Well, not really a break but I was in desperate need of some small projects to break up the quilt monotony. Don't you ever just need the satisfaction that comes with finishing a project quickly? I am really slow at the whole piecing process and I have a bunch of quilt tops underway I can't show just yet, and I was just starting to feel a bit buried under them all. It feels good to be in major finishing mode but sometimes a fun little break does just the trick to bring you back to the big projects with new momentum.
I was in need of a new, roomy knitting bag to tote around my Kererra sweater WIP, and after seeing all these cute Jane bags pop up I thought it would make a great project bag too, with it's big pockets to hold needles and markers, and yarn inside. I've had the pattern on my to-do list for awhile and had been itching to cut into these particular fabrics for a long time too. I finished it in a night!
Now most grown up women may not be able to get away with carrying around a faux bois bag with fairy tale trim but I couldn't really care less what those people think anyways and all the women at my LYS already think I'm a big weirdo. And I just love how it turned out.
My Kerrera sweater is coming along beautifully too. I'm really trying to practice project monogamy with this one so I can finish it soon. The rainy days and dropping temperatures are good incentive to get it done so I can cozy up in it!
I also brought out this stack of goodies to make some more fun kitchen potholders. After receiving my awesome ones from Jeni in the Urban Home Goods Swap, it made me realize I need to get rid of all my old hole-y, burnt ones. Lots of cooking and baking goes on around here starting this time of year so the more pretty things in my kitchen the better! I'm also planning on ordering some of these new dishtowels!
It's so fall-ish here today and I love it. I'm thinking of braising some short ribs for when Mark returns from the vineyards tomorrow and the first loaf of squash bread for the year. Is it feeling like fall where you are? Do you have any cozy rituals to bring in the season?
ohhh I love love love the jane bag, I'm planning on making another one but I share my sewing space with the living room where my father-in-law is currently suffering from a nasty case of the flu and he's been watching tv and snoozing. I want to make another jane bag SO BAD!!!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, have you thought of making dishtowels? I make them pretty often, I have a bunch of bamboo terry cloth that I just sew onto a piece of fabric, turn and topstitch! Easypeasy!
It's totally not fall here at all, I sat outside for an hour and weeded my garden and my shoulders got pink!
wow - those dishcloths are gorgeous! and I can't wait to see your pot holders. I need to make some more of those Jane Market bags - they are too cute - I love yours!
ReplyDeleteAnd I've never made braised short ribs but it always sounds SO yummy - very Top Chef-ish :-)
umm... I just went to the lys today and purchased enough yarns to make sweaters for me and abigail!
ReplyDeleteThe bag looks great!
ReplyDeleteI love to cook, and now that it's cooling down here in New England, I get to enjoy time in the kitchen again. My favorite thing to do is make a big pot of soup or chili or stew when I'm off on the weekend, so that we have it for lunches and quick suppers during the week. Last Sunday was nice and cool, so I made a big pot of stew. Tonight we'll finish the last of it--as shepherd's pie!
Love the bag! I actually have some ideas for turning my FFA2 stash in tote bags...we'll see what happens!
ReplyDeleteAnd how now, I did not see the Oatmeal Pullover on your list of things to knit missy - I think it should go right at the top ;)
Great bag... And I did not know AMH did towels. Ekelunds towels are my weakness, but I may have to try these also!
ReplyDeleteI've had my eye on that color change scarf too!
ReplyDeleteAwesome bag!! I just loooove fall and my biggest ritual is cleaning up the house and rearranging the furniture to make myself a cozy corner to embroider or hand sew from in the evenings.
ReplyDeleteOh boy, why did you have to link to those dishtowels? Now I *need* them!
ReplyDeleteLOVE your bag, I also might *need* that June Bag pattern now too!
Love your bag, but then again I'm a big weirdo too. It looks like the perfect size for a knitting project.
ReplyDeleteit is spring where i am..but still freezing and i am sitting by the fire. i LOVE your bag. love love love it. i like how you did the straps, and i love that owl. x
ReplyDeleteThe bag is awesome and who cares if it has the child like theme going on---they are just jealous if they do poke fun! Love to make potholders-- so easy and so rewarding to look at in the kitchen!!
ReplyDeleteGoals are nothing if they aren't lofty:) I am a knitter first, but I have really enjoyed some quilt/ sewing time this summer. Getting ready for fall means more knitting projects and less sewing. It also means pumpkin farms, hot apple cider, long walks bundled in sweaters - yay!
ReplyDeleteI would totally rock a FFA anything. Us grown-ups deserve a little fairy tale now and then.
ReplyDeleteIt's getting fall-ish around here. Cooler days and chilly nights. We kick of the season with our annual apple picking trip tomorrow.
It's not cooled down much yet but I'm already getting in the mood for soups and stews - stocking the shelves in preparation. Your bag is great - I'm like you, nothing no frills or frou-frou!
ReplyDeletewOw! Lots of goodies in this post! Those bags are wonderful, and your knitting is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteYou have been busy!!
SheilaC
I really need to pick up that pattern, that tote is so cute! You can totally get away with carrying it around! My full-time purse is made of Castle Peeps so.. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, after I made your potholders, I too realized I really need to to throw my old ones away! I don't know why I ever think to make some!
Such a yummy stack of fabric!