It’s In The Bag – Book And Contest
Welcome to Day 5 of the blog tour for It’s In The Bag.
When I received my copy of the book in the mail, one project immediately jumped out at me — the “Knit Then Weave Placemats.”
Hmmmm . . . interesting . . . how exactly were they constructed?? Upon closer examination of the pattern, I saw that they were an unusual combination of knitting and weaving.
I emailed Kara and told her I’d love to showcase the technique on my blog. She put me in touch with the designer, Colleen Smitherman, who answered all my questions and provided me with more information about the placemats and their unique construction.
Q: Where did you come up with the idea for the placemats?
A: I had tried various approaches to making knit placemats over the years and was never really happy with the way they turned out although it seemed like it should be a rather simple thing to do. They always seemed to be too thin and uninteresting. After admiring some woven placemats a friend had, I decided to see if there was a way to use the knit stitch as a framework for weaving. It took several attempts to determine the best way to do this. I love that after weaving the placemats lie flat and have a nice firmness which was one of my goals. My other goal was to make them more colorful. I have always been fascinated with how colors blend in woven fabrics so using more than one color was a way to play with this characteristic.
Basically, Colleen knit several stockinette stitch panels and then joined them together with a weaving technique. She placed the weaving yarn on a tapestry needle and drew it through each stitch twice, first by inserting the needle under the left leg of the stitch and then by inserting the needle under the right leg of the stitch.
Here are some photos of Colleen’s placemats as she was making them.
Weaving the first leg of the stitch (under the left leg):
Weaving the second leg of the stitch (under the right leg):
Q: Can the weaving technique be applied to other projects?
A: In addition to placemats, I have used the technique to make drink coasters and hot pads but other uses are possible. I would think that teens and older school-aged kids might enjoy the weaving process.
Colleen also passed along these great tips for making the placemats:
Before starting the weaving, draw the outline of the placemat on a sheet of cardboard or something similar and do the weaving for each placemat over this outline to keep the shape perfectly square and to assure even tension on each row. I had a mat with grid markings which was designed for use with a rotary cutting tool so I did the weaving over that mat.
Another tip is to experiment with mixing stripes of different sizes and patterns. The options are endless!
Colleen sent these photos of two other “knit then weave” placemats as examples of other possible color options.
This is seriously clever stuff, people! Thanks for sharing, Colleen.
Now for the contest.
The book, It’s In The Bag, contains 48 patterns for travel-friendly projects that require little finishing. Inside the knitting bag pictured below, there is a slip of paper on which the name of one of the patterns is written.
Guess the name of the project that’s “in the bag” by leaving a comment to this post. If you’re the first to guess correctly, you’ll win a copy of the book. And, to help you out, here are photos of the Table of Contents (click for big) Because, obviously, you shouldn’t have to own the book to win the book. 
Good luck! I’ll choose a winner on Monday morning so leave your comment before then. And make sure to check out the next stop on the blog tour. Tomorrow, Laura Nelkin, who has a lovely beaded design in the book, will be discussing innovative ways to make traveling with your knitting a breeze.
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70 comments Susan | knitting
70 Responses to “It’s In The Bag – Book And Contest”
If you’re accepting international (Irish) entries – I’m going to guess the Day at the Met Mitered shawl, it would probably be the first one I’d try from the book!
What a great post this was! Thanks to you and Colleen for adding yet another dimension to this project! I especially like your close up shots of the weaving demonstration.
Thanks for a great interview and tutorial!
Looks like a great book..and I would guess..The Traveling Lace Beaded Shawl..
Those placemats are a great technique – knitters are so clever!
I’ll be looking for this book at my local shop – but meanwhile . . . “It’s a Wrap” Cabled Shrug?
I’ll have to try the placemats. I, too, say the Traveling Lace Beaded Shawl.
I’m gonna say the Kaleidoscope market bag. Sounds like a fun project, lots of colors and as a bag very usable.
That weaving stuff is amazing. I’m not sure I totally get it yet, but it is very intriguing.
I’m gonna guess the City Girl Scarf because I like the name!
Uptown Chic Satchel is my guess.
What a great tutorial! Fascinating!
what a fun idea. i am guessing that “harlequin socks” is what’s listed in the bag… oh, i hope, i hope!
Fascinating technique. So ingenious. I definitely want to try it out sometime.
My guess: Orient Express Eye Pillow.
I am intrigued by these placemats – I love trying new techniques. My guess is the A-Dorable A-Line Ruffled Jumper. Thanks for the opportunity to win this great book
I am guessing “European Tour Set”, just because I am from Europe.
Hmm, I’ll guess the “Gossamer Caplet”.
I’m going with Bodacious Bobble Hat; who doesn’t like bodacious!!
