Trying My Darnedest

Too Much to Handle?

2009-07-31T11:20:00.002-04:00

Well, I hope not, but I'm having trouble deciding on the design. I know all of the elements that we need (thanks to all of you!), but what should this thing look like? I think it is possible that there is a perfect knitting bag insert, rather than one design for all of us.

I'm going back to the basement to make a tote bag prototype. The last one was too small, but it is pretty. Hmmmm....

Haven't Forgotten!!!

2009-07-12T12:25:00.005-04:00

I have not forgotten the contest, everyone, but life and living have interfered with getting out the final perfect bag. I just last week found the last thing that was holding us up- strong enough magnets for the clasps. Now I need only to finish sewing the prototype and draw from all of our wonderful suggestions for the winners.

If I had to guess, I'd say that the bag and the drawing will be ready this Wednesday. I apologize from the bottom of my heart for the holdups. I hope that the final product is worth the wait!

First Post is a BIG One!!!

2009-06-30T23:59:00.004-04:00

Might as well start with a bang, huh? Here goes...

Hi all. I’m working on doing something different over the summer- I need to get involved in something that isn’t studying veterinary medicine!

Anyhow, I love to sew, quilting was my first craft art as an adult. But when I had cervical spine issues, I picked up knitting since I couldn’t bend over the machine. Then I had opposing interests when my neurosurgeon was able to return me and my neck to full duty. (I know, this is not the worst problem to have!)

Well, my knitting and the quilting can overlap in bags. I’ve yet to find the perfect knitting bag, and I’d love more than just my ideas to go on. So, here it goes. I’m going to run a raffle here and all you have to do to enter is post a list of _at least_ the top three features that every knitting bag would have.

There will be one grand prize and two runner-up prizes.

~ Grand Prize: a full-size knitting bag, designed by me taking into account ALL of the entries, in the fabrics of your choice, plus a smaller Work-in-Progress bag to match, plus a coordinated notions sac to throw into either one AND a knitting needle case of your choice- for straights, circulars, or DPN’s.

~ Runners up: a work-in-progress bag (big enough for a lace shawl project or a few pairs of socks), designed by me after taking into account ALL of the entries, in the fabrics of your choice.

When I say “fabrics of your choice,” I mean it. Anything you can find for sale in a local quilt shop, home dec store, or online, I will purchase and make the bag for you. I really need your best ideas, people, so I’m going all out on this!

You may qualify for two separate entries if you have ideas that are different for a full-size knitting bag vs a WIP bag, but not if you have 6 ideas for the full-size bag. Just make one post with all of your ideas, and I’ll keep a tally.

This raffle will be drawn on June 30th, so I will be taking suggestions and ideas for over a month, and posting prototypes for you all to see and comment on here on the blog. I hope to generate a LOT of discussion, so let's get to it!

Oh, and don't worry AT ALL about covering similar ground as other people have posted already. If it's on your top 3 list, too, that's important information for me, as well! Just post whatever matters most to you.

And, if you post anonymously, please include your ravelry ID or some other way to get in touch with you when you're the lucky winner!!!

Comments overfilled on this post. (Wowsers!!!)

Please go here to enter the contest!!!

Some of my bags

2009-06-30T23:58:00.000-04:00

I want for this raffle to be a success. I think that for that to be so, you have to believe that I am a capable seamstress (otherwise, why would you want a bag that I made for you?). So, here are a few of my recent bag projects:

I'd love to hear what you have to say about them! Don't forget to throw yourself into the hat for the raffle!!!

Row Counters

2009-06-07T15:31:00.004-04:00

I have great news for you all! CrimsonOrchid, a mother-daughter company based in Canada, has agreed to provide the most wonderful row counters for you all to use on your perfect knitting bags. Whether you purchase a bag that I make or you use the pattern to make one yourself, I know you will use these lovely counters. You all clamored for a row counter to be included, so a row counter you shall have. And those plastic ones just wouldn't do, now would they?

So we are in the final planning stages on these, and we would love to hear your input. There are two styles that we can look at, discuss, and come to agreement on (I hope) as being the perfect accessory to be part of our "perfect" knitting bags!

Green Row Counter:

An abacus for your knitting or crochet project. A stylish way to keep track of your rows with a beautiful and functional accessory.

