I'm jumping the gun, but I haven't had a FO post in a while, and I have sent this little beauty off. I have this compulsion that as soon as I make something for someone I want to send it to them right away. Anyone else like that? So even though this is a present for my Mom for Mother's Day, it is already winging its way to her.
Years ago I made myself a bag out of a two blocks, knit rather large. I sewed them together and put on a handle. I even lined it. It is not the worlds best made bag, but I use it ALL the time. I knit it in fisherman's wool, held double on 7mm needles, and for whatever reason it never made it to my blog. So here it is, in all it's glory: the prototype.
Now, several months ago my Mom joined Ravelry and the first thing she said was that she loved the tree of life block that I had made. It is actually called Tree Breeze, but we both prefer Tree of Life. I had been thinking of remaking the bag, but this time in the round--I just hate seams. Thus was the next bag born. Here's what I did:
Bought some gorgeous wool. It is called Araucania Lauca, and it is 80% Wool, 10% Silk, 10% Camel. Camel for goodness sake--how cool is that? I chose green because I thought it suitable for a bag with a tree on it. Buying wool for presents doesn't count in my wool buying ban, see, another loop hole!!
To make the bag I used the Tree Breeze block from Knitting Block by Block by Nicky Epstein I've talked about this book on numerous occasions, I love it!
Using a circular needle I did a provisional cast on, enough stitches for a block front and back, and then an extra 20 for each side. I joined in the round, placed my markers, and off I went. I made the same block on each side so it was reversible. Here's what it looks like:
I lined it as well, because hand sewing anything really shows your love. At least, it does in my opinion!
I'm pleased with how it turned out. I used the Kitchener stitch on the provisional cast on at the bottom, and it does appear to be seamless. I also really like the way the yarn variegation shows up. All in all, a success. Love you Mom!!
Now that is my kinda bag! I adore the tree of life adorning the front, absolutely stunning. I have a question, is it sturdy? I am guessing the lining helps in that aspect?
ReplyDeleteI know that even after I have felted my bags, the girls mentioned that if they put their school books into them it felt as if it was stretching to the floor, so they only use them as gym bags now.
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I think they are pretty sturdy, but I'm not carrying school books :) I make the straps shorter than I would like, because they do stretch the right length once the bag is full. I read somewhere that a woman used interfacing on the lining to strengthen it more, but I've been using mine for years with no problems.
DeleteI love, love that bag :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous colors and I love anything with lining haha. Great fabric choice. I really have to make something with lining, but it scares me a bit.
ReplyDeletewow this is really pretty, the lining is gorgeous too.
ReplyDeleteOh WOW - this bag is gorgeous! I love that pattern and the yarn you have chosen
ReplyDeleteI love the bag!!! I love the pattern!
ReplyDeleteThat is the perfect bag to gift on Mother's Day! I love that you hand stitched the inside and the beautiful yarn you picked for the project. Hooray for your mom getting on Ravelry too.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a gorgeous bag, the pattern is wonderful!! Thanks for sharing on Creative Friday.
ReplyDeleteYour mother will LOVE this gift! It's lovely (as is the original, even after all of the years and hard use!!)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bag, and beautiful tree. I really like.
ReplyDeleteLetitia.
oh it is gorgeous and I'm sure your Mom will love it...I keep trying to get mine to join Ravelry, but she hasn't....
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful! I might have to make one of those myself.
ReplyDeleteIt's positively fantastic. I love the lining you used for it, and you are right...hand sewing something DOES = Love.
ReplyDeleteWow, I love them both! The lining is really cute on the second one, though.
ReplyDeleteOooh! The lining! ♥
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely present!
That is a BEAUTIFUL present- you should be very proud. Your mom's really lucky too! :)
ReplyDeleteThe bag looks gorgeous, and the lining fabric is a beautiful addition!
ReplyDeleteSimply beautiful! I'm sure your mom is going to LOVE it!!
ReplyDeleteVery nice!!! Great gift! I followed you from Natural Suburbia's Creative Friday. Here is post this week: http://likemamalikedaughter.blogspot.com/2012/04/crafting-on-with-needle-and-thread.html
ReplyDeleteBoth bags are gorgeous, and I have to say that I like your name for the pattern better than the actual one! I hate sewing linings, so you're right, it does show the love!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love the bag! It looks amazing! Your mother is sure to treasure it!
ReplyDeletehand-knit plus hand-sewn equals double the love. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love that tree motif. Beautifully done! I like the green variegation, but I think I like your original oatmeal even more. Both are lovely.
ReplyDeleteThat is just all-around awesome! Color, pattern, size ... wow!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteIt's really lovely, I like it in the cream and the green.
ReplyDeleteI really chuckled at your yarn buying loop hole, I'm on a strict yarn diet as well but gifts go in a different section of the budget and so do not count. My husband just raises his eyebrows...
The tree motif is one of my favorites in nature and your mother's day bag is simply beautiful. Thanks for your notes!
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty bag and a thoughtful gift. Arucania yarns are among my favorites. I used an endless amount of it knitting my felted ZigZag bag. It is so soft and pretty after a good soak. I'm sure your Mom will love it. Your original bag has held up very well...the Tree is always an uplifting motif. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteWow, both versions are really gorgeous! How fun is it to work with Camel? Love it! :-)
ReplyDeleteI love your bags! The tree of life is so pretty:)
ReplyDelete