Dual Texture Tunic? Has to be
I’m going with Kathmandu Cravat. Because I love the word Kathmandu.
I guess the table runner…to go with the placemats!
I’m going to guess the Traveling Lace Beaded Shawl as well…great post!
“It’s A Wrap” Cabled Shrug
maybe? ; )
My guess is ‘Easy as 1-2-3 Braided Belt’
I am intrigued by those placemats and am keen to have a go! Thanks for the info
I would guess a lace pattern so how about Luxembourg Lace Place mats. Thanks for pointing out an interesting technique. The weaving looks good and it would be a good way to join up odd leftover bits of yarn and using one yarn to pull all the disparate colors together.
What a fascinating technique! This book is definitely going on my wish list. As for a guess, how about the Harlequin Socks.
My guess – Baby Dearest, since we have a brand-new niece:) Looks like a fascinating book!
How ’bout “Knit then Weave” Placements?! That looks like a seriously fun book!!!
OOOOOh oooh – Simple Stripes Scarf ??
Thank you very much!
my guess will be City Girl Scarf….just because! ‘->
seriously, i need to learn to “kneave”. it looks like loads of fun!
Uptown Chic Satchel
Thanks for the contest!
Looks like lots of fun patterns! Thanks for sharing.
XOXOX
Maria
Great tutorial! I think its the Kaleidescope Market Bag.
My guess is Lacy A-Line Baby Dress. Thanks!
I vote for little miss hat and purse (little in the title made it something that seemed to fit in there
)
Knit then weave placemats?
Lovely lace collar!
Looks like a fun book!
I’m going to guess the Take It On The Road Tank, just because it has a nice rythm. The placemats are amazing.
I think it’s the Country Roads Scarf, because that song popped into my head this afternoon. It’s a sign! A sign, I tell ya!
Why the cozy sleeping sack, of course! It’s such a delightful little title! I’m naughtyknots on rav
Casual Cotton T-Shirt!
Thanks!
I’m guessing Harlequin Socks! Thank you.
The Little Princess dress up set (my little girls would never forgive me if I didn’t guess this.)
Thanks for sharing on Rav! If you are open to international entrants, my guess is Chico’s sweater. Some lovely looking patterns in that book, and the knit then weave intrigues me. Off to do some experimenting!
I’ll guess Frilly Prilly Poncho because I don’t think anyone else has guessed it yet.
Awsome technique….my guess is the Rustic Basket Weave table runner.
I’m going to guess Sleek and Stylish Sleeveless Top.
I’m going to guess happy baby blanket – because I’ve got two grandson’s coming soon and I’m busy making baby blankets for them!
I’ll guess it’s the Earth Tones Afghan. Thanks for the giveaway, I’d love a copy of this book.
Those placemats are amazing. Definitely a must try.
I’m going to have to guess the Fabulous Felted Purse. Mainly because I love making Fabulous Felted Purses
Kathmandu Cravat!
The book looks fantastic, and how cool are those placemats?
Nautical stripes onesie and sunhat is the one pattern that first stuck out to me, so that is my guess. Thanks for the contest!
Luxurious Lace Collar!
tonal triangles kids pullover.
(I totally think it’s the placemats, but that has already been guessed . . . so . . .) Thanks for the fun.
Purplemoose on ravelry.
luxemburg lace placemats. they sound fancy!
Outback Basket Weave Pullover
Wow ! what a NEAT book
crystal
I’d love to flip through It’s in the Bag! Is it Andrea Beaded Cuffs?
kathmandu cravat – what a clever way to pick a winner!
Uptown Chic Satchel?
Can you say Chic Satchel five times fast?
I love that tutorial, too. I have lots of cotton yarn to use up and dish cloths get old after a while.
It looks like a really fun book!
How about Roundabout Ruffled Top?
Baby Dearest – the patterns in the book sound like the would be wonderful to knit for gifts.
Oh, it’s got to be the City Girl Scarf.
Great contest! Thanks!
very cool looking book! Hmm, looks handy!
I found one not picked yet…I think.
Saucy Stripes Pullover
How about Luxurious Lace Collar?
I have no idea! The book looks great though.
I will guess Day at the Met Mitered Wrap!
Looks like a great book.
I will guess Pretty Pastels Lap Blanket.
I think this will be a great book.
The Uptown Chic Satchel is my guess.
I would love to win!
How about Chico’s Sweater (I am sure it is the placemats though, but that has already been guessed). Good luck to all!
I think day at the met mitered shawl.
It looks like it’s very striking.
That is a very clever technique indeed! Thanks for sharing it and the giveaway. I’m guessing “City Girl Scarf”
It took a while to find one that hasn’t already been guessed. How about “Spiraled I-cord Seat Cover”?
My guess…. “It’s a Wrap”.