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June 14, 2006
Knitting Vacation Swap
A couple of months ago, I joined the Knitting Vacation Swap, where each person has a different pal and we send a little package appropriate for that person's vacation. One of the items was supposed to be knitted, but I have to admit I cheated a little! I made one of the recycled sweater bags from AlterKnits. I found this sweater at a local thrift store for $3. It would have been better if it were a little bigger to start with, but the men's sweaters were boring colors. This is a picture of the sweater after two washing machine cycles on hot.
As you can see, I have very high-tech methods of measuring the straps - two pieces of scotch tape! But hey, it works. I just cut off the turtleneck and sleeves, then snipped straight down on both sides to make no-sew handles!
Next step - stitch up the bottom! Here's where I realized another problem with using a sweater from the juniors section at Old Navy - waist shaping. Great for sweaters, not so great for bags. But oh well, it has an interesting bell shape at the bottom. (And by the way, this is NOT hard sewing. I am totally clueless and even I can do it!)
And voila - the finished product!
I'm pretty proud of it, even though it was super easy. I made this in about 30 minutes. When was the last time you had such an instant gratification craft project?
Posted by zarah at June 14, 2006 6:15 AM
Comments
the bag looks awesome! much better than the sweater :)
Posted by: tatjana at June 14, 2006 6:55 AM
Wow! You go sewing girl. That hand bag looks great!
Posted by: Rebecca at June 14, 2006 8:14 AM
I think it's super cute! Good use of a recycled sweater! I bet your pal will love it.
Posted by: Melissa at June 14, 2006 8:15 AM
The bag is awesome! I'm sure it will be well loved.
Posted by: Jennifer at June 14, 2006 8:59 AM
Ohh, very crafty. It looks great.
Posted by: isel at June 14, 2006 9:23 AM
That looks great! I wish I had not just sent a bunch of sweaters to the good will...
Posted by: Palom at June 14, 2006 9:52 AM
Oh, I absolutely LOVE that project from that great book. Yours came out beautifully, I love the colors! Bags are a great way to experiment with patterns and colors you wouldn't normally use.
Posted by: Jenna at June 14, 2006 10:09 AM
What a fun bag! I love the colors. Good choice!
Makes me want to get out my sewing machine. Now if only I knew what to do with it.
Posted by: Brianne at June 14, 2006 10:45 AM
Very cute- great colors! I like the shape too. Wonderful example of recycling. :)
Posted by: pieKnits ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.beautyschooldropout.net/nav-commenters.gif)
at June 14, 2006 5:31 PM
Holy cow! That is one adorable bag! I've wanted to try that whole thrift store sweater-becaomes purse thing, but have not done it yet as it appeared to be difficult. You made it look pretty simple, though. Maybe I'll try it this summer...
Way to go, girl!
Posted by: kelly at June 14, 2006 5:46 PM
LOVE your bag! I've wanted to try doing a felted sweater bag too, but have yet to try. I did the make a skirt into a bag thing. I love to recycle and be creative too. You did a great job:D
Posted by: Lana at June 14, 2006 9:08 PM
Cute colors and looks like good Project Spectrum
for June!
Posted by: knitpastis at June 15, 2006 2:53 AM
So cute!!
Posted by: Kathy at June 15, 2006 4:55 PM
Your bag is so cute!! Much, Much better than the sweater : )
Posted by: Amanda Cathleen at June 15, 2006 7:57 PM
Nice job, Sarah! I'm very impressed. What a great way to recycle sweaters. I need to make a bag out of the wool sweater my mom bought me in Scotland 8 years ago. I never wear it since it's waaaayy too big.
Just imagine how good you'll get with that sewing machine once I teach you how to use it!
Posted by: Tammy at June 16, 2006 9:11 AM
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