Bats In My Belfry

Well, last week I groused and grumbled about Jordana Paige’s Bella here and here

After conducting the experiment I find that I need to eat crow. Upon leaving Bella hanging…

…for 4 or 5 days, not only do the straps work a lot better (e.g. they actually pull through the tabs) but when they are pulled up tightly, the top closes up in a secure manner.

So, I was flat out wrong. Conclusions were leapt to and first impressions were wrong (despite the old adage). I have to say I had a lot of fun cramming the cans in Bella and conducting the experiment.

I figure it’s only fair after withering on about this bag that I set the record straight. It’s still on the smallish side but it would be excellent for those who are sock addicts and want to have a stylish bag that also is a good home for their WIP.

Jordana Paige? My apologies. Now, to figure out what seasoning goes well with…crow.

I’m experimenting. Recently I groused a bit about the Jordana Paige Bella I purchased. I received (surprised me!) a nice comment from Jordana Paige about my comments and decided to experiment with adding weight to Bella in order to stretch out, a bit, the straps and effect a more “drawn in” top closure via the stretch. I’m a bit odd in that I tend not to carry much weight at all in a handbag/purse so the stretching would not have occurred naturally. So I hied myself down to the pantry and found some cans, all weighing 300 grams each for a total of about 5.25 pounds (2400 grams).

Note that I have used imported goods! My Bachelor’s Mushy Peas and Campbell’s Cream of Celery soup. I have to import these from the U.K. There was no issue in fitting ‘em all into Bella…

Then I decided that since I was in test-mode, I’d close it up and swing it around and see what happened. As I mentioned, the bag is well made and survived my flinging it about without issue (not sure the neighbours did after seeing me flinging a handbag around my head like a bolo) and…I think the straps stretched just a bit in that test. I was happy to see how much fit into the small looking bag. I would not have expected I could get eight cans in it and they aren’t even particularly crowded. All fit in one layer. So that puts paid to my moaning about it being small. Although I doubt many folk would be toting around eight cans of mushy peas and/or soup. Heh.

Here’s Bella closed up and sitting on my work table…

Well, not quite closed which is my remaining grumble. But, I shall hang Bella from a hook in the front hall (after tossing aside the husband’s coat…I mean this is an important experiment!) for a day or three and see how this goes. Serves him right. He suggested putting The Neem in the bag. Silly man.

To add:

Straps are certainly longer.

Ordered a Jordana Paige “Bella” from Angel Yarns in the U.K. on 18 December 2007. Finally got it today! Not sure what the delay was but I was happy that it finally shipped. Received a nice gift from Angel Yarns as well, I assume to apologise for the delay. They sent along two cable needles.

First impression. It’s smaller (by a lot) than I expected it to be. Certainly not going to work for a project of any size. Not a big deal, that, because I rarely carry around large projects. What really bothers me though is the short handles. I swear they aren’t as long as they appear to be in the following picture from the Jordana Paige Website.

Notice the length of the handles. Now compare with:

Seem a lot shorter. In fact, the only way I can get the handles longer is to really pull on them to draw the top of the bag closed. Probably just my perception but it’s one that might’ve stopped me from buying the bag. It’s awkward to have to pull those handles hard enough to make them long enough to put over a shoulder.

The inside is rather floppy with thin lining material (polyester). Hard to get things in the various little pockets as the material is so thin and floppy that anything with any weight (gauge, scissors) just rolls right out. Part of the problem seems to be there is little structure to the bag itself. I had planned on using this as my purse/traveling-knitting bag. I’m not so sure about this now as the top of the bag, aside from the strap that goes across the middle of the bag from back to front, is open. This not only worries me with respect to my wallet but all the little knitting do-dads that are in there (stitch holders, measuring tape, needles gauge, Chibi etc.). Looks to me like they could fall out awfully easily.

Tested it by putting the usual stuff in the little pockets along with current sock project (ball of 150g yarn, 4 DPNs). Closed the strap, cinched up the handles. Turned the bag upside down and everything fell out (except for ball of yarn and sock itself), including a DPN that was stuck in the yarn on the current sock project. Didn’t even have to shake the bag, the stuff just plopped out.

That’s definitely not a good thing. I have enough trouble keeping track of gauges and tape measures and scissors without ‘em having free egress from a bag.

Here is Bella with three 50g balls of yarn. This gives a good idea of how “not large” this bag is.

I wasn’t crazy about the material of the bag (polyurethane) when I ordered it but it doesn’t look too bad for that. I suppose making it in leather would have made it all the more expensive. It has a nice enough style to it. Metal feet on the bottom are a nice touch.

I am left to wonder what was in the mind of the designer of this bag?

So, summation:

1. Small. Okay for socks or a scarf but not at all suitable for anything much bigger.

2. Not terribly secure storage for anything except in the two zipped pockets (long centre one and small one on front “wall”). Things falling out all too easily. I suppose it would be fine for someone who was quite careful when carrying a bag. That someone is not me.

3. Not very good for tossing over shoulder. It can be done but it’s awfully short. This could be my prejudice as I prefer rather long straps on a bag.

