Easygoing Swoncho #2 (Knit)

I knit another Easygoing Swoncho (sweater-poncho combo) and this time I made the sleeves longer. On the first one I ran out of yarn, so the sleeves were short, but for this Swoncho, I wanted to destash some more yarn, so I used a variety of yarn that I had on hand and combined yarns and knit until I ran out of yarn and then added another yarn, giving this swoncho a variegated stripe look. I like how the colors of yarn blended. After I blocked it the neckline was a bit too loose, causing it to fall off my shoulders when worn. I will have to adjust that and perhaps take a few stitches in to tighten that area up before I can wear it in the fall.

This is a Free Pattern from Cascade Yarns.

I held 2 yarns together as I knit this in the round. I added a new yarn when I ran out of yarn.

I am knitting a different sweater now using all the partial and miscellaneous skeins of yarn that I have on hand to create a rather scrappy colorful looking sweater. Sort of like Joseph's Coat of Many Colors, only it's knit rather than sewn and a pullover sweater rather than a coat. I do like colorful and scrappy, and using up my yarn stash is a huge bonus rather than buying lots of skeins of just one color. If I can use up my fabric to make scrappy quilts and bags, then why not do the same with my yarn scraps?

Happy knitting, crocheting, and sewing!

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Adorable Size Round Japanese Rice Bag (Free Pattern & YouTube Tutorial by Liz)

Last month I made a traditional square Japanese Rice bag that I shared here. Shortly after I made it, Liz (of Moments by Liz), came out with a round Rice Bag in 4 sizes. She named the sizes: Too Cute, Adorable, Just Right & Kitchen Sink. The round bottom templates are free and the Video YouTube tutorial is free too (scroll down to very end for link). When you click on Liz's YouTube at the end of this post, you will find the link to her free pattern for the round bottoms and the rest is cut from measurements using a ruler and rotary cutter. 

Here is my Adorable size round rice bag. It is a pretty cute size, but Too Cute is even smaller. Also, Liz has measurements for making the accent base or using just one fabric, so they are both in her pdf. And, she shows you how to make the tulips ends to cover the knots in the cording if you want to do that. I did not do that with mine though.

The traditional square Rice Bag I made recently, I chose some sewing theme fabric in a different print and color. So I decided to stay with the sewing theme and chose this print for the round bag. I quilted the exterior and the bottom of the bag.

The lining fabric is also  sewing theme print with scissors, needle and thread.

Here she is with the drawstrings closed. I again made my drawstrings in Kumihimo (Japanese braiding) for this bag as I did for the square rice bag.

This time I made the tabs for the drawstring out of the same cotton pink fabric as the accent and bottom

 of the bag.

Quilted bottom of the bag.

Closed view from above.

I made my cord stops out of vinyl. You can buy plastic cord stops or use beads, but both of those need to have large enough openings to fit the cording. Or you could knot the 2 cords together if your cords are long enough to do that. I chose to use wrap my cords together with an elastic hair tie.

Have you ever made a square or a round Rice Bag? Do you have a preference as to round or square? I think I am more partial to the square traditional rice bags, but the round ones are fun too. I suppose it depends on what you will put inside the bag that really matters and the size of bag that you need for your item(s) that you are carrying. I doubt anyone is carrying rice anymore, but you never know. I think I will make some more square rice bags to put my machine pedal and cords in. I will make a name for each bag too so I know which pedal and cord goes to which machine. Now to decide on the right size bag to make. I need one a bit smaller than the last square rice bag I made. 

Happy Rice Bag Making!

Free YouTube tutorial from Moments by Liz~

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Baker Street Bag

This is my first Baker Street Bag. It is a free pattern from Sew Sweetness. Sara of Sew Sweetness has even made a free video tutorial for making this bag, but I have not watched it yet, as I had no problem following the pdf pattern. I did make changes though. Instead of 2 straps, I made one adjustable strap. I added an applique to the front and I added a zippered pocket on the back of the bag too.
This is a nice sized bag with a zippered top closure.

The depth is shown here.

Top zippered closure.

I added a zippered pocket to the back of the bag.

My signature zipper pull too.

Inside is roomy with divided slip pockets.

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