I came up with an idea this week that is so wonderful, I have to share it. Maybe you remember I was working on a "science experiment" a while back (and maybe you don't), but life got so crazy in October that I put it away. I had three deadlines in October, and the other two have gone so well that a few days ago I hauled out the abandoned experiment. Ok, it's a bag that I'm designing. That sounds too lofty. Ok, it's a bag that I'm making up as I go along. That's more accurate.
I got to thinking about handles. I can knit a handle, but I like strappy handles on my bags. I was in the thrift store looking for other items, and I wandered into the purse aisle. Lots of purses. Lots of handles. I started looking at them closely. A lightbulb went on over my head. It is cheaper to buy a used purse and raid the hardware than it is to buy something at a store that might not look as nice. I bought some used purses.
I harvested the handles. Went for ones that were supple, and that had a good shape and comfortable feel. I went for ones that had cool hardware and clips and such that could be knitted and felted right onto the bag. Or that could clip onto D-rings after felting
I went for belts and belt-like purse straps that could be buckled through two D-rings or sewn in place. Very excited about the whole idea, cuz I've got plans. Bag-lady plans.
I finished knitting and felting the bag today. Can't show a pic until...later, but I have to say I LOVE how the bag turned out. I don't even care if I win the contest. I made a bag that I really like, and it's my own design. I'm already planning to make a second one. And I have handles...
Apart from that, it has been an exhausting week. I am nearly ready to send my three pieces of writing off to the contest. I went to see my therapist today, and that was a soggy affair. Doug and I desperately need a few days away on our own. I'm feeling like I just can't keep up with all that is going on in our family life these days. But hey, I made a bag that I like.
8 comments:
Clever old you! Love it when a Great Idea strikes, esp in a thrift store!!
Looking forward to seeing the result of the 'bag lady' episodes.
Great minds think alike! I just did this at the German thrift store last week. Too funny! Does that make us bag ladies?
Great work Jayne! I'm a thrift store queen for just such creative/useful endeavors! one of the WIPs is a patchwork felt coverlet from felted thrift store sweaters. Looking forward to seeing your finished product on the Elann website.
Haha, you 'teased' that I may become a bag lady: always felting purses. That got me thinking that I sh/could 'expand' my horizons in knitting. The ball is in your court now. ;)
Regardless, I am so EAGER to see what you've been up to. Undoubtedly it will be beautiful! When can you draw the curtain for show and tell?
Felting is one of my favorite things in knitting. I must show you a pattern from Interweave that is inspiring (Mary Poppins Tote?) Have you seen it? I think of your handles and all the possibilities!
Wait till you feel this felted wool bowl - (the hat you put on your head last week is now a bowl...)
Suzie
Yes, definitely becoming a bag lady. The little bag is dry now, and I am doing a happy dance around the house. Have already cast on for a second colourway. Can't lift the veil until sometime in December, I think. But you might get a peek on Wednesday, Sooz. :)
I can't wait to see the hat that became a bowl. :)
Now you are hunting in my neck of the woods, thrift stores! Gotta alove them. You can also check the jewelry for handy findings that you can recycle on your bags.
Have fun!
Those are some wicked straps! If I didn't know this was a knitting blog... (tee hee)
LOL, Trish, what a bad girl! When I logged on this morning, I saw that picture and thought exactly the same thing and then saw your post. ROFL!
Post a Comment