Tuesday, February 2, 2016

A woven bag, and Little Buddy......


I am having a bit of fun with my loom lately.  I saw this gray yarn in my yarn cabinet and wondered how it would look woven up.  I had a bag in mind to make but was not entirely sure how to go about it.   I measured out about 12 inched wide in warp with about 72 inches in length.  I used chunky yarn that I packed in tightly so it would make a dense piece.  I wove until I couldn't weave anymore and got this really beautiful rectangle of woven fabric..


I popped over to Joann's yesterday on my way to work and picked up this strap and red button, the button looks expensive but it was only $2.99.   Today after an early work day due to someone canceling, I sewed up the seams, sewed on the straps, made a fly by the seat of my pants large button hole, and sewed on the button.  Yes I should have been doing paperwork but I will do that later.  Who can write things down when you have this vision of something you have to finish in your head?


This bag is made from James C Brett Marble Chunky 100% acrylic yarn.  This is not yarn I purchased rather was donated to me when I was gathering bags and bags of yarn for a local group who have made over 10,000 items for those in need.  This yarn was from my good friend Cathy who said I could have a look in her bag to see if there was anything I wanted before I handed it over.  You know me and gray, I simply can't resist.  I actually thought I would make her something out of it but as you can see I didn't.  So there goes 300 more yards out of my stash, I can still call it stash yarn if it has been in my cabinet for a while, right?  The final measurements are 10 1/2 inches wide by 13/1/2  long.  I am quite in love with it at the moment. 



Speaking of love I am loving these tulips I bought on Sunday at the market.  I had no idea what color they would be and I am thrilled with the pink softness of them.  They are so beautiful and are brightening up my kitchen table making me smile when I look at them.


Do you remember this baby?  This is Little Buddy two years ago almost to the day.  He came to live with us two years ago tomorrow, a big anniversary.  He wasn't officially adopted at that point, he was still in foster care and we were considered his new foster family until the adoption went through.  Those were some stressful days, getting used to a little one again, hoping we did not screw up and blow it so he would not be with us forever.  I did not breath a sigh of relief until those papers were signed almost five months later.  He sure was tiny, look at how big his glasses were!  He is growing, thriving, and making so much progress.  He makes me laugh and well to be honest he is a pistol so he often makes me mad.  Sounds like he is my son doesn't it?

I wanted to thank you all for your input on the shawl/table runner.  I just can't seem to take it off my table so I think the decision has been made.  I have a zillion shawls already so I doubt I will wear it, but I can see it all the time on my table so I think that is the way to go.  If it was shorter in length it would have gone to my SIL, but at just over 5' tall this would be way to much for her.  I think I will make her a scarf instead.

Hope you are having a good week so far, I better get on with that paperwork.

33 comments:

Betsy said...

Meredith, that bag is so beautiful! I love the button and the strap. Such a great pop of color. You are so talented with that loom. And just look at Little Buddy! He is a doll. I remember being so happy for you two years ago and rejoicing right along with you. Wow, two years! It's very hard to believe it's been that long already. He is such a lucky little boy to have you as his mommy, but then again, you're very lucky mommy to have him as your little boy. Have a wonderful day my sweet friend.
Blessings, Betsy

Amy at love made my home said...

Fabulous bag!!! Happy coming to live with you anniversary day to you all and to Buddy!! I cannot believe that it has been two years already, where did that time fly!!! He sure is your little boy and a great member of your family! xx

Lilbitbrit said...

I love the bag with the pop of red in the straps and button. The runner too is gorgeous, your weaving is lovely. I know what you mean about an idea and must do it.

Acorn to Oak said...

That bag is fantastic! And, inspiring! I need a new purse and I even have buttons like that! And, I have some purse straps. Hmmmm?! ;-)

Those flowers are beautiful!

Happy adoption anniversary! What a sweetheart he is! :-)

CJ said...

Oh, gorgeous bag, nicely done Meredith, and great that it was done from yarn you already had. Lovely photo of Little Buddy, how much he has grown in two years. I can imagine your relief and delight when the adoption was finalised. What a lovely family you are. CJ xx

Debby said...

That is a great Buckeye handbag. I do really like it.
Congrats on the two year anniversary. Our son used to say how old he was by how many birthdays he had with us. Most likely he didn't have birthday cakes. He would say he had so many cakes. When he was five and officially ours, we had way too many celebrations. They are a handful but so much fun at the same time. Hugs

Lynne said...

You are so on trend with your fringed bag! I'd say that loom has paid for itself many times over. Love the red button and strap.
And look at that little guys face. What a sweetheart. Time sure does fly doesn't it?

Pradeepa said...

I'm in love with your bag. It looks gorgeous! It's 2 years already? Lucky you both found each other. Happy anniversary!

Caffeine Girl said...

You make weaving look like so much fun, and I must repeat my mantra: No new crafts! But you should go on weaving and I'll enjoy that craft vicariously. It is a gorgeous bag and you found the perfect button and strap for it.

Has it really been two years since Little Buddy came to your home? I found your blog right about that time, and it doesn't seem like it's been that long at all. Of course, he's a pistol; those are the best kind of boys! That charm keep you hooked and takes them far. Congratulations on two amazing years with LB.

Shirley said...

