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Bag Hag

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I’m a longtime fan of Namaste products. I have a set of their beautiful glass needles displayed in my office, and have used one of their older Messenger bags to tote around larger projects for years. Their latest line The Cali Collection however, has offially given me a “bag crush”. So much so, that’s I’ve completely ditched the purse I just made for myself in favor of using the charcoal Laguna as both knitting bag and daily carryall! With it’s roomy and smartly organized interior, and it’s Sex-in-the-Knitty-esque exterior, the Namaste ladies have definitely, boosted Needle Arts’ glamour level.

If you feel like packing lighter (and dare I say, sassier) for your next day/night on the town (I know I’m not the only one that brings at least a small project out with me wherever I go!), then the Cali Clutch (see below) is a MUST HAVE. It’s ingenious design and modern shape makes it both functional and fashionable! I personally have the turquoise version and *heart* it so much that it stays perched on my desk so I can just stare at it. Amazing handbags+knitting friendly=utter accessory bliss! Oh, and for all of you fellow veggies out there, all of Namaste’s bags are leather free. Bonus!

You can get your own CC bag at your local yarn store, but the full collection is available for your viewing pleasure on the Namaste website. I dare you to not covet one (or three)!

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Comments

  1. the Namaste bags are amazing! i’ve had the aqua clutch for a few months now and i really love it. i feel the urge to splurge on another! 🙂 marg

  2. I love my bag! I have the Laguna in Hollywood Pink and use it every day. I probably should have gotten a less conspicuous color had I known that I would’ve been using it everyday but I really like the pink.

  3. Ooo – I pre-odered the newport bag in peacock and I should be getting it soon. I can’t wait! I also love the laguna bag. That will probably be my next “retail therapy” purchase.

  5. Namaste has since closed (this post was published in 2008), though some of their bags are still available from places like Fabulous Yarns or eBay.

Have you read?

Book Review: Knitovation Stitch Dictionary

There’s always room for more stitch dictionaries on your shelf, but Andrea Rangel’s Knitovation Stitch Dictionary is unlike those stitch pattern books you might already own. That’s because this one is full of colorwork stitch patterns rather than textured stitches, lace or cables, so the designs are ripe for adding to hats, sweaters and other projects with a stockinette stitch background. 

The book starts with a quick introduction to knitting colorwork that’s also unlike what you’ve probably seen before, because it’s less about the colors themselves and more about the kinds of fibers you choose, how the yarn is prepared and the gauge you’re working at and how those things all change the look of a design. 

Most of the book is filled with motif designs and swatches. The motifs were designed and named by Andrea’s husband Sean, who is an artist and brings a bit of whimsy to the designs. 

You’ll find some classic looking leaves and flowers, mosaics and waves, but also rubber ducks, penguins, puzzle pieces, cherries and cows, snails and teapots, eyeballs and chess pieces, to name a few. Many of the designs also have funny names, like a fish named toilet bound, or cats in suits called corporate fat cat.

Of course you can use the designs in any way you want on any project you like, but there are also three patterns in the book — for a hat, a sweater and a pair of fingerless gloves — plus discussion of how the motifs were added, adjusting patterns for a different size or gauge, and adding your own motifs. 

If you like adding a bit of colorwork to otherwise plain projects that other people have designed, or you’re ready to start making your own designs with fun motifs, this book is a great place to start. The fun and funny motifs are sure to inspire you to want to pick up your needles and add a little more color to your projects. 

About the book: 160 pages, hardcover, 150+ motifs and three knitting patterns. Published 2023 by Interweave, suggested retail $28.