Cat Bed & Tote Bags
Unable to suppress my curiosity about eyelash yarn… but not being the boa-scarf-wearing type myself… I decided to try out the Princess Snowball Cat Bed pattern from the Stitch ‘n Bitch book. It’s basically like a big floppy upsidedown hat for your cat to curl up in.
The yarn colors I’m using and my progress so far:
I’m working on the flat circle that will be the base with the raspberry and multi-colored yarns, and then next will be to knit a long rectangle to wrap around the base and form a sort-of wall with the blue yarns. The eyelash yarn is certainly weird stuff to work with. This is my first attempt at increases, so I’m glad to see that technique working out all right. (I had to use some plain yarn to practice for a bit before trying it with the fun fur, though!)
Since I’ve got a few projects going at the same time now, I thought it would be a good idea to start creating some project tote bags. That way, I can keep everything organized, and it’s handy to just grab one of the projects if I want to bring it with me someplace.
I created these two beauties, based on the dimensions suggested for the tote bag in Stitch ‘n Bitch. I’ve decided that this is about the quickest and easiest tote bag method I’ve ever tried. These two took an hour apiece, tops. I LOVE that the body of the bag is all one piece. I spaced out a bit and attached the handles the wrong way (across the opening of the bag, instead of one handle along each side), but that’s easily fixed. I had some left-over of the tapestry fabric (these were both home dec remnants from Joanns), so I made a little accessory pouch that snaps shut, too.
The bad news today is that my right forearm is aching again. I’m hoping that I’ll eventually build up a tolerance for knitting regularly — but I’m beginning to worry. I’m also planning to ask my knitting instructor about some different ways to hold the needles while working, to see if maybe that will help. Anyone else have any tips?
Bonus images: Dad modeling his birthday scarf Snowy view from our front door
February 1st, 2004 at 6:16 pm
Those bags are so cute. I love having personalized bags for knitting and stuff. And have fun with the cat bed! Have you seen Wendy’s gallery of finished cat beds (using her pattern) at http://www.wendyknits.net?
February 2nd, 2004 at 11:45 am
Re. the arm pain…I had that too when I was knitting a lot before the holidays. Unfortunately you just have to make yourself take more breaks. Although it’s a good idea to talk to your instructor too, in case she can see you doing a strange technique that you could adjust or something.
Your tote bags are so great! And dad looks wonderful in the scarf.
February 3rd, 2004 at 9:05 am
The bags are beautiful and your dad looks really happy with his nice scarf. Personally I don’t like novelty yarns myself but I’m glad they’re keeping the yarn shops in business. I can’t wait to see the cat bed when it’s done.
February 4th, 2004 at 12:27 pm
Hey again Jena, last night I was looking at a friend’s copy of the latest Vogue Knitting (winter I think) and it has a huge article about preventing/dealing with knitting-related injuries! Even going so far as to help you identify what might be the problem based on where the pain is, and offering exercises you can do. It looked really helpful. Want me to send you a copy?