Playing with Sashiko

Here is what I made for the Stitchmap Sashiko Challenge. I think the deadline was back sometime in February so I'm a little late.

The challenge was to try Sashiko and make a needle case. I already have more needle cases that I can use. But, I have a new set of unchangeable circular knitting needles in an ugly plastic case. So, I set out to replace it.

I had some green fabric and vintage linen threads to use. Traditionally it is done on a blue background, but I don't have a good blue fabric. Besides, green is my favorite color and I've wanted to use it for a while.

The linen thread was maybe a little to thick for the fabric. However, it has a different texture from any other threads I've used and it was nice to try something different. While I like the look of Sashiko, my eyes really didn't enjoy making it. I found the diagonals especially difficult. I kept getting to an intersection and being a hole or two off. So, I probably won't ever try Sashiko again.

Making the needle case was much more fun. I used two sources for my patterns. The case and the drawstring bag were adapted from the book Sew What! Bags by Lexie Barnes. The zippered pocket came from the Sock Sack by Atkinson Designs which I've already made. I've found that the more I make these designs the easier they get and the customizing gets easier too.

Inside the case is a slot for all the needles in the set (the 8's are currently knitting a scarf). I should have embroidered the needle sizes but I took the easy way out and used a fabric marker.

The drawstring bag can hold scissors, stitch markers and cable needles.

The zippered pocket on the front holds the cables for the needles (as opposed to cable needles) and I'm sure it will accumulate lots of junk as time goes by.

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