pair of socks that I've made that, instead of using short rows to shape the heel, just had me bind off using the three needle bind off method.  It was certainly easier.  Here are the socks;

As you can see from the skein at the top of the photo, the pattern didn't use as much yarn as I'd hoped!  I think I have enough left to make another pair.  I finished the socks last night, and I also finished the yellow and blue bag I've been working on for about a week.  I love this material - it screamed 'summer!' at me from across the store - though there's no denying that it's bright. 

Which I, of course, played up with the teal and yellow contrasting fabric.  I thought that this time I'd take some pics of my process, and the bag as it was being made.  Here's a shot of the interior;

It doesn't look like much, but on the left side is a pocket, next to it is an elasticized pouch, them five spaces for DPN needles and another pocket.  I have to sew it all flat before I assemble the bag and it becomes this;

(Recognize the yarn? *g*).  Similarly, when I'm sewing spaces for longer needles I use actual needles to mark where I'm going to sew.

That way I can be sure that I have the appropriate fullness of material between the pins.  As you can see, I have a fondness for bamboo needles.  All of this work goes into creating the bag's interior.

But since it's 90-something out and there's no A/C in my sewing room I won't be doing any more sewing today!  I'm going to hang out on the couch in the living room in front of our window unit & read a book, instead.

- D