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Maddy Spadola:
From Rags to Stitches Bag
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In her own words, here's the inspiration for Maddy's "closet stash" projects:
O.K. Here's the deal when you try rags to stitches projects:
Perfectionists need not sign on except if you really want to have a day of free-wheeling, no-rules-applied-fun. Close-fitting clothes will look extremely lumpy and handbags won't be neat and tidy receptacles for keys and important items. Be prepared for ‘the gaze' from many whom you encounter.
Wear these items gently because they do start to unravel over time. I would very cautiously approach cleaning or washing them!
In doing this handbag I
decided to branch out into baskets that could hold light ‘things'
like scarves (a basket made of scarves to hold scarves—very
poetic); or large jewelry pieces that won't get lost in the
knots; or fruit, nuts, veggies or dried flowers—anything
your heart desires. I think for the holidays I may knock
off a few for family and friends. They will knit up fast
and look quite striking on a shelf or coffeetable. And
the best part is I have all the ingredients I need in my drawers
and closets so I am ‘using my stash', which is often a
dream of pack-rat knitters.
The fun of just seeing what will evolve feels new to me with this knitting style. Yes, I spiff up sweater patterns, but basically, I've always played by the rules. I feel like I am discovering that there are no rules, and if I like the looks of the thing, then it is "good"; pretty much the surprise of ‘anything goes' is new for me. Yeah, yeah, I may be a stodgy in most areas of life, but so far, this is my third rags to stitches project and I'm having a blast. |
Maddy's Rags to Stitches Handbag
("really
just a rough guide")
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Finished Size:
About 11" by 9"
(28 cm by 23 cm), without straps; straps are about 24"
(61 cm) each.
"Yarn": You
can vary the weights, but understand that if this bag
is made from filmy materials it is not going to be terribly
strong, but it will look fabulous—maybe a dress
bag. Filmy is easier to knit, but sweat shirt
material (at an extreme) will be shred less over time.
Needles: Size
15 (10 mm): straight for bottom, set of 5 double-pointedfor
body.
Notions: Tapestry
needle; size K /10.5 (6.5-mm) crochet hook (for straps).
Gauge: 10 sts and 10 rows = 4" (10 cm) in St st. |
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Bottom
With straight needles, CO 15 sts. Work even in St st until piece measures about 4" (10 cm) from beg, ending with a WS (purl) row .
Body
With dpn and RS facing, pick up and knit 40 sts evenly spaced around bottom rectangle, picking up 2 sts in each corner to round out the body. Join for working in the rnd and cont in St st, changing "yarns" at whim, until piece measures 12" (30.5 cm) from pick-up rnd--includes1" (2.5 cm) hem..
Straps
With crochet hook and 2 yarns held together, work two crochet chains, each 24" (61 cm) long, leaving a 3" (7.5-cm) tail of "yarn" at each end. You can sew with a thin piece of "yarn" (a selvage edge holds well) or use regular sewing thread, or pull through with a crochet hook and knot in at least 3 different places for strength. Using the crochet hook is probably easier than getting a tapestry needle through the fabric.
Finishing
Block or smooth out with a steam iron and voila(!) you're ready to go out with your new purse.
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