This unique hand-crafted row counter is made of a flexible silver plated wire and features emerald green glass beads to compliment the clear glass beads. The focal bead is a beautiful furnace glass bead with pale green interior and dark green stripes and is set between two silver plated beads. The clear beads represent a count of one and the green beads represent a count of ten. The band for counting each row is made up of 4 Swarovski crystals in Emerald green and silver plated beads. Once ten rows are completed, the counting band is moved back up to the top of the clear beads to start over and the lobster clasp on the green beads is moved down one bead to represent a count of ten having been completed. This unique accessory allows for up to 99 rows of knitting to be counted. Instructions are included.

Pink Row Counter:

attached at the bottom, or each strand hanging free
flexible but sturdy nylon cording, or metal strand for beads
lobster clasps, crystal bands, or one of each for moving past beads

Each counter will match the color of the bag that I attach it to, and these ladies are so fun to work with and so amenable to suggestions or to special requests, you can make sure it matches the bag that you make, too!

Please leave your thoughts, opinions, other ideas, or just your astonishment at the beauty of these counters. We're looking forward to your input!

What You Want in a Bag- Materials

2009-06-03T08:09:00.002-04:00

So, last post about the compilation of your ideas. And this one is easy. We all want the "perfect" knitting bag to be made from quality materials, for the fabric to be stylish, but washable, and sturdy. We also want the lining to be a light color- none of us likes a black hole for a bag (unless it means that we can carry heavier stuff without breaking our shoulders- then we might consider it).

Some of us want some sort of feet for the bottom of the bag. I'm working on finding a solution for that. I think it may be cost prohibitive, and we may end up with a darker color for the bottom of the bag instead. If you know of an inexpensive source for bag feet, do please leave it in the comments.

With that, I'm off to the sewing table. Today, I tackle the divider construction.

Extending the Contest Entry Availability

2009-05-28T14:44:00.003-04:00

Comments filled up on the first post, so if you don't see your comment, please post it again. I'm so, so sorry for this. Who knew there was a cap?!?!

Reminders: At least 3 of your top priorities for the perfect knitting bag. Additional entry if you include 3 for a WIP as well. If you use "Anonymous" in the entry form, include your Rav ID or email so I can contact you when you win!

What You Want in a Bag- Pockets 3

2009-05-27T11:07:00.003-04:00

We don't just want pockets on the inside of our bag, we want some very specific pockets on the outside of the bag, as well. I have decided to include three elasticized and pleated pockets on the bag gussets- one for a cell phone, one for an mp3 player, and the final one for a half-liter bottle of water (or, in my case, iced tea sweetened with apple juice). Also on the outside of the bag will be a detachable key clip. I thought about providing a pocket for them to settle into as well, but our keychains are all so different in size! What do you think?

Prototype #1- Shape?

2009-05-26T19:35:00.002-04:00

So, gals, I spent a few hours yesterday putting together this bag as a prototype for the shape that we want in a bag. It is from a pattern called "The Erica Bag" by artsycraftsybabe on etsy.com. She has some lovely patterns, and if you just want a bag to sew and carry, not the "perfect" knitting bag, I recommend you give her patterns a look-see.

I like the overall shape, and after carrying the bag today, I like it for its own merits. But it is not our "perfect" knitting bag. My thoughts for changing this bag are quite varied and technical, but I thought you all might like a chance to see where this thing is going, and to get another look at my work and my fabric choices. And, if any of you likes this bag enough to buy it, I have it for sale in my own etsy shop, along with a few of those needle cases that I showed to you in the second post.

Another Blog Contest For Us!

2009-05-26T13:43:00.001-04:00

Turns out, that lots of people run contests on their blogs. Here is one that is kinda cute: Ruffled Feathers: My 300th Post!... she's giving away a surprise gift based on ideas in the comments that gain entry. Sound kinda familiar? Pretty much like mine going on right now... no one knows yet what the "perfect" knitting bag is gonna look like! But you're posting your ideas in the hopes of winning one!!!

Making The Pot Sweeter

2009-05-25T09:53:00.002-04:00

Tell your knitting friends, and get them to join in the fun here! If we can get the comments to over 125 by the end of today, Memorial Day, I'll add another winner... 3rd place for a knitting needle case. I know that you entered already, but this "perfect" knitting bag will be even more perfect the more responses and ideas that come from the community. Spread the word! Post about this contest on your own blogs, share the link with your friends, and get another prize added to the contest!!!

