Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

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)!

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.

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Pencil Knitting Patterns

Getting ready for back to school makes me think about pencil crafts, so let’s take a look at some pencil themed knitting patterns! 

I recently made a pencil on a circular knitting machine, and it was a fun, quick, easy project that uses little bits of leftover yarn (and if you don’t have yellow you can make it a colored pencil using whatever color’s your favorite). And if you want to make a bigger version check out this pattern from Orange Olive Road on Etsy.

If you want to knit a pencil pillow by hand, check out Sketchy, available on Ravelry from Shana S. Cohen. This one uses worsted weight yarn and has two size options and the choice to make a pencil with an eraser or a colored pencil. 

Pencil scarves seem to be the most popular kind of pencil knitting pattern, and there are lot of cute ones. This one from Cosy Craft UK mostly uses garter stitch, with some welts to add texture and what looks like an I-cord edging. It calls for DK weight yarn. 

If you want to go all garter stitch try this version from Emsley Co Creations, which uses five colors of DK weight yarn and just a little shaping to make the point of the pencil.

There’s also this fun, mostly stockinette so it looks like it curls a bit, pencil pattern that looks like it’s worked in chunky yarn from Little Knits Studio. This one uses just a little garter stitch and easy shaping for the point. 

If you don’t want a pencil scarf, how about some pencil socks? The No. 2 Pencil Socks from The Yarn Enabler are available from Ravelry and use five colors of sock yarn. They feature wide ribs to mimic the texture of a pencil and have options to be worked from the top down or the toe up. 

Needs Sharpening by Alexander Walker is a free pattern on Ravelry that uses five colors of sock yarn to make a sort of shortie sock. The little bit of black at the tips of the toes inspired the name. These, too, can be worked in either direction and are available in three sizes.