The bag is finally finished and it came out great, much better than I even hoped it would. This is the The Rather Huge Carpet Bag from the Noni Carpet Bag patterns. I must admit that the bag is rather huge but it will be great to haul projects and other miscellaneous stuff around.
The lining for the bag is constructed out of two colors of cotton fabric and interfacing. I'm lucky that my mom decided to visit us for the holidays and is a sewer to boot because she kindly agreed to use her skills to stitch this lining up for me. I'm so glad she did this because I don't think I could have gotten the lining finished so nicely.The bag lining is in an abstract print that mimics the colors of the bag. The contrasting batik fabric was used to create little pockets all along the inside of the bag. Each pocket is approximately 6 inches wide and about 7 inches tall. I love the pockets! I can stash so many things in the bag, but still find everything I'm looking for quickly. I also knitted a flap that has a magnetic snap on it to keep the bag closed. The flap is felted but it was not knitted as part of the bag. The flap was knitted separately and sewed on as part of the lining.
I did add a bottom to the bag to help it keep it's shape. There is a sleeve in the bottom of the bag that has a piece of cardboard slipped into it, but I'm looking for something a little more sturdy. I'm keeping my eyes open for a piece of corrugated plastic. The sleeve is made out of the same fabric as the lining on one side and the pocket color on the other.
I also used different handles than called for in the pattern. I wanted something that could be carried over the shoulder. I think that it will make the bag much more usable than a pair of small plastic handles. My handles are some type of cord or plant material with some wooden bead detailing. I picked out a coordinating button for the flap to help hide the snap and add a little decoration.
Project InfoProject: Rather Huge Carpet Bag
Pattern: Felted Carpet Bags in Three Sizes
by Nora J. Bellows
Yarn: Noro Kureyon - color #147; 19 skeins
Needles: addi TURBO - US# 15(10 mm)
Pre-felting Measurements: 10" deep x 33" wide and 24.5" tall
Final Measurements: 6.5" deep x 22" wide and 14" tall
Notes: I really made no modifications to the knitting instructions other than casting on 78 stitches instead of the 75 that the pattern called for and that was just a mistake that I decided not to correct. I also added a felted flap to the bag to hide a magnetic snap on the outside of the bag.To create the flap I cast on 20 stitches and knit 40 rows. I trimmed it slightly after felting. The handles for the bag came from M&J Trimmming. The fabric and button was purchased at a local fabric shop.
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24 comments:
that came out great! The lining really makes it work, what a nice mom you have.
What a great bag! I have the pattern but was going to wait to knit it up... now I'm not so sure about the waiting part. It's big and roomy and perfect for lugging yarn.
I *love* it! I'm not sure what I love more, the handles, the color of the bag, or the lining! Very cool!
Wooza! This bag looks totally professional! The striping is lovely. You mom did a wonderful job sewing the lining! That's really the part I don't like about making bags. The sleeves are great ideas, which I learned this year too. Congratulations, it turned out great! I hope you use it often and can enjoy it to the fullest! Now, what about spinning? ;o)
19 skeins! Wow! that is one huge, beautiful bag.
GORGEOUS! Really - that is absolutely fabulous. I love the handles you used, and the lining with the pockets added. Awesome.
Oh, and have you thought about using plastic needlepoint canvas for the base?
Absolutely gorgeous!! It was perfect to begin with, but the lining and the handles just make it one of a kind perfect!! Great job!
Your mom looks so happy in that picture sewing the lining! So nice of her :)
Veeeerrry nice, indeed!
Totally in love with those handles.
don't you just love M&J Trimming?
Now on to a more important question:
Can I have the bag?
Your bag is fabulous!!!!! I love the color and the fabrics you chose for the lining.. you should be thrilled. I hope you get a lot of enjoyment out of using it.
Totally fabulous!!! It's cool to see your Mom sewing! Another good base material could be some of that thick posterboard, cut it to size then put some of the fabric over it (if you have any left!) I love that handle, and good job on the flap! Awesom bag!
One word: Fabulous!
That is really a stylin' bag. Beautiful finishing and details. great pic of your mom too ;)
Stunning! Everything about it looks fabulous.
The bag is wonderful! Congratulations on finishing it so well:) Your Mom did a fabulous job on the lining and I especially love the handle...nice touch!
Ang
It's awesome! The finishing makes it really special. Have you thought about using plastic canvas like they sell at Hobby Lobby/Michael's for the bottom support?
Stunning!!! You did fantastically with this. I love it :)
The green is wonderful. :)
That is one awesome bag!
that is so awesome! i love the handles, and your mom rocks the sewing machine! nice pockets...
Great bag. I really love the handles!
Alkl of your projects are beautiful, but this one is fantastic! Have a very Happy New Year!
Oh WOW! That bag is completely awesome! So huge! The lining is gorgeous! The handles are fabulous!
Those photos of the bag turned out really nice. And as everyone says -- the bag is awesome!! I'm proud of you!!
this thing is awesome--it makes me want to go on a long train trip with a ton of yarn and my iPod.
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