the blue blog archives: knit pirates

Finally, I've finished my Christmas crafting! Shortly before we left for Germany, I found this awesome fabric online called Knitmare on Elm Street from Michael Miller. I ordered enough of it to make myself and my knitting buddies cute little knitting bags. I didn't get around to finishing them though until this week. The pattern is yet another awesome project from Amy Karol's book Bend-the-Rules Sewing. It's the "simple tote" and is just perfect for making a small bag with a small amount of special fabric.

Back to the fabric. On this side I pieced together two fabrics called Knit Pirates (with the knitting needles) and Quilt Pirates (those are the scissors). How trendy is this fabric?! Pink and brown, skull and crossbones - it's what all the cool kids are sporting these days! And on the back, there's the hilarious Knitmare on Elm Street fabric with images of the knitmares that happen to us all.

The dog that chews the knitting, the cat that unravels the yarn, the kid that doesn't appreciate the sweater and my favorite, the quick and easy knitting project that goes on so long you think you're gonna die! And I did the inside of the bag in a fabric that looks like knitted socks from the Moda Funky Sock Monkey fabric line (more from me on this whole line of fabrics later this week!). Isn't it just perfect for the inside facing of a knitting bag, though?!

I had a blast making these. The pattern is adorable, with a teeny inside pocket and a funny long strap that fits into the short strap. And it's totally easy to readjust the size if you want a smaller or larger bag (I made mine a bit smaller than the pattern called for so that they're the perfect size for a little sock or baby project). Amy Karol also suggests lining her bags and quilts with flannel instead of some sort of batting. I really like the way the finished bag feels with the flannel lining - it gives the bag just enough shape, but isn't heavy or bulky at all. I may have to try using it in a quilt next time!

So, um, merry Christmas in late January to me and my knit buddies. Here's hoping the knit pirates keep any actual knitmares at bay. Aaaaargh!

posted by alison at 10:02 am | in sewn

Comments

I have two project bags and two zippered bags from Piddloop using that Knit Pirates and Quilt Pirates fabric. I love them so much! If only I had one of your bags to put my project bags in.

Posted by: Chelsea at January 28, 2008 10:31 AM

Oops! It's Piddleloop not Piddloop.

Posted by: Chelsea at January 28, 2008 10:32 AM

These are so cute. I love the skulls and the Knitmare on elm street fabric. That dog with the sad eyes looks very much like my dog. I just went and snatched some of this fabric up for myself.

Posted by: Dawn at January 28, 2008 11:19 AM

OMG! I MUST have that fabric!!!!!

Posted by: Angie at January 28, 2008 11:42 AM

Oh Alison, I adore those!!! I am going to get that book, I have loved everything I've seen from it!

Posted by: Kim at January 28, 2008 11:48 AM

FANTASTIC - that is the best fabric! I just went over to Ebay to get some - thanks.

Posted by: beth at January 28, 2008 11:55 AM

Those bags are so cute! I don't sew often anymore, but I might have to get my hands on my old sewing machine and that book. I'm inspired!

Posted by: Courtney at January 28, 2008 12:02 PM

I loove those bags! And the fabric they are made out of. This is a very cool gift, anytime of the year.

I use flannel as a lining as well. I think it's better than interfacing too. The bag stays soft but feels firmer than just a cotton lining. I've even used a double layer of fabric from the pile of stuff that's no so cute or popular anymore.

Posted by: Wanett at January 28, 2008 12:09 PM

I LOVE those bags! I'm a big fan of skull and crossbones, so those are perfect! I'm going to have to dig out my daughter's sewing book and find that pattern!

Posted by: Kristy at January 28, 2008 12:21 PM

Those are terrific! The fabric, the design, all great! I so wish I was one of your knitting buddies :)

Posted by: Jenna at January 28, 2008 1:05 PM

Those fabrics are amazing! What a great gift for your knitting friends!

Posted by: Lindsey at January 28, 2008 1:17 PM

Wonderful! I love 'em.

Posted by: Tammy at January 28, 2008 2:00 PM

Those knitting bags are to die for.

If you ever decide to sell them, let me know.

/a Lurker

Posted by: Lisa at January 28, 2008 3:09 PM

Those are priceless! Really. What brilliant mind came up with that "knitting disaster" fabric? I want curtains out of that.

Posted by: Suzanne V. (Yarnhog) at January 28, 2008 3:18 PM

Those are super cute!

Posted by: stariel at January 28, 2008 5:24 PM

those bags are wonderful - i wish i was one of those lucky knitting buddies.....

Posted by: debbie at January 28, 2008 5:52 PM

OK, those bags are AWESOME! Please let me know if you decide to sell them!

I may have to learn to sew- every project you make is just so rockin cute!

Posted by: Colleen at January 28, 2008 7:35 PM

Thank you for posting your beautiful bags. I think I have an idea for that fabric too!

Posted by: Allena at January 28, 2008 8:02 PM

That fabric is GORGEOUS!!!!! I'll have to track myself down some.... The bags look great and I'm sure your knitting buddies will just love them.

Posted by: jodie at January 28, 2008 8:56 PM

Those are the coolest knitting bags I have ever seen! I love them!

Posted by: Heather at January 28, 2008 11:14 PM

The cutest fabric ever... for us knittin' and you quiltin' types, that is!

Posted by: toni in florida at January 29, 2008 3:24 AM

Wow - love the tote bags and that fabu fabric. What a terrific find. Thanks for sharing it with us. What lucky friends to received such Christmas gifts. With such a thoughtful lovely gift like that, time is irrevelant.

Posted by: Jennifer at January 29, 2008 7:50 AM

I LOVE these bags! I just purchased some fabric for myself. BTW, your blog is one of my favorites. I check it everyday before I start my work day. Thanks for all the inspiration. :)
Elaine

Posted by: Elaine at January 29, 2008 8:01 AM

I luv this fabric and the bags..... gorgeous.... well done...
luv Abby

Posted by: Abby at January 29, 2008 5:59 PM

I luv this fabric and the bags..... gorgeous.... well done...
luv Abby

Posted by: Abby at January 29, 2008 5:59 PM

I luv this fabric and the bags..... gorgeous.... well done...
luv Abby

Posted by: Abby at January 29, 2008 6:00 PM

I am in lust! If you ever get an urge to sell such bags at ridiculously high prices, let me know--I'll be your first customer.

Posted by: Sarah-Hope at January 30, 2008 12:57 PM

question - where (or how) did you order the knitmare on elmstreet fabric? i cannot find an 'order' link on michael miller's fabric website

Posted by: a rose is a rose at February 2, 2008 8:37 AM

Hey there rose. Just do a google search for the fabric and you should find it in a couple places. It's pretty new, so it's not in a whole lot of stores, but you should be able to find some on eBay or etsy.com. I got my fabric from a lovely online store called J Caroline (here I think you can only buy full yards though) and also found it here at Ladybutton Fabrics (warning, my fabrics from here smelled a little like smoke - be ready to prewash!). Hope this helps! :)

Posted by: ALISON at February 2, 2008 8:55 AM

Hey folks, just came across a site where the person has made tote bags with the scissors pirate fabric. Check it out here.

Posted by: ALISON at February 2, 2008 9:21 AM

thanks for the links! much appreciated

Posted by: a rose is a rose at February 3, 2008 8:26 AM