Hi Meredith, Your bag is awesome and I love it. Where did those two years go? It is enjoyable to watch Little Buddy although I know he can be a handful at times. You made the right decision when you welcomed him into your home and heart. All boys are pistols at one time or another. I get to hang out with my middle grandson a couple of days at the end of the week. We will have fun. Take care. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.Shirley

Wendy's Mhaaksels said...

Great bag, I love it. Happy anniversary day, such a lovely picture of Little Buddy.
Have a nice day,
Wendy

Toni said...

The bag is wonderful! And a big HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for tomorrow--I can't believe it's already two years! I'm so glad you all found each other.

My Garden Diaries said...

I love that purse! It is so cool friend!! I only wear sling purses like these and yours is fantastic!!! You could sell these…just saying!!! And your sweetie warms my heart every time I see his face! Such a gift for all of you…I hope you enjoy this special anniversary! Wishing you many more beautiful anniversaries!! Nicole xoxo

Jennifer Hays said...

I just love your bag, Meredith. It looks great on the white outfit too. Congratulations on two years with Little Buddy in your family. I know a family who has adopted children from other countries and they celebrate "gotcha day," the day the child came to live with them, in addition to birthdays. I really like that idea. I can see so much progress and growth in Little Buddy since he's been with you. He is clearly thriving under your loving care. I hope you are having a good week so far.

gigi knits said...

Love Love your bag. What lady Adan resiist a handbag.

Gracie Saylor said...

Your gray bag turned out beautifully, Meredith...I really like the red accent on the gray. I enjoyed my first tulips of 2016 from the grocery store last week. Yours are a pretty pink and mine were mostly sunny yellow. It is exciting to recount the journey you are on with Little Buddy. I remember feeling especially anxious with the adoption of my youngest son...afraid that the details would not fall into place, but they did. Now I am enjoying a 40 year old Tim who will always be my precious first baby :) Cheering you on to a productive week! xx

Unknown said...

aahh Meredith I didn't realise you had adopted little Buddy this has warmed my heart this morning bless you and your family for giving him the chance of a loving and well educated life. Boys certainly keep you on your toes but we wouldn't really have it any other way :-) Love the bag grey and red are gorgeous combinations. dee

Jo said...

Such a positive week Meredith lots to show and tell. You have much to be happy about best of all that lovely little boy. Jo x

Joyful said...

The bag is lovely with the button and the pop of red on the strap. It has been a such a fast two years hasn't it? And yet, so much has happened. I say little Buddy is for sure your son and he is so lucky to have you. You are also blessed to have him. HE is a pistol all right ;-)

Unknown said...

Great bag indeed, and I'm in love with that big red button! :) You made amazing progress on the loom, I'm in awe... And congratulations on your 2 years with LB, party hard to celebrate! ;) xx

Anita said...

Oh that would have to be one of the most special anniversaries a person could have.
He was little wasn't he!!! You're pretty wicked with the loom girl, love that button. What a great price you got it for.
Cheers, Anita.

Janet said...

I love the bag Meredith. Your loom has been very busy lately. Little Buddy has grown so much over the two years. He has such a loving family and it's a joy to hear how he is progressing. Janet x

kathyinozarks said...

Meredith I love your handwoven bag-you are getting me inspired to get to my weaving-which I have a project on the loom just needs the tedious threading-the weaving for me is the fun part

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

What a clever lady you are my sweet Meredith. Love the woven bag and stunning button! BUT mostly congratulations on this special anniversary of your "Little Buddy" ! My has he flourished and blossomed and it all due to your love and care and your awesome family! Proud to be a part of your story and life through blogland : )
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoRobin

mamasmercantile said...

He is such a treasure, who could not fall in love with those beautiful eyes and wicked grin, such a wonderful anniversary. Love the bag, the button is a real delight and such a bargain.

Vera said...

Fabulous bag Meredith! Love the grey and red together. Very bohemian I think. And Little Buddy...now a little bigger Buddy. Can't believe it has been 2 years since he came to live with you and be part of your family., What a wonderful story...and what a character he is. Your posts about him always make me smile and frequently laugh out loud. Thanks for sharing!

linda said...

Happy second anniversary I can't believe it's that long already, he is doing so well you should be proud Meredith. Your bag is fabulous I love the red strap and button yu are getting pretty expert with that loom of yours. :) xx

kathy b said...

Now I want to knit a bag Meredith! Happy 2 year anniversary with Lil Buddy. He's the BEST. Let's see your short hair cut!!!

Teresa Kasner said...

Love love love that woven bag! You should enter it into your county fair! It's very stylish and useful! I am with you on celebrating these two years of having LB in all our lives. We root for him from across the country and love seeing his cute face - and I know he's going to continue to prosper with you as his mother. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Anonymous said...

The new grey bag is lovely! That button really MAKES it!

What a sweet photo of little Buddy.

Mrs. Micawber said...

What a great bag! Perfect size, shape, colour combo. You have a good eye. :) And I like Caroline's necklace that almost looks like it's made of popcorn (but really pretty popcorn).

Happy Adoptiversary to LB and to you all!

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

Never thought if weaving fabric for a bag, you genius:) Plus I love to buy James C Brett marble chuny, the colours are so gorgeous, but I don't enjoy crocheting with it. Now I have an excuse to buy it:)
Jxo

Eleanor Ferguson said...

Thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog. I'm impressed by your beautiful knits - wish I had talent like this. Your little boy has a lovely smile! X Doris