Woohoo!
Elfines…
Sew? I Knit! bag sew-along – a toothy Amy Butler Rural Messenger Bag…
Ok. First of all, the Elfines. For some reason, I just didn’t enjoy making them as much as I have other socks. The pattern is lovely (they were my first toe-up, and the pattern was really easy to follow), the lace section was beautiful and made it fairly quick in terms of measuring the sock out, the yarn was yummy (beautiful Fyberspates alpaca silk 4ply), and the needles fab (addis of course 
). The overall result is wonderful if I do say so myself, but for some reason, they just didn’t inspire me to work on them. I was determined to finish them though, because of the gift knitting I need to do, which, incidentally, has already begun, and is moving much much faster than I believed possible Anyway, they are done, and I am very happy. I would still recommend the pattern, and the yarn is just gorgeous to work with, if a little splitty (but I think that was because of using 2mm needles – a large needle would stop that from being a problem). And they are very very very warm and soft. So all is well that ends well.
Second of all, the messenger bag. The pattern was the most complicated I’ve made, but the instructions were pretty good. I had problems in two areas. The first was sewing the side of the bag to the front and back – I was rather worried that I hadn’t cut the strip long enough, but I never realised that the construction method would make the strip fit the way it did. The second was on the purse flap – I’m not sure whether I cut a part too small or too big, but I ended up with a raw edge showing on the inside, which I managed to hide when I sewed the top edge of the bag in the finishing process. I also had a problem half way through with some birdnesting, which took 3 attempts at re-threading the machine (by which time I was beginning to worry about the machine, which is not the newest one in the world). But the overall result I am very happy with, if only because of the fabric There is enough left to make a small handbag I think, if the pattern is right. I’ll definitely be using Amy Butler patterns again, and this one too in a firmer fabric (mine is a bit flimsy really, but I had to do it! And it was ironed, but the fabric creases really easily, so don’t think the pics of creased bag are me being lazy…).
Finally, my pal has revealed herself, but I won’t tell till she has given me permission… Needless to say I’ve been reading her blog and thoroughly enjoying it, so I hope she lets me reveal her to you
hey full permission granted!
thanks a million for your excellent email… I am so unbelievably thrilled about the patrick stewart thing!
you’ve FINISHED the bag? It’s only April 2nd! (I’ve not even finished the skirt yet…). It looks great, the fabric is hilarious
And Aileen – isn’t it just the worst celebrity story ever? I defy anyone to come up with a more non-event of an encounter, or appear more stalker-ish
I forgot to tell you that maybe he doesn’t deserve a hat – DB held a door open for him and he didn’t utter a word of thanks… Ungrateful git 
The socks are very cool, but the fabric on the bag is SUPER cool!
Oh I love your elfines!! I’m sorry they weren’t as much fun for you as they were for me. Maybe you should try Anna’s badcaul pattern. I REALLY loved those! They were even faster & easy to memorize!
That bag is adorable! I had been wondering about the ease of use with Amy Butler patterns (I love the swing bag & the new weekender bag).
I’m off to work on my bag this evening. It’s a Jordy from the craftster tutorial.
Awwww, you are all so sweet
I’ve been very very very very naughty, and ordered some Hip Knits sock yarn (just one hank, but the cashmere stuff!) and all the sock patterns from Amelia Raitte
Whoops! I have to confess I am in love with the way the stitch pattern looks on Nautilus… They are all very beautiful though, and wonderfully presented.
Jen – yeah, I looooooove that fabric! I wish I had bought more as they don’t have it on the website anymore (even tho I couldn’t buy it if they did, but still, the potential to beg DB to let me use his credit card was there). I’ll have to make something very very good and special with what is left.
TEEEETH!!! I love it!