I have bags galore - You need to see our closet. We have bags for this and bags for that, and even though we have bags for what we need, we need to get more.
In addition, I’ve begun collecting canvas bags and sturdy, pretty nylon bags and bags of all other sorts to store near the front door and in the car should I need one.
Even recently, I received a wonderful, large shoulder bag from my mother-in-law, embroidered with my initials, TTM. Its incredibly large size makes it ideal for picnic-packing. I actually wouldn’t have to try too hard to fit inside it.
Despite having this massive tote and many others, I’ve decided that I would also knit one.
The impetus for this luggage bag was two-fold. I was inspired by a knitter friend, Alicia (see post on Show & Tell) who, a few months earlier, was seen knitting a small cable bag with size 17 needles. It looked as though she was knitting with logs! Her purpose for using such large needles was to, obviously, finish the project quick, but it was a bit inspiring seeing those large cables come to form. I decided to follow suit and knit a bag of my own. A large luggage bag.
As the idea began to take shape, I realized that the bag would be a great example of how one would learn about knit design. It’s not as daunting as a garment, yet incorporates enough design features to allow one to be creative and to think “outside the pattern”.
Hence, the offered class, which will be the first of many upcoming classes, will encourage the knitter to think about design and explore their own skills and creativity.
I had also been browsing various vintage magazines for Spring weather inspiration. I came across a ’60s sleeveless top with a gorgeous pattern (think Jackie O) , and decided to use the pattern, rather than cables, as the primary aesthetic feature of the bag.
Other features I’d like to incorporate include fabric lining, large shoulder handles (still in the works as to how these will actually look), (zipped) pockets and inserts, and a dividing interior panel. The unexpected large size (I was expecting more width than height) may force me to play around with semi-felting.
As with any design piece, I’m a bit nervous about the outcome (since I generally plan as I go) and simply hope for the best.
2 Comments
Beautiful and inspiring. I’m looking forward to the finished product, so I can make one too!
Just a short note to say that I love your shop. It was lovely to meet you too. I enjoyed my visit the other day and look forward to returning soon. This bag is more beautiful in person. I can’t wait to see it finished.