Knitted Domino Bag

Another finish!

This started out as Potholder # 2 from Domino Knitting by Vivian Hoxbro. I really liked the way the colors worked together and decided to make another one and turn it into a bag.

I like bags but making them intimitdates me. After staring at the parts for a few weeks I finally decided to do it. I've made my share of errors assembling bags. I've sewn the pocket in upside down and made the lining too small.

This projects first mistake involved the straps. I remember seeing something somewhere about i-Cords with clothesline on the inside for strength. That sounded like a good idea. I knitted the i-Cords and then got some clothesline to stuff inside. That doesn't work. Had I done more research I would have learned that you knit the i-Cord around the clothesline (and there are great tutorials out there). Instead I ended up using a doubled up white shoelace for strength. It was actually possible to thread it in the i-Cord and will make a servicable strap.

My main worry was that one strap would be longer than the other. Luckily they turned out the same length. I tried hard to get them sewn in at exactly the same spot on both sides. They are slightly off. The i-Cord resists pinning and keeps shifting.

The next mistake involves the lining. I got a tear in a favorite shirt (cotton/silk blend) a few weeks ago and decided it would make the perfect lining. However, I'm used to sewing quilt fabrics together, not something lighter. I used the light fabric setting on the sewing machine but the same thread and needle I would normally use. It probably would have been easier with the right tools.

The sewing machine ate my lining! I was able to get it out but there is a small rip in the corner. I just moved the seam so the rip is in the seam allowance and now that corner of the lining won't extend all the way into the corner of the bag.

Since the material is slightly flimsy, I attached it to a strong upholstry ribbon around the top. I sewed the i-Cord handles into this ribbon and hand sewed the lining in using the ribbon.

Now, I just need to be brave enough to use the bag. I'm sure it will hold together but I'm afraid that the knitting will snag on something. I'll probably save it for special occasions.

I think the next bag like this will be out of wool and felted. That will make it much sturdier.

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Erica's Stitches

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