Knitted Bags; worsted-weight yarn

Pattern reference: https://www.plymouthyarn.com/f171

I have a handful of skeins of white worsted weight yarn in my cupboard, I can't remember why.  One of my goals for 2015 is to make use of the yarn I already have, otherwise referred to as "from her stash."  I collect patterns and found this wonderful free pattern from Plymouth Yarn Company on its website. The pattern offers three knitted varieties of bags, using worsted-weight yarn.  I used a 16" circular as well as double-pointed needles (size 7) as prescribed in the pattern.  Each of my bags measures approximately 6" in diameter and 8" in height.  Of course, size can vary depending with gauge, needle size and yarn used.  I did want to use Plymouth Encore Worsted, but it's not stocked at local stores where I live, so I substituted with Lion Brand Wool Ease (worsted weight) instead.  These bags are knit from the bottom up.  In the purse pictured on the right, I used two strands of yarn for the bottom to provide more body, and then switched to a single strand for the rest of the purse.  The other purse (left) was knit with a single strand of yarn throughout.  For the ties, I twisted strands of yarn as recommended in the pattern for one bag, and for other I knitted a three-stitch I-cord. 

 

On your way to Idaho, little doll!

Today is December 18, and she is finished!  Welcome to the world little darling.  Now you are on your way to the far-away land of Idaho, intended for a special little girlie.  The doll was knit, using Susan B. Anderson's pattern, Mary, Millie and Morgan, and Patons Classic Wool DK Superwash in various colors.  I did change the face a wee bit and especially the hair, deviating from the pattern. 

Merry Christmas, Natalie!  I hope you love this little doll as much as I loved making her.  Yours truly, Grandma

Knit Doll; still in progress

December 16:  Here's my first attempt at dollie hair and a face. Not so sure I got it quite right, but with Christmas around the corner I may have to let her go as is. What remains to work on is her knit wardrobe, a skirt, a top and a shawl.

In time for Christmas? Susan B. Anderson Knit Doll

Today is December 6.  Oh you KNITTY NOODLE! Yesterday I began this Susan B. Anderson knitted dolly project for Christmas giving.  I have three granddaughters, you see...we call them the girlies...ages 11, 5 and 3.  The knitting's going quickly, but not quickly enough.  I can finish one for sure, maybe two.  This pattern ensemble includes knitting instructions for the doll (three color variations) and clothes to go along (a shawl, a top and a skirt).  About the only thing I'm calculating right now, is how old will the girlies be next year.  Not too old for handmade dollies from Grandma, I hope; there's always next year to get these done and send them along.  It is my goal to get at least one set done (doll and clothes) for Christmas giving.  It's the youngest girlie who actually loves dolls as much as I do, with hands-on loving; however, I can't make just one, you see.  The catch is that the Dollie #1 has to ship from California to Idaho; there's enough time if I put all else aside, I do believe.

Slow sock progress...

At last, I've turned the heel on this sock!  In truth, I made the cuff shorter than called for in the pattern, by almost half, for fear of running out of yarn and also to hurry this one along.  There's still the second sock to be done and I so want to be done with these Peaks 'n Valleys!

Mmmmm! Bonbons!

Picked up a couple of packages of Lion Brand Bonbons while they were on sale at JoAnn's.  These assorted bright colors will make a bunch of cheerful knit and crochet flowers, for embellishing my sewing and craft projects.

Crocheted hanging baskets

Two crocheted hanging baskets for my sewing room wall.  Each of these only took a few hours to make, from start to finish.