Yesterday, when I was pining away for my Zephyr yarn for my Peacock Shawl, something else arrived instead. It was a kit I had ordered to make a knitted beaded amulet bag. I have a zillion amulet bags, but this one is special. I had seen it on one of my students at a recent knitting class, and I fell in love with it. It took awhile for me to get around to ordering the kit, but I wanted to have it done in time for the Minnesota Knitters Guild Yarnover Workshop on April 21. I’m teaching the amulet bag class and thought it would be fun to bring examples of other styles of beaded knitting. The kit arrived last night and I started right in. After all, my shawl wasn’t happening! It went fast. It is the bag on the left in the picture (the bag on the right is there to show scale — the new one is larger than my usual).
It is much more gold/bronzey in real life and very pretty. The decoration is pressed glass. Ironically, I already owned everything in the kit except the pattern book and the pressed glass medallion 🙁 . Oh well!! It is knitted using short rows to get a deeper scallop at the bottom. The kit can be ordered through TWE/Beads. There is a lot more finishing involved because of the swags and beaded necklace. You could very well simplify it if you wanted.
WHY I LOVE KNITTING
This is why I love knitting. Knitting can be anything you want it to be! If you don’t like wool, use cotton. You hate knitting cables, do lace. Love knitting in the round, go for it. Hate knitting in the round, don’t. Tired of the same old-same old? Try lace or bead knitting or fair isle. Knit something huge, like an afghan, or knit in miniature.  Feeling generous? Knit for charity. Feeling like you need a bit of luxury in your life, knit with cashmere or silk. You can never get bored with it and it’s always there for you. The variety is infinite and the whole world of knitting fits in your lap while you watch TV. Sign me on for another 40 year tour of duty!
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Your new amulet bag is very pretty. As is the old one. Your comments on why you love knitting are bang on. Indeed, at the moment, I am thinking lace. Lots and lots of lace.
Comment by Gale — April 7, 2007 @ 7:41 pm
I like your new bag!
And I am on such a shawl kick? Why? I don’t know. I just love to make them.
Comment by surly — April 7, 2007 @ 7:44 pm
It’s beautiful! I’m a total sucker for beads, so I completely understand why Eris is languishing. 😉
Comment by Romi — April 7, 2007 @ 9:14 pm
I’ve been reading about beaded knitting, and pre-stringing vs. crochet hook placement….. Hmmmmm you are a temptress! Thank you for sharing your lovely work. It is always awesome and inspiring!
Comment by Dianna — April 7, 2007 @ 11:33 pm
“Why I love knitting” sure resonates with me. Cute bags!
Comment by Melanie — April 8, 2007 @ 12:24 am
I couldn’t agree more. Knitting is ever changing because there are so many new skills to learn. And what a wonderful way to keep our brains sharp and our fingers nimble. The amulet bag is beautiful. See, there’s a type of knitting I haven’t tried yet. Wonderful!
Comment by Susan Johnson — April 8, 2007 @ 6:44 am
Amen! I signed on too 🙂 Both your bags are gorgeous! And I only I get to try everything at least once!
Comment by Carol — April 8, 2007 @ 10:51 am
Susan- The bags are quite beautiful, and remind me of something a Medievel maiden
might attach to her belt. Really fascinating.
I have yet to knit with beads, but you have inspired me.
Comment by Lorraine — April 8, 2007 @ 10:55 am
Those are such pretty little bags!
Comment by Jen — April 8, 2007 @ 12:02 pm
Susan – thanks for the heads up on Knitters! I haven’t seen it yet. 🙂 btw, I finished my orange sweater, including weaving in the ends. If I had half a brain today, I’d start on PF. But I don’t. Not even close!
Comment by Romi — April 8, 2007 @ 1:09 pm
What a stunning bag…now I’m yearning to make one!
Comment by Sarah — April 9, 2007 @ 12:13 pm
Stunning!
Comment by Julie — April 11, 2007 @ 9:43 am