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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?

Stitch Your Favorite Fruit on a Sweater

The other day I saw a post from Pinterest about trends for summer and it said one of them was “cultivating whimsy.” 

Well, I don’t know where Pinterest has been all this time, but we’ve been cultivating whimsy here at Craft Gossip for a long time. I love sharing projects that are a little different, things that make you smile when you see them, and will make you smile when you knit them and wear them or use them. 

Such it is with the Tutti Frutti tee knitting pattern from Bea Creative Knits. 

This cute little baby tee is worked top down in the round with contiguous shoulder construction to shape the sleeve caps. There are short rows for the neckline and folded hems with picot edging at the hemline, neckline and edges of the sleeves. 

All of this would be great on its own, but then there’s the addition of a super cute fruit icon, which is added with duplicate stitch. There are a lot of options, including strawberry, banana, orange, cherries, watermelon, lemon, blueberries, kiwi, peach, dragon fruit, apple and pear, so it’s likely you can add on your favorite fruit. 

It is offered in eight sizes, to fit a bust measurement ranging from 28-30 inches (71-76 cm) to 56-58 inches (142-147 cm). The design is meant to be worn with around 6.3 inches/16 cm of negative ease, but you can choose the fit you prefer. There’s also optional bust and waist shaping included in the pattern if you want to make it even curvier.

This is considered an advanced beginner or intermediate project because of all the skills involved, but it’s sure to be a lot of fun even if some of these techniques are new to you.

Grab a copy of the pattern for yourself form Bea Creative Knits on Etsy. 

[Photo: Bea Creative Knits]