Monday, September 30, 2013

Review & Giveaway: 7 Easy-to-Knit Handbags for Every Occasion

One of my favorite moments from TNNA this year came when some of my booth neighbors related a conversation they'd just had with another attendee of the show.  A very well-meaning woman had stopped to check out their designs and chat and, at the end of the conversation, leaned in as if she were sharing a huge secret, informed them that the knitted handbag was the most popular selling type of pattern in the history of knitting and insisted that if they really wanted to make it big in the industry, they should drop everything and start writing patterns for knitted handbags immediately.

Now, I'm a big fan of the knitted handbag.  I've made more than a few, and have queued countless others, and find them very fun and useful items.  But the most popular type of knitted object EVER and major get-rich-quick scheme?  I'm just not so sure.  (Or I could be completely wrong, who knows?)

Anyway, while we're on the topic of knitted handbags, there's a very cool new book out from Annie's on just this subject...

All photos copyright Annie's

7 Easy-to-Knit Handbags for Every Occasion is written by Jill Wright (who also has two great pieces in Reclaimed!) and includes, as you might have guessed from the title, 7 patterns for knitted handbags that range from the casual to the fancy-sparkly and all look quite simple to make.  The purses have different types of closures and handles, so you can show off a favorite button, or practice a new closure technique. And handbags are a wonderful way to try new techniques, since the shaping is usually quite simple and provides a nice, blank canvas on which to use some creativity. The patterns in this book do just that, with some of the handbags featuring cables, textured stitches, and intarsia.

The book includes very clear instructions and diagrams of the basics as well as some additional skills needed for purse-construction, such as inserting a zipper and working Mattress Stitch. Also, the patterns that require assembly have great schematics and diagrams for how the pieces should go together.

Let's take a look inside at some of my favorites, shall we?

Here's Harriott - I would carry this everywhere!

Dancette has a fun combination of cables and a bit of sparkle.
And Butternut - just adorable.

You can find 7 Easy-to-Knit Handbags on the Annie's website or on Amazon.

Or would you like to win a FREE copy of this super-fun book?  Leave me a comment here telling me 1) if you've ever made a knitted purse before and 2) a way to get ahold of you (email, Ravelry ID, or blog URL are all fine).  You have until this Friday, October 4th, at 11:59pm Pacific time, and I'll draw a winner on Saturday morning.  Have a great week, everyone!

29 comments:

Jen said...

Oh, I do love knitted bags! I made a cabled tote bag last year and have several more in the queue.

LindaR said...

I've made a couple of bags so far, but don't use them as often as I should. I need to learn how to insert a lining in the next bag I make.
lindarumsey on Ravelry

Sheila said...

The closest I've come is a knitted, felted tote. I really need a new purse - maybe I should knit myself one?

Kate said...

I knit one purse, years ago. It was early days, before I knew much, and I sort of made up my own pattern. I didn't know how to decrease to make a pointy top, so I bound off one stitch at a time to get the look I wanted.

chalimar16 on Ravelry

Small and Moody said...

I have never knitted a bag before but I would love to knit one! I especially love the bag on the cover.

Rav ID: SmallandMoody

Unknown said...

I knit a purse very early in my knitting life and it didn't turn out so well. :-( I bet now it would work out a lot better. LOL!
JavaPurl on Rav

Dee said...

I've knit several bags and just love them. I even designed my own! This books looks terrific. Could use a new knitted bag. :)

Rachelle said...

I've knit a wee colourwork purse, it's for coins (going to use it for stitch markers though)

UmmRania said...

One of my first projects was a small bag, but I never finished lining and putting in a zip. These patterns are amazing though and I would love a copy!

Ummrania on rav

Unknown said...

i'm ready to knit one! i've bought too many purses, searching for the one that is just right, and settling for the thing that will almost work. so time to do it!

Unknown said...

I've always wanted to knit a handbag, but I've never successfully completed one. I started a market bag with hemp yarn, but didn't like the way it was coming out and just put it down and didn't pick it up again. These patterns are gorgeous, though, and I'd love to knit them!

My Ravelry username is silentGstitch

adodds said...

A few years ago I made several knitted bags as gifts. Fun to do. I especially like the Harriet bag..
Skibum on rav

Unknown said...

I made a felted bag a few years ago that is my all time favorite. I love the bag on the cover, the texture is wonderful!
bdgrammy on ravelry

Diane S said...

I have made 40+ knitted felted bags during the past several years. I love making them! Rav id ddknitter

Sara said...

The only bag I've made so far is a knitted market bag that I really like. I never use it for groceries though... on Ravelry I'm bibliophibian

LauraM said...

I made a cabled bag 3 years ago and I love it.

Gloria said...

I have made many a felted bag, but not a true purse without felting. I'm a sucker for backpack purses, but my daughter is a handbag fetishist, so I'd love to make her something fun! Please pick me, and thanks for sharing!

VĂ©ro said...

I have already crocheted quite a few bags but never knitted one yet. Those look so gorgeous !

Vicki said...

I have knitted bags and then felted them. It is like magic.
vperrien@prodigy.net

Nuna Knits said...

I've knit two felted ones, both the same pattern from Gwen Bortner's book Entree to Entrelac. Entrelac and felting...what a fun combo.

Glenda said...

I have knitted and or crocheted about 7 bags....I absolutely love the character and the texture of knitted bags. Its my go to with yarn that I bought but do not have a project in mind at the time of purchase :-)

gpr_lines@yahoo.com

Now Am Found! said...

i've knitted several out of paracord and also some beach bags out of string and several market bags out of twine

Christine said...

No I have never knit a purse but I would like to!

Anonymous said...

I've never made a knitted bag, but I'd love to! I absolutely love that Harriott bag.

I'm vernalequinox on Ravelry.

Dierdre said...

I've never knitted a bag before, but I'd love to knit that dancette bag!

dkpim on Ravelry

Rebekah Evelyn said...

I've knitted/crocheted a few bags; enjoyed almost all of them.

RebekahEvelyn on Ravelry.

NanaJen said...

I've knitted one messenger bag/hipster with a flap-style closure. It's felted, and I used it mostly as a diaper bag/knitting bag. I made the pattern up as I went along, and then felted it. I would love to win this book. jaydawnrn on ravelry

Anonymous said...

I've knit at least 9 bags, purses, and pouches in the past year, all of which are used regularly by the owners. Am thinking of making a purse as a Christmas present for a family member - if I'm lucky, perhaps I'll chose one of the patterns in the book!

polyglotknitter on Ravelry

Karen said...

I have knitted several felted bags--mostly larger tote bags. These purses are great, and I could see myself making several of them for myself or gifts. I'm kuntzknit on ravelry