Sunday, August 2, 2009

Whew!


I finished Yvette's bag in the nick of time! Last night, around 9, I finished tying off the second drawstring. Good thing... the shower's at 1 p.m. today!

I love this pattern, and I've made several bags for brides through the years. The pattern is by Jacqueline Young and can be found in Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet. I've always followed the pattern exactly in the past, but this time I decided to make my own Kumihimo braid for the drawstrings. There are some disadvantages and advantages to going this route. I had to make several sample braids before determining which thread to use. I really wanted to use rayon floss, but I couldn't seem to get an even tension. No one would have noticed but me, but I wanted it to be as near perfect as I could get it. I wound up using the same size 20 Cebelia that I used for the bag. I needed two 18" pieces of cording, and each one took me a full day to make. There are 12 beaded tassel loops on each side of the bag, making it much heavier than what I've made in the past. I didn't have time to determine if there was a way to make fewer tassel loops to make the bag lighter, but I like the look, so I guess it really doesn't matter! As for advantages, I was able to attach the beaded tassels much more securely than with the method given in the pattern. Hmmm... I guess that's the only advantage I can think of right now!


The hanky is linen. I knew I wouldn't have time to tat an edging out of finer thread, so I used size 20 Cebelia. I think it works with the linen hanky, because the fabric is not as light weight as the cotton hanky blanks I have. Besides, I like the look of "heavy" lace... it looks very Irish to me, and I am part Irish!

I've received many wonderful goodies in the mail in the past week or so. I can't wait to share them with you, but I need to wrap presents, get cleaned up, and drive to the shower, so I guess I'll have to do that later.

21 comments:

  1. Wow! They are both beautiful and are sure to be cherished by the bride-to-be for many years to come! :)

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  2. Brilliant! These are just beautiful!

    I am amazed at how fabulous the Cebelia looks in the white.... I was trying to avoid using it ( thought it was too heavy) on my hankie and am doing it in #80..... I think you have shown me something very important here. Thanks! : ))

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  3. What a beautiful set! These are destined to become cherished heirlooms.

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  4. Absolutely beautiful Diane. Could you please contact me direct at cepage1ca@yahoo.ca as I would like to talk to you about Kumihimo braid. Thanks.

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  5. gorgeous diane,
    she is sure to be surprised and pleased with your gifts.

    you do wonderful work

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  6. The crocheted bag is just gorgeous and the hanky is darling too!

    Blessings,

    Kim

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  7. Gorgeous! Gorgeous! Gorgeous! I love that bag and the hanky is beautiful!

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  8. These are beautiful. What a lovely gift for the bride.

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  9. How sweet little bag!! Every once in a while I´ve been looking for a pattern similar to this, and so far found nothing to satisfy me enough. Thank you for sharing this, it´s just awesome!

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  10. Stunning!! If I was the bride, I would be so thrilled to receive the crochet bag and tatted handkerchief. Both are beautiful and I'm sure will be cherished. Have a great day.

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  11. Absolutely exquisite, lucky bride. The bag is superb, I have never seen anything like it. Love the flower corners on your hankie.

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  12. Diane this is just gorgeous. Well done.

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  13. Beautiful, i like both your pieces. Its looks good in white. Very lucky bride.

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  14. Wow! What a lucky bride! How beautiful the bag and the hankie! I have to admit I am jealous.

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  15. Thank you for your really supportive and encouraging comments! I´m sure you´ll find your way, one way or another! :)

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  16. Diane, That is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL bag AND hankie I have ever seen. Stunning, just stunning! You are so talented! Hugs, Paulette :o)

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  17. How DID I miss this post? Duh!!! The wee bag is SO pretty. What lucky, lucky recipients. I'm green with jealousy.

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  18. What a beautiful gift set to receive! Lucky Girl!

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  19. Oh my gosh, Diane, nothing like getting it done in the nick of time. LOL Wonderful heirlooms, just beautiful!

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Just like you, I love getting feedback!