Hand Spun Linen Market Bag

This weekend I got in gear on the two projects in my "hibernation basket". The first of which was market bag I had started for myself. I know this is shocking that I would actually start one of these awesome linen Shetland Shopper market bags for myself, but I did!

I began knitting this bag with some tow flax that I was learning to spin. I didn't mind spinning flax for a bobbin (for non-spinners these are "bobbins") or two, but then I was tired of it. So, I decided to knit my bag with what I had, knowing it would end up smaller than most of my other market bags.

The size turned out to be great! It holds a nice amount of produce and looks great hanging in my kitchen hold my other cloth grocery bags!

The other project I worked on was a felted purse that I did not have high expectations for. I know this sounds pessimistic, but the only reason I wasn't excited about it is because the project was turning out to not be my style.

In the end this worked out o.k.. The bag still isn't my sort of style, but I'm sure it will be someone's style. The photo here is before I knit the red handle for the bag, which have definately given it some pop! I am still trying to decided what I want to embroider on the side of the bag (in red). Any thoughts or suggestions out there?

I Wanted to Keep Her

Poppy

My blogging silence hasn't been in vain. I spent the end of last week out of town at a conference and then the weekend up in the mountains. So I will have some lovely photos of the mountains for you very soon, but first my current knitting thrill - Poppy.

This little cutie isn't quite complete, but even so I am so excited to share her with you. Poppy is yet another fabulous pattern by Ysolda Teague.

This dolly is for a wee one who is scheduled to arrive in this world in a couple short months and I hope she loves it. Well, I mean, I don't expect and infant to get psyched about a doll, but you know, eventually.

As usual with Ysolda's patterns this one is written wonderfully. Easy to follow and a joy to knit. I will mention that the mary janes are explained, but they are easy enough to figure out from her close up shot of the feet.

Obviously she isn't quite complete. Today I will stitch on her dress buttons, give her eyes and a mouth, and I'm going to improvise some little underpants for her.

In short, I highly recommend this doll. I can just imagine a little girl carrying her by the arm everywhere. It is a very fun pattern! Enjoy!