A new hobby and a soft hat...

I've been meaning to re-learn knitting for several years now. It's gotten to the point where it's kind of embarrassing to admit that I can't knit very well. But, over the years I've learned that I really only enjoy things that are pleasing to touch and metal knitting needles and cheap yarn do not fall under those categories. I also like more instant gratification than knitting tends to provide but having kids is making me (more) patient. It also makes it almost impossible to sew with any regularity. All this to say, I picked up knitting again. And to honor the new hobby (and facilitate the take-it-with-you nature of the craft) I made myself a knitting bag.


I copied this bag from a friend's bag. She got hers from Africa (not sure where on that vast continent...) and I fell in love with it the first time I saw it. Which meant that I took it off her shoulder and measured it and took notes on it and plotted out how to sew it. Then I stuck the notes in my sewing cupboard and forgot about it. When I realized I needed a dedicated knitting bag it was the perfect excuse to try this pattern out. It was super easy and went together in 45 minutes (with me trying to figure it out as I went and nursing the baby, etc). I figure next time will take maybe a half hour. The fabric is a lovely but awkwardly sized scrap I got in a bag from freecycle. The button was in a grab bag of single buttons I got as a birthday gift. (sorry the picture's kinda dark... I lost my light)

And after all that talk about knitting, I've got a crocheted hat to share :) This is for Mr Man who was not too happy with his "itchy hat" (that was my childhood hat). It's just a basic blue & black beanie. He's asked for mittens and a scarf, too but we'll see since he's presently refusing to actually wear the hat. Maybe I'll knit him a scarf so I can learn how to switch yarns while knitting. The yarns are from my stash and from the store. Almost free :)