What You Want in a Bag- Pockets 2

2009-05-24T18:23:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I told you about the removable pouches that will come with the "perfect" knitting bag. Today let's talk about the pockets we will find inside the bag...

specific slots for essentials: pen, dry-erase marker, pencil, crochet hook, measuring tape, needle gauge, *knitting* glasses. I imagine these all next to each other with a simple flap over top to protect our project from snagging on them. I also see them high on the inside of the bag, so we have easy access to them.
see-through pockets: I'm looking into finding a good see-through fabric. This was one of the ideas that I would never have come up with on my own. You really are having a great impact on the design of the "perfect" knitting bag!!!
more full-length magnetic-closing pockets, wide enough to get our hands into. I hate turning a bag upside-down to get something clear of a pocket, don't you?
specific scissor pocket with snap closure and scissor leash. I'm waiting to hear from a lovely row-counter beaded accessory maker to work on having your row counter on your scissor leash.
divider pocket that doubles as a pattern/ magazine/ book holder. This pocket will divide the bag into your purse-type stuff and your knitting stuff, or into two knitting projects. It will be at least legal-size, and will have a ring clip so your pattern can hang easily from the outside of the bag and then -whoosh- back into the bag for the pick-up-and-go gals among you who ride the bus, or live with kids, or just have a life. :)

What You Want in a Bag- Pockets 1

2009-05-24T17:07:00.003-04:00

So, you all want pockets. Some of you want very particular pockets. Very, very particular. :) It makes me happy to read your pocket wants, because I am very much a pocket girl. In my time in the emergency clinic, I sewed myself and all of the other technicians waist strap-on pockets, basically they were the dreaded fanny pack, because scrubs don't have enough room (and they start to sag when you over-pack them).

I hear you about the pockets. 3 days' worth of this outline series will be dedicated to them. If we all agree about handles, we kinda don't agree about pockets. But that's ok, because I think we will all LOVE the ideas that we've generated here. So, here's pockets: day 1- removable pouches.

We need removable pouches. That is the conclusion that I have come to. We need a pouch for our notions, we need a needle case specific to our knitting preferences, we need to have a little case for darning needles, and we need my surprise knitting pouch. That will have to wait until the final rollout of the "perfect" bag, but I promise you a revolution in your stranded knitting and even in your simple one-skein wonders.

The thing I'd like to know from you, my darling readers, is whether you'd like to have pouches for your mp3 players and cell phones, and whether you'd be interested in a matching wallet or business card holder. So, respond here about that or anything about removable pouches. And don't forget to enter the raffle if you haven't done so yet. It costs you nothing but a few minutes' time, and you may win a "perfect" knitting bag of your very own!!!

What You Want in a Bag- Handles/ Straps

2009-05-24T16:43:00.004-04:00

Looks like we all agree for the most part about straps and handles for our "perfect" knitting bag. This outline is short for that very reason. The perfect knitting bag will have both handles and one or two shoulder straps.

shoulder strap(s) (no shorter than a 10" drop) adjustable to messenger length
handles attached securely to bag, and don't get in the way!
both are reinforced, sturdy. strap has something lining it to keep it from slipping off shoulder. I'm imagining that canvas as a backing will do the trick.
wide enough to keep them from cutting into our shoulders. 2.5-3" wide should do real well.

If this list doesn't match what you imagine as the straps on the "perfect" knitting bag, and you haven't yet put your hat in for the raffle, you still have time to influence the design process! The raffle post is the first one on the first page of the blog, and you may win a "perfect" knitting bag for not too much trouble. Entries will be accepted through June 30th...

What You Want in a Bag - Body

2009-05-23T22:33:00.004-04:00

What you want in the body of a bag:

roomy
fit whole sweater project: decided to make pattern adjustable to larger sizes, but the “perfect” bag can't be big enough for a large afghan- it has to be lighter than that (idea from contest entrant: 20”w x 16”t x 8”w for the afghan size)
not too deep
fit wallet, phone, pouch, WIP bags
look into airline under-seat dimensions
lightweight on its own
modified messenger shape- able to open VERY big!
changes to a backpack?
NOT top-heavy!!!
top closure- sewn-in magnetic strip + metal strip = secure closure with no damage to yarn or project!!! (this was an idea that I came up with after reading all of your suggestions, and was perfected by a discussion with Husband)
slot for business card so it can find its way home...

What You Want in a Bag

2009-05-23T20:50:00.003-04:00

I've finished the compilation process for the first 94 comments. This is a GREAT starting place for me, and for those of you interested in using this for your own design project, I thought I would share this. So, watch here every day this week, and I'll post another section for you to read & use.

I'll be using the outline to design the "perfect" knitting bag this week, and hopefully have a prototype for you all to see in 7 days' time.

