Not a Brown Bag
Well, my pretty, new Berroco Suede Tote bag is done, and I’m so happy with it. As usual, I’ll apologize here for the less than perfect color in the photo–the green is really a little greener, and the purple should be a little deeper, but does it really matter? It came out beautifully, and I’m happy with it.
Okay, so the whip-stitching for the handles could have been a little neater. A piece of advice for anyone else who might want to try this–start sewing in the middle of the handle. Not only does that help hold it in place, but going in and out of the handle is kind of a pain, but then you have the easier ends to do last. And about the ends? I would have liked to stitch all the way to the end, but the stitches kept sliding off, so I stopped about 1/2″ in and gave looped my yarn around the base of the last couple stitches before knotting it off, to keep them from sliding.
And I still question the weight of two tassels on each side. The handles, you see, don’t go all the way across the width of the bag, even with the pleating, and the two tassels pull the corner down a lot, and I worry a bit for the strength of the yarn holding on the handles. Maybe I’ll take off one tassel at each end. (Though, really, I like the tassels! Hmm . . . though I could just move them to the handle….)
I love my color choices, though. The very bottom is purple–you can just see a hint of it in the photo–and of course, the top stripe is, but the rest is green. I love the texture of the pattern stitch. I just love the look of the bag in general. Happy. I thought I was going to have a lot of yarn leftover–I had a whole skein I hadn’t even touched yet–and then I made the tassels. Four of them, 100 wraps each around a 5″ piece of cardboard. They look fabulous, but boy did they eat up yardage!
I have another decision to make. You remember, of course, my decision about the buttons for my Union Square Market Pullover. I chose the a button that would stand out, but Marji still didn’t think they “popped” enough. So what did she do? She mailed me two more samples that she thought were better. And I have to say, I’m liking that button on the right a lot. A silver back, with red enamel and a little geometric pattern . . . it looks just lovely. I’ll have to place an order! (Getting around to replacing the buttons may take a little longer, but . . . pretty!)
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Tannenbaum.
House Calls
I’m in love with that bag!! It turned out so nice - and I love the double tassels. It would be a shame to move any of them at all.
i don’t particularly care for tassels, so whatever you do with them is fine with me, lol.
the button choice is excellent! love silver (hate gold, lol). and it looks very nice. just the “pop” you needed!
Your bag is so handsome! I too love the tassels, especially the twisted cord that combines both colors of Suede. Marji sure knows her buttons- that geometric silver/red button is “IT.” Somehow, the enamel picks up the warm pink and ties everything together
Looks great!
the bag is so great ~ and i love the two-tone look of it, cool.
I love it, looks so good.
Very fab. I love those tassels!
Your bag is marvelous! That is one you’ll enjoy for a long, long time. Nice work!
The bag is just gorgeous–I’m envious!
How lovely and fun! It looks great! I really like the new buttons A LOT!!!!
your bag is great! and i love the buttons you chose.
The bag is beautiful, even if the colors are true to what they actually arein person. I imagine in person it’s even more striking.
Your bag turned out fabulous!!! I can’t wait to make mine. Thanks for the tips on attaching the handles and thoughts on the tassels. Enjoy it!!
I love your Suede tote bag. Very nicely done!
I’m definitely going to have to knit that bag, darn it. Look what you’ve done to me!
I think I’d pick the new button on the right, too. Very nice.
Your bag is beautiful!
Your bag is lovely! I got the yarn for this too … I just want to know where you got the handle. It seems the only way is to buy online!
Happy New Year!
Hi, love your bag. I am starting it now and have the first repeat done and am on the second repeat. My stitches are not coming out, it seems like row 2 is not repeated, the numbers work out for me knitting everyother row and repeating row 4. I cant find a missing or dropped stitch. Also my gauge is right but the fabric feels sort of loose. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Bea