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Finishing Workshop: Finishing Triage

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finishing knitsNow that you’ve decided which projects you want to finish and which ones you don’t (and hopefully dealt with those you didn’t want to finish quickly and without regret) it’s time to decide how you’re going to go about finishing the projects in your to do pile.

It’s possible there are some projects in there that are very close to being finished. It could be you just need to weave in ends, sew a seam or finish a sleeve before you’re done. Those should be considered separately and probably completed before you tackle any of the projects that are less far along. It’s a quick way to start finishing and will give you momentum for working on the projects that will take more time later.

Once you’ve decided on an order for working the easier projects (I would probably do them in order from nearest to completion to those that need more work) it’s time to look at the more time-consuming projects. I can’t say you should work these in time commitment order because there are other things to consider, such as whether something is seasonally appropriate or you have a deadline for knitting it (if it’s a gift or you’re expecting a baby, for instance) or if it’s something you just really want to have done so you can wear it. But it’s a good idea to have at least a vague plan before you get started.

I have a knit dress that’s all but done. I think it needs a little more edging, the ends woven in and blocking (really just washing, but it has a turtleneck that curls inappropriately so that needs to be dealt with before I can wear it). It still counts as unfinished even though it’s not on the needles. I’ll make the commitment to finish it this week, and I’d love it if you wanted to finish something this week, too. If you do, let me know!

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Comments

  1. I’ve decided this will be my Ravellenic Challenge, as I’ve got several projects that need finishing. Some just need to be washed & blocked, some need that and buttons or snaps (which will require sewing ribbon facings onto the buttonband). Then I have some that need a lot more work, which I’d like to have finished by the end of March. Making a plan!

  2. I’ve got to finish one slipper in order to make a pair for my kid, whose feet are cold. I can do that this week, so I’m committing to it now.

  3. I have a baby sweater that is about half way done that I need to finish up and a cowl that needs a seam sewn and blocking. Those are my goals.

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Knitting Market Bag Patterns

There are certain things that just make sense to knit at this time of year, and market bags are one of them. We tend to use our canvas bags more often in the summer with trips to the farmer’s market and the library, but string bags and market bags are great to use all year.

I love the Three Oranges Bag by Hana Cho, which looks just like a knit version of a plastic shopping bag, but with three cute oranges stitched on. The bag uses intarsia to make the oranges, but you could use duplicate stitch or intarsia to add a different design if you like. It calls for fingering weight yarn and you can find the pattern on Ravelry.

Sharyn Anhalt’s Market Square bag (also on Ravelry) uses worsted weight yarn and a mosaic pattern to make a pretty bag you’ll want to use every time you go shopping. The bag comes in two sizes and is worked in two colors of the same yarn for a fun mixed up effect that’s almost like weaving.

Speaking of fun colors, the Market Bag from Hubbabubbie Art uses a multicolored cake yarn (specifically Lion Brand Mandala) to produce fun color changes without any extra work. This bag is worked from the bottom up with a crocheted bottom and knit mesh sides. It’s a free pattern on Ravelry.

The Pike Place Market Bag from Blue Bird Pine Shop looks like a massive bag to hold all your market goodies (that is a child holding it, but still). The bag calls for worsted weight cotton yarn and the mesh is worked on extra large needles to help it open up to hold everything you want held.

The Knit Farmer’s Market Bag form Design BCB is another good one, made mostly of mes with a little stockinette for extra stability. The base is also worked in stockinette so items you put in it will sit flat.

This mesh bag from Sheep and Stitch doesn’t have a base, and the body is worked flat before being joined in the round to make the top and handles. That makes it easy to make the bag just the size you want because you can stop knitting whenever you feel it’s big enough. The pattern includes a step-by-step video if you need extra assistance.

And the Eco Market String Bag from Mama in a Stitch has a solid knit base worked in a contrasting color from the mesh body. It’s an easy project that comes out a great size for your market needs without being too huge.

Do you have a favorite knit market bag pattern? I’d love to hear about it!