What I would do to improve it:

1. Complete closure for top.

2. A sturdier lining. The lining is very thin.

3. Longer straps.

4. Leather

5. Slightly larger in width and height, maybe an inch on height and two inches on width. Depth is okay.

Final thoughts: Wouldn’t have bought it had I been able to see it in person. This is the bane of living someplace where you cannot see and handle something before buying. The ‘Net is great for being able to buy anything and have it delivered but you do get bitten at times and this was, in my opinion, one of those times. I don’t think it’s worth the money, especially considering it’s basically plastic. It’ll make an okay handbag but it’s useless for a knitting bag for me.

So. I guess the quest for a good combination purse/knitting bag continues.

Meh.

I’m a relative neophyte when it comes to various types of wool. Not a fan of how a lot of wool feels (Noro Kureyon? Won’t wear it, too rough but does make nice things that don’t need to be worn and whilst I think it would make lovely afghans, I’m not about to spend that kind of money on it. ) but I have fallen in love with Adriafil’s Llama. So many wools feel pretty rough or scratchy ’til washed but this? It’s lovely even pre-washing. It’s 50% wool, 50% Llama.

I bought a skein on a whim from Angel Yarns earlier this year and was intrigued by it. Soft, slightly fuzzy and The Dawg went mad for it. Keep in mind there is yarn all over the place here and he’s never paid the least bit of attention to any of it but when I got the parcel from Angel Yarns as soon as I opened it, he zoomed in on the skein and tried to run off with it.

I’ve done a hat (sorry, no picture, can’t find it just now) in the Adriafil and it knitted up very nicely. Pleasant to work with, nice squishy-factor. A bit fuzzy with a little bit of shedding. Recently made a simple headband from it (2×2 ribbing, done in the round) and it’s cozy warm, feels good on the ears but doesn’t make for sweaty ears. This inspired me to carry on and make a keyhole scarf. Bit disappointed in how the Karaoke scarf is working out…it’s stretching lengthwise something fierce and I am not a fan of long scarves for utilitarian purposes (since ripped out, tired of washing/blocking the thing after two or three wearings). Don’t like that whole flapping about thing. The keyhole ( ribbed keyhole scarf ) I’m making is going to be relatively short and should tuck in nicely and avoid the whole flapping thing. It’s about half done now and it is feeling and looking nice, bit narrow but then again that’s how I like ‘em. Just around the neck, keep it warm, no more material needed. Adriafi’s Llama is going to be great for this.

And since I had 2 skeins of it and it looks like the keyhole and headband are only going to use up one of the skeins, I’m going to make some fingerless gloves/mitts from the other skein (with leftovers likely).

Updated to add: Keyhole scarf, done. It is the scarf that is getting the most wear and it’s a style that I prefer. It tucks under my coat and stays put. Easy on/easy off. Warm and convenient. It’s a winner. Need to add a picture. Has pretty much decided me that long, flappy scarves whilst pretty just don’t work when out in the mud, wind, rain, snow, sleet etc. walking the dog. The keyhole keeps my neck warm, wet out and doesn’t get in the way. Next thing to try (with two new skeins of darker grey Adriafil Llama) is a neckwarmer, moebius or otherwise. Also whipped up a pair of gaunt/mitts with the same stuff as the scarf. Haven’t yet needed them. The weather, of course, went warm soon as I finished ‘em.

Loves my silly sheep “stitch marker” (actually one of those cell phone “charms” but I like it for knitting).

The finished product. Bog simple ribbing all the way. WARM.

I know of only one place to buy this here in the EU, Angel Yarns. It comes in limited natural colours (Llama colours! Browns, grays, natural, black) and I do wish it came in other colours. I suppose one could buy the cream and dye it but I’m unschooled in dying. It’s listed as a “double DK weight” which doesn’t mean much to me yet, I’m still stuck in U.S. weights but it comes in at 8 WPI which lists as “super bulky”. Again, not sure about this as I’ve seen plenty of yarn marked simply “bulky” that makes this stuff look like laceweight. Judge for yourself via the pictures.

The test of time has yet to happen but the initial results are that this is one of my favourite wool yarns. Unlike many wools this does not dry out my already terribly dry hands whilst working with it. It has no odor, doesn’t “crunch” ala Kureyon or Peace Fleece and is a pleasure to work with.

Have been using both the circs and the sock needles for awhile now. Did encounter some issues with the circs. One size (5mm, I think) has a faulty socket so that the cable cannot be completely screwed in. I also noted that the tips turn inside the metal bottom. I’ll be contacting GetKnitted about this. I am still irked that the circ set came with no way to attach two cables together to get a longer cable ala Denise Needles. They are comfortable to use and I am enjoying doing an Old Shale wrap with them. Nice feel and smooth.

