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Nifty – The Entrelac Bag

Nifty – The Entrelac Bag

Nifty – The Entrelac Bag
Many knitters start by knitting shawls and small projects in order to perfect the craft and, in some cases, it can take years to reach a confidence level to try complex lace patterns or difficult technique. One knitter who seemingly by-passed much of the boredom of knitting a garter stitch scarf or a dishcloth is Michele Cheong who went from learning how to knit and purl to designing entrelac bags. The Markham, Ontario, knitter adds to the challenge by designing a fabric lining for the bags as well!
“I like making handbags, but I don’t like to felt them because the stitch definition gets lost in the process,” Michele says. “But, this project keeps the stitch definition because the bag is lined.”
Michele learned the techniques of garment construction and the lining process in Hong Kong. So, when she decided to learn to knit five years ago, after seeing a friend’s lace sweater, she never thought she would be combining the two skills. From her first knit stitch she set herself on a trajectory to tackling patterns and techniques that knitters who have been wielding needles for decades are not attempting. From the beginning, Michele loved the look of entrelac, but felt she didn’t have the skill needed to accomplish the technique. Her trepidation didn’t last long and she has become a master of yarn manipulation.
Almost obsessive about knitting, Michele joined Ravelry and she goes to as many knitting shows as she can to look at yarn and get ideas. “I also like to meet other knitters and learn from them,” Michele says of her insatiable search for knitting knowledge.

“This is a good project for those who like to knit and sew because the two crafts are combined in this project,” Michele says. She admits it took her a few tries to get the lining fitted properly along with the addition of an inside pocket for a cell phone or other item.

Read more in our Summer 2013 issue.

Designed by Michele Cheong
416.726.0811
[email protected]

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