Fun
Handles for Sale
Julie Weisenberger’s new Four Corner Bag won us over the minute we saw it.
It’s a simple square of linen, sewn in a clever way so that you can fill it with your knitting, make a bundle of it by tying the ends closed, and tuck it into your tote.
Comes in three sizes, over in the MDK Shop. Fab.
And then there are the handles.
Julie figured out that adding leather handles turns a Four Corner Bag into a tote that is even more versatile. So she created a separate kit for leather handles, complete with instructions on how to sew a Four Corner Bag using your very own most precious beloved superspecial fabric you bought in Kyoto in 1974.
Or, in my case, my precious beloved superspecial nightgown that has met its demise as a nightgown.
Or whatever piece of square fabric you happen to have lying around the house.
Knitters, it turns out, are also sewers. We are surprised and pleased to see how many of you are ordering up the handle kit, sans Four Corner Bag.
Simple and elegant.
There’s a newborn hashtag on Instagram tracking these Four Corner Bags: #fourcornerbag.
Of course, I’m more a knitter than a sewer, and I’m thinking that these handles would look great on a handknitted version of the Four Corner Bag. Maybe in Euroflax Mini Skeins, which have just returned to the Shop.
A big stripey mitered square, with those leather handles holding it all together.
I keep thinking about the extraordinary jacket that Wendy Johnson chronicled for MDK, “In Search of the Perfect Linen Knit.” It’s a two parter: Part I and Part II.
Truly amazing to see.
That giant miter on the back, using a bunch of skeins of Euroflax Mini Skeins, would make such a cool Four Corner Bag.
Guess what? Julie Weisenberger has written up a pattern for a knitted Four Corner Bag. For knitters unfamiliar with making mitered squares, that would be an excellent place to start.
OH WAIT.
I have another idea. Two, actually. Please stay tuned for the next episode of As the Euroflax Turns . . .
Ah, memories! Maybe I’ll wear my linen kimono to work tomorrow!
Yes! Wear it every day! Put some handles on there and you’ve got yourself the world’s most amazing tote bag.
I am embarrassed to admit — I’ve never worn it!
The words of the most badass knitter I know… you’re amazing!
Omg I bought this bag with these handles already made at the knitting cup. I love your credo. If you buy the handles/buttons the purse/sweater pattern will appear!
Squeeeee! Those handles will just get better with age, should last forever, and you can just swap out the fabric if it gets damaged or you just want to change it up. Perfect!
These handles just arrived…so happy to have them for the crocheted tote bag I’ve been working on! I especially love that the handles are easily removable so you can wash whatever bag they’re attached to.
Such a great amount of whimsy to capture the imagination!
Oooo, and can hardly wait for the next exciting episode of As the Euro Flex Turns….
Yes, please, more episodes of As the Euroflax Turns . . .
Thank you!
Reminds me of a vintage felted bag from Knitty called French Market — which could be adapted to use with handles, too.
http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter03/PATTfrenchmarket.html
I made that one back in the day. We are calling it vintage? GAH! #oldasdirt
i’m with you, kay; that’s not vintage quite yet. it needs a bit of time to mellow for vintage. vintage is 25-49 years old and antique is 50+. now i’m definitely an antique.
Well, the knitty.com post IS from 2003;)
I made that bag!!! Need to go dig it out….!
Love the French Market bag 😉 I’ve never tried felting but now I really want to try this!! Thanks for the link Maggi
I can’t find the handles for sale anywhere ???
Here’s the link to the product, just click on the drop-down menu and you will see the handles as an option: https://www.moderndailyknitting.com/shop/four-corner-bag/
I just put the handles in my cart yesterday. I want to make the knitted market bag in the latest edition of Making. I’d better hit the purchase button before they are all gone.
Having just finished a Shaker Chair taping workshop, this would work using chair tape also–and buttons. Machine buttonholes on the bag being easier than knitted…although some buttons might allow for slim cord to be used in the same way.
Wish I could post a photo. My mother-in-law is an amazing technical knitter. Many years ago, she made me a beautiful Fair Isle sweater. She never had much money, so she always knit with acrylic, so the sweater will last forever. It no longer fit me (how did that happen?! Acrylic must have shrunk.) I had it up in the attic and a mouse ate a hole in it.
I couldn’t bear to throw it out, so I sewed the bottom just above the ribbing, lined it with an old t shirt and added leather handles. Now I have a beautiful knitting bag!
What a lovely tribute…
I discovered the bag a few days ago and also completely fell in love! The way she attaches the handles is complete genius.
Would the mitered square be similar to the squares we made this past year for the charity blocks? Ravelry doesn’t seem to have the individual pattern available for purchase yet (even though it says it will be available April 19). I’d love to start on one!
Great bag! You knew someone had to ask: Are there any vegan versions of the handles?