Well, I’ve got an FO finally :) I finished the bag last night. After I bound off the knitting, I switched over to crochet and did a round of double-crochets interspersed with chain ones for the ties to go through and topped that with two rounds of shells, the second being slightly larger than the first so as to create a ruffle kind of effect.
Front and top views
It still needs to be lined although, for the very light duty this is going to get, I’m not really sure that’s necessary. I am really happy with the way this came out, the way the moss stitch balances the cables and bobbles and the look of the whole thing. I even like the way the crocheted shells suggest a kind of flower at the top when the bag is closed (peony?).
And I started a little, narrow, moss stitch scarf to go with it.
Moss stitch scarf
The yarn for the scarf is ever-so-slightly lighter than the yarn for the bag. I’m using Classic Elite Flash and what I got came in two dye lots. The dye lot of the bag yarn is a bit more intense, a bit brighter. I’m hoping that because the dye lots are for two different items (as opposed to, say, using both dye lots in a single item), the slight difference in appearance won’t be jarring.
The shawl is coming along too, a bit at a time. I must confess, contrary to my expectations (expectations of myself, you understand) it’s coming out very nicely and every time I spread it out to have another look at the whole thing, I get a little more excited :)
Shawl and pattern close-up
The shawl picture isn’t very good. I have the suspicion that the mohair kind of dissolves in the image making things look a bit fuzzy. And, of course, there’s nothing to give you any idea of size. Currently it’s about 20” across and about 12” deep. I don’t know yet whether I’m going to do the lace edge or not; the idea of picking up all those stitches makes me feel faint. I do know that I want a fairly sizeable shawl so if that means sacrificing edging for overall size, so be it. I’ve got 1400 yards of this yarn and I’ve gone through about 150 yards. We’ll see how far this gets me :)
I find it interesting that I get into the rhythm of the lace patterning and the right-side rows absolutely zoom by. So it’s amusing to notice also that the wrong side rows, which are all simple purling, seem to take longer :)
And Myria made her Magical, Mystical Meatloaf last night with potatoes, carrots, onions and mushrooms - aaaaaahhhhh!!! So yesterday was, all in all, quite wonderful :)
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That bag is so so pretty! You did such a great job on it. It definately deserves to be taken out and strutted around. You’re shawl is looking awesome, as well. I bet it is so soft!!
~ DAWN
Its so pretty. And that shawl will be humongous after you block it. Actually your shawl has me wanting to start one of my own its so pretty. But I am wicked jealous of the bag.
the bag is definitely a success- love the twisted cord with the tassels- i think i would line it though, as i find unlined ones will snag on anything that goes inside-
you are flying on the shawl while i am still saying ‘when i get around to it’ about making one for myself- let’s not even think about who is an ant and who just might be a grasshopper!
oh, meatloaf sounds good and i haven’t had any of that for a long time- what i make turns out so strangely that the family regards it as ‘alpo’ and none of them exactly beg to have it for dinner-
stay happy-
Absolutely gorgeous - what a lovely bag. :) And the shawl is looking smashing too. Great minds & all that - I’m in the mood for something lacey & picked up “Lavish Lace” today for 40% off at Hobby Lobby. For that price I couldn’t resist!
Dawn - The shawl will soften when it’s washed. Actually, the mohair is a little coarse to work with - but I made and washed a swatch so I know it will be nicer after that :)
Elka - I can only reiterate my recommendation of the pattern - it’s clear and simple but yeilds a gorgeous result. I’m thinking this will expand considerably upon blocking too - and that’s all to the good!
Barb - If I run into the right fabric at the right price, I probably will line the bag, But I don’t think I’m going to drive myself nuts trying to find just the right thing.
Myria put Worcestershire in the meatloaf and that was sensational!
Bron - Many thanks :) I’m really pleased with how it came out - it’s just what I was looking for. Are you going to review (pleasepleaseplease) Lavish Lace on your blog?
I’m not familiar with the shawl pattern but it’s looking lovely. For a border, how about finding one that is knit perpendicular to the body of the shawl. That way, you can make it as wide as you want and don’t have to pick up a gazillion stitches.
You betcha - a review is forthcoming - on that book as well as the winter issue of Vogue Knitting I received today. :)
Here’s a sneak preview of my reviews…“not bad.”
Hehehehe
Charlotte - Now that’s a thought. I definitely don’t want to pick up a gazillion stitches! LOL!
Your posts always make me hungry. haha. The bag is -awesome-. Will it be cruisewear? And you are totally putting me to shame on the shawl. I love the pattern, too. And it seems my yardarge is going a long way.
Laura - Both the bag and the shawl are cruisewear. I’m glad to hear that you think yardage goes a long way in this pattern - that’s encouraging:)
Cute little bag!
Your lovely bag will deserve its sunny spot on the deck, and will grace dinner at the captain’s table too - I watched too many Love Boat shows when I was young! I have bought my yarn and inspired by you, I’m going to dream up a bag with moss stitch too. Never done any knitting without a pattern before, so keeping my fingers crossed.
The bag is spectacular…I love the richness of the cables with moss stitch. The shawl is really flying along. I might put that on my future projects list.
Chery - Thanks :) I fully realize the usefulness of something like this is limited, but it’s nice to have anyway.
Erin - I’m happy to have inspired you - working without a pattern is fun - drop me a line if you run into problems you’d like a hand with :)
Maureen - The shawl is a wonderful pattern and the further I get into it, the more I like it. Imagine - lace! Me! Who woulda thought? LOL!
Your little pink bag looks gorgeous. I agree, the closure does look like a peony, or perhaps an old fashioned rose. Beautiful :)
Pam - Thanks! It’s nothing like the gorgeous bags you make which are far more practicel, but I don’t felt :)
very pur-dy! Nat
Thanks Nat - it’s no “Diana”, but it’ll do :)
