Crochet/Knitting Bag

This crochet/knitting bag I made for Ellen my Package Pal through C.R.A.F.T.s match up was one of those projects that began well, and sort of felt like it was going all sideways in the middle, but then ended up working out pretty much as I had hoped.

I started out with a sketch of the features and dimensions I wanted to make.  I know the title “Best knitting bag ever seen” sounds all self-important, but it’s a phrase Arden uses a lot like “strongest girl ever seen!” or “best big sister ever seen!”.  I don’t know where she came up with it, but it came to mind when I started trying to sketch out what I wanted to make for Ellen because I wanted to try to include everything a knitter or crocheter would need.  Here’s what it says in case you can’t read my writing:

• 12″ x 12″ or > – I wanted it to be big enough to fit a pattern book or magazine.  I measured a few of my knitting books and that size would accommodate any of them.
• Interior full-width pocket for pattern/book – strapped at top – I was planning to have a little Velcro tab at the top but when didn’t have Velcro the right size when I was sewing it. 
• Hook/needle pockets – I measured some of my largest needles and made a pocket band the whole width of one of the interior sides with a couple of bigger sections to hold stuff like double-pointed needles or other notions.
• Grommet to guide yarn – I put one on each side.  I had seen this on a bag Ashley from Cherished Bliss – one of my competitors made for One Month To Win It and thought it was very clever! 
• Zippered pocket for phone, keys, etc… stitch markers…  This was a pain in the patooty and it ended up being a little wonky after messing with it forever, but it’s in and it functions.  I tried to use a tutorial from Jessica from Running With Scissors, but I didn’t follow her instructions properly.

So here’s the finished product – photos courtesy of Ellen since I didn’t have time to take pictures during daylight.  I mailed it at the. last. possible. second. as it was.  Poor Ellen – she sent her package like the first couple of days the exchange was open, and I didn’t reciprocate until February 29.

I love how she staged it for the photos with some of her needles and lovely yarn.

I’ll definitely be participating for April!  This was so much fun getting to know Ellen and giving and receiving crafty goodness!