The sock needles are feeling fine but the length is just so as to be rubbing a sore spot on the underside of my right hand. Trying to maneuver the rightmost needle as I use it to prevent this but so far, not really working out. And I’m still not enamoured of how the pretty colours in the needles works with darker yarns. I guess I prefer metal/wood/bamboo where all yarns are pretty clearly contrasted against the needles. Unfortunately the socks I’m working on right now happen to be done in a yarn that has colours that pretty much match the needles. Heh. So, I’m going to hold off being bummed about the colour until I’ve used the needles more.

Worst part is the sticking me in the underside of the hand. I guess I’ll find a band-aid or some moleskin and put it where the contact is occurring and see how that goes.

So, not sure I’m thrilled about this purchase. They’re nice, very pretty indeed but I’m wondering if the options and some of the Brittany or  Quill needles might not be better. Time will tell. I’ll finish the current socks on the Harmony needles and then do a couple pair on the Brittany and Quill needles and compare. I know the Brittany needles didn’t poke me in the right hand.

We’re still in the midst of a nice thaw and if one ignores the mud (bit difficult as it’s everywhere) it has been grand. Sun actually out, breeze from the SW and in the low 50s. Almost full moon makes for marvelous night walks. I’ve been taking over most of The Dawg walking because the weather is just so fine and it’s grand to get outside. Tempted to take my camera out tonight and see if I can capture the moon.

I admit it, I’m a River John needle freak. I love ‘em. I love the feel of them, I love how they work with almost all yarns (not so good with Rowan Kidsilk Haze). I love the ability to get them in short lengths. Most of mine are 7″ which works for a great deal of the common knitting I do and I have been known to cram too many stitches on ‘em just to use the RJ needles.

They are made of Birch and are very smooth and very light. The large ball on the end precludes any stiches sliding off which does come in handy when I’m pushing my luck with lots of stitches on a 7″ needles. I find that I knit very quickly with these needles, just as quickly as with Addi Turbos and I prefer natural over metal any day.

My latest haul which arrived this morning. That’s the two sets of cable needles (3.5mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm and 10mm) and one pair of 7″ 3.5mm straights and one pair of 7″ 4mm straights.

My only complaint is that River John will NOT ship to the EU. Yes, we can get some of the needles here via Kangaroo and GetKnitted but they only carry the “swing” and “commuter” (7″ size) and there are a LOT more plus (waaaah) a drop spindle. Well that’s not entirely true, I got my hands on their cable needles (2 sets) here. Otherwise I cannot find any of the others: 5″, 6″, 9″, 10″, 12″, 14″, 16″ or 19″ in the straights. Pity because I’d buy the lot of ‘em, I’m sure. I’m THAT fond of ‘em. And crochet hooks too! I need to get a new set of crochet hooks anyway, mine are very old and getting beaten up.

These needles are great for “desk knitting” which is my main place to knit. Short so that I can have my elbows resting on the desk and not have needles catching on sleeves or banging into the desk itself. Perfect for scarves, most dishcloths and flat-knitted hats, mitts, baby booties etc. Sturdy too. And they are very smooth.

Love these things and wish I could get more of them. Might try begging the folks at the home site.

I love people who ask what you want for gifts. I especially love it when they say…how about a gift certificate? That’s what my wonderful MIL did this year for Christmas. So I got one from GetKnitted in the U.K. and I used it to buy the Harmony circs. and sock needles (plus a tension-gauge). Got ‘em today.

Very uhm…colourful. Not sure about this. They are pretty no doubt and unique amongst all my needles but I’m not sure about the busy-ness of all the colours whilst knitting. Right now I have one pair in use with white cotton, working on a knitted towel. No problem there but not sure how they’ll be with darker yarn.

I was a bit concerned having heard how some folks had problems with the joins (where the wood bit goes into the metal bit) or the needles coming unscrewed from the cables. I examined mine quickly and didn’t see any sign of problems. Everything looked well glued in. Guess time will tell on whether I have problems like some folks have. Hope not.

Very smooth and the cables are nice and flexible. I think I might give sock knitting on circs a try with these. That’ll be down the road a bit since I insist on learning the “hard way” using DPNs. Happily I got a bundle offer from GetKnitted that also included the Harmony Sock Needles.

They are six inches long (good length, I dislike the longer ones intensely, too much flopping about for my taste) in sizes 2.00mm, 2.25mm, 2.50mm, 2.75mm, 3mm and 3.25mm. Quick examination shows them to be smooth, not too flexible and light. Nicely contained in a plastic envelope (let’s see how long I manage to keep ‘em in that nice envelope.).

Going to reserve judgment ’til I’ve used the circs and the sock-needles for a bit but initial examination looks good. I really do like the cables, they are much thinner and more flexible than my other set (Denise). They stow away nicely and don’t stay crimped like so many circ cables. Specifically one set of Addis that I have that will not un-crimp. I’ve tried all the usual tricks and they sproing right back into a tight “pretzel”. Kind of annoying when working with them.

**Update** Just occured to me that these needles are missing something I consider crucial. There is no way (that I can find) to connect two or more cables ala Denise needles. I checked a couple of sites (including KnitPicks) and unless I’m blind, I don’t see how it can be done. That was a very good option with the Denise needles and I guess I was expecting the same functionality with the Harmony