Purse-Type Items: Keys

2009-05-23T09:57:00.004-04:00

Most of you say that you want to carry only one bag: a lovely dual-purpose bag that can hold your knitting safe and secure as well as the more mundane items like wallets and keys and lipstick and a snack. So, this will be the first in a series of posts to try to get a consensus about what you all see as the best way to handle such things in our perfect knitting bag.

Keys. We all have them. Some of us have more than others (still trying to get Husband to install the keyless entry on the front door), but they are almost always on big rings with cute chains and lots of "poke-ey" points. They're even worse for a knitting project than a loose pair of scissors sometimes!

So they can't go in with our knitting. Ok.

And, they have to be handy. For goodness' sakes, they have to be close and ready to grab. There is nothing worse than reaching for them and then going deeper and deeper into the depths of your bag only to have to start all over again because they slipped past you in one of the layers of purse sediment. So we have to attach them somewhere that they can be found easily, grabbed easily, and then replaced easily (if it's too difficult to put them back, we go back to dropping them into the bag, and then repeat the problem).

So we need a way to attach and detach them easily, away from our knitting. Ok.

So, I'm thinking of clips. And we live in an age where there are TONS of clips to be found. There are carabiner clips, the good old-fashioned thumb-snap clips, snaps, buttons, ribbons, elastic...

Have I missed any? Do you have ideas about the best way to attach our keys to the bag in an easily accessible and easily replaceable manner? Should they be able to hang to the inside or the outside of the bag- or just one or the other? Would it be nice to be able to leave them attached for those quick uses at the front door, but detach them for the car?

I'd love to hear what you think! This project will not be the same without all of your input!

My Responses to the First 18 Hours' Worth of Entries

2009-05-21T10:41:00.003-04:00

I am quite honestly not surprised by the large turnout. I would enter this raffle!!! But I am stunned by the quality of these answers. Some of you have been thinking about this for a long time!

A few of you have suggested see-through or even dry-erasable plastic for a pattern pocket. That is a great idea, one that I hadn't ever thought of (the VERY reason I am doing this!!!) but it'll take me some time to find appropriate material to apply to this idea to show prototypes. I have 40 days, and hopefully the winners will give me an extra 2 weeks to sew their customized bags. :)

Many of you agree with what I have been thinking over the past 6 months, that a drawstring is the way to go. Nothing to get yarn stuck in. Man, that is awful when the zipper pull eats your yarn!

I thought that straps would be the biggest sticking point, and it seems to be the early winner in the no-one-agrees category. Some of you want wide, slightly sticky shoulder straps, either one or two. Some prefer a hand bag. Others want a single strap like the bucket bag that I have displayed. I thought that was what I wanted, but it's kinda hard to get things into and out of that bag (hence, the Heathen Housewife's Blankie is stored in there... about 30 tiny little organza bags full of sock yarn center-pull balls plus my 50 finished squares are being stored in that bag. yes, I know, pick-up-and-knit is the way-to-go on that project, but I love the portable-ness of the tiny squares! and I WILL sew them together one day... I so totally will. someday.)

Lastly, one more biggie is pockets. Pockets are a stick-in' point (Ha! I love me my puns!) Anyhow, we seem to have a disparity here, as well. Some of you want pockets, pockets, and more pockets. Some want a few well-placed pockets. Some are specific about what you want to fit into your pockets (thermos bottle, anyone- I love it! so detailed!). This is all about what is YOUR perfect knitting bag, and thankfully, pockets are the ONE thing that is easy-peasy to change when making a bag. Each raffle winner and every bag maker will be able to customize that to their heart's (or thermos bottle's) content. Yay!

One of You Beat Me to It!

2009-05-21T09:59:00.005-04:00

but I don't mind. Lisa knits and sews and knits sent me a message saying that her perfect bag would be the pattern for the bag that I come up with from all of these wonderful suggestions (less than 18 hours, and already nearly 40 comments!). You guys have some amazing ideas, and I knew that this was something that would generate a lot of interest. No one has been hearing you!

So, here's today's surprise. I will be working using your suggestions over the next month plus to come up with a wonderful bag and a fabulous WIP pouch. The patterns for these bags, the ones that I use to create the winners' perfect bags, will be available here on the blog for all of you to use to make your own wonderful knitting bag. It will be free, just like all of the suggestions that you are offering to me are.

I'm a Kevin Spacey fan, and I watch every film that he makes... but my favorite is "Pay it Forward." Not just for the leading man, but for the wonderful moral that I've always believed but was never able to put into words. So this is me paying it forward to all of you. Thank you.