the blue blog archives: dolly in dolly

The finished dolly bag is living up to its name by holding the dolly doll I made for wee one back in October. It's exactly the right size to hold her. So it's official, the purse will go to wee one for holding her little girl things.

I enjoyed this project so much more than I ever thought I would. I'm thinking of making some more dolly bags for friends' little girls. It would make a sweet present for a toddler (and be much less time and yarn intensive than a sweater!). It could also easily be sized up to make an adult purse. I think one more repeat of the pattern across and up would be enough to make it usable.

There is one change I would make to the pattern though. I don't like how the diamond borders and the cables actually touch for four rows where the diamonds are the widest.

I would definitely cast on 4 extra stitches to each side and place them as extra purl stitches between the diamond and the cables. The diamonds and cables could remain the same size, but when the diamonds are at their widest, there would still be one purl stitch separating each one from the cables on either side. It might be that the addition of these four stitches on each side would mean that the whole bag would take more than two balls of handknit dk and that's why they aren't there in the pattern. I had some extra yarn, but quite possibly not enough for this adjustment. It's just a little detail that bothers me as a knitter/designer and generally uptight detail person. The bag knit according to the pattern and with the included yarn really is super cute even without my change. Perfect for all the little dolls in your life!

posted by alison at 10:08 am | in baby news , vacation 2007

Comments

Awe, what a fun project. Great for gettin' your knit back on!

Posted by: Johanna at July 3, 2007 10:33 AM

I totally agree about adding the purl stitches between the diamonds & cables. Or, one could narrow the diamonds so they're not so wide at their widest point....

Posted by: Mary at July 3, 2007 10:42 AM

It beautiful and cute! But I agree that there should be some room between the diamonds and the cables... should make the both of the stand out more. But I really like it, especially the use you put it to.

Posted by: Karen S at July 3, 2007 10:55 AM

My kids are currently on the preschool birthday party circuit and I alway make the girls little felted bags. They love them! I also slip a little gift certificate for an ice cream cone in as well that way they can take their purse and pay themselves, they feel SO grown up. (It's also a great way to use up the leftovers from different projects!)

Posted by: MommyknitsJen at July 3, 2007 11:25 AM

now THAT's an adorable gift idea. Maybe for one of the babies a comin', I'll have to copy you! Tks for your comment on Jo - I think we must have been blogging at the same time this AM. now, off to the res! Maybe later this week you guys wanna come?

Posted by: thea at July 3, 2007 11:44 AM

Hi,

I the little dolly bag is gorgeous! I would have really loved it when I was small.

I was wondering if you knew of another Weasly Sweater KAL? I would love to knit it with some others, and the other project I'd really love to knit is the clock blanket but as its such a big project it would be great to have a KAL to help keep up the momentum.

Love your Charmed Knits book!
Thank you!

Posted by: Victoria at July 3, 2007 12:00 PM

THAT is absolutely adorable! My daughters and nieces would just love it! Do you know if they sell the pattern, or was it just for a free gift? Wee one will have so much fun with her adorable doll and new bag! :)

Posted by: Cathy at July 3, 2007 1:06 PM

That purse is cute and I love the red. I would cast on right away, but I have an unfortunate allergy to knitting bobbles. :)

Posted by: becky c. at July 3, 2007 1:37 PM

Cathy, I've been wondering the same thing myself about the pattern. Does anyone know if it was a pattern from one of the mags or if it was something just for the free gift program?

UPDATE: I wrote to the Rowan International Membership coordinator here in the US and she said that the pattern is only available to the Rowan International members. Sorry!

Posted by: ALISON at July 3, 2007 2:24 PM

Can the things you knit keep getting cuter and cuter? I think those would make ideal little princess gifts. Great idea!

Posted by: Sarah at July 3, 2007 4:48 PM

Great little bag! You're absolutely right about adding a few stitches. That will make all the difference.

Posted by: Sarah-Hope at July 3, 2007 6:28 PM

Oh, such a qute bag!!

Posted by: Elena at July 3, 2007 7:47 PM

Since I just made this bag myself, I agree with you on adding the extra purls between the cables and the diamonds. Another change I would make is to knit ONE long piece for the body of the bag that you could fold in half and just seam up the sides, eliminating the bottom seam.

Otherwise it's a very cute bag that I'll probably make again too :)

Posted by: Debi at July 3, 2007 10:05 PM

Cute little bag!
I can't wait to meet you in person on Saturday at B&N (hopefully my sock will have "grown" a bit by then!)

Posted by: annie at July 5, 2007 10:20 AM

Alsion, I need some help, please. I just got back from Europe ( with a pair of finished sockpal socks ) and would like to post on the Sockaplooza Blog for blogless knitters, but I don't know how ! Did I miss an invitation somewhere to join ? I feel like the kid with her nose pressed against the window , watching the party inside,while I'm out here all alone... please, can I come in ? and how ? Regina

Posted by: Regina at July 5, 2007 5:18 PM

I just wanted to find out where you got the pattern for the dolly bag, I think it is quite cute

Posted by: chantel at July 6, 2007 5:37 PM