Sunday, July 26, 2015

Progressing on my Starling Bag...



When I first started this Starling Bag I thought I'd get clever with the stripe pattern - I fancied the teal stripes graduating in size as they went down the bag (skinniest stripes at the top, fattest stripe at the bottom).  But after trying this graduated stripe effect, working from the bottom up, about halfway through I realized I would run out of the silver long before I ran out of teal so that killed that idea.  And I have no desire to get more of this silver yarn - it's Knit Picks Brava worsted and not being particularly fond of it, I'm trying to use it up and be done with it.  So I revised my plan with the stripes.  And ripped...   And re-did about half of what is pictured here.

For anyone who might be interested, I've written my review of Knit Picks Brava (an acrylic worsted) on this Ravelry project page.

I'm liking the even stripes fine, in the end.   It may not look as clever as I originally hoped, but it should look nice.  I know that top silver silver stripe looks wider than the silver one lower down, but they are the same width. It's a trick of the camera angle.

The bag should be done shortly now.  I plan to finish the teal stripe I'm on, then add one more silver stripe and end with teal handles.   I expect that will make a nice size project bag.

While the colors come out great in the natural outdoor light, the silver looks less vivid indoors.  So I'm thinking it needs some brightening up.  Maybe I'll attach some flowers?  Or a motif or two?  Then again,  maybe I should decide what I will line it with first.  A lining might give a clue as to what might brighten the bag up on the outside.  Or maybe a pretty or interesting lining will do the trick all by itself!

I mentioned last weekend that I was getting back to my shawl.  Well...the more I worked on it, the less I liked the yarn (made up into a shawl).   I'm getting a better feel for what seems to work and not work when crocheting with variegated yarns and now I'm working on a post in that vein.  So the shawl project is shelved and will eventually be frogged, but a new idea emerged from it.  Win!

Looking forward to seeing what all my other YOP5 buddies have been up to this past week!





23 comments:

  1. Nice looking bag! Too bad you aren't fond of the fibre...

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    1. The yarn is working better on this project than the other one I did (that I bought the yarn for in the first place). It's a very thin worsted and it splits very easily. Double-stranded like I'm doing for this bag makes for a very different experience. But I'm very glad to be using it up with this bag. :^)

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  2. I really like the colours of that bag and the stripes! And it must feel good to get yarn you're not keen on out of your stash!

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  3. Your bag is gorgeous, I love the stripes. Such a great way to use up yarn you are less than happy with!

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  4. I see you even have a matching crochet hook! Seriously, I like the way the stripes are turning out and the bag looks very strong.

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    1. I know! I can't tell you how many times when I take a picture of a project I realize that my crochet hook matches or coordinates with the yarn I'm using. I don't know if I subconsciously do this or what. Funny.

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  5. The bag looks great and I can just imagine how great your original idea of stripes would have looked like. It's great to get a yarn your not crazy about used up. Perhaps in time you can do another project bag with the stripes your imagining. I love the idea of a contrasting bright lining, something bright and vivid to add a certain surprise when you open it!

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    1. Thanks, Ruth. Great idea! I'm eager to start looking for a fabric.

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  6. oh, i like the colours of this a lot. it's great to follow along its progress!

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  7. Beautiful! Double stranded? I've made a few hand bags, but not a basket. I'm a big fan of baskets! Right now my book, bible and project are carried wherever I go in in a "clam basket". LOL I'm learning when it comes to yarn and projects as well. I want to make a "lacey" poncho for me for the colder months, but haven't found that right yarn yet. I'm hoping to get to Hobby Lobby on Wednesday for a better selection. Super excited to do the poncho! My first "clothing" project!

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    1. Thanks, Jessy. I saw your clam basket on your blog. It looked perfect for carrying a project and your tools. I look forward to watching as you make your poncho.

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    2. It was a steal for $1 at a yard sale! Woot! Perfect size and sturdy! I might look a little weird, but who cares? LOL

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  8. I love the idea of a couple of flowers to embellish the outside of the bag. That and a great lining would spark it up for sure. Sorry about your shawl. I think variegated yarns are tricky, compelling to purchase for sure, but harder to knit and have it "add" to your project instead of detracting. I'll be curious to see what you come up with instead. Have a great week!
    Ann

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  9. Crochet bags always look so cozy! Perfect for stashing yarn in them!

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    1. That is my hope for this bag, Alina. I've gotten my fabric now (for lining it) and I'm excited to finish.

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  10. It's coming along perfectly...I love it Beckie. Good luck with the new idea.
    debx

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  11. I love the project bag. I think the stripes are perfect and thank goodness you are able to use up a yarn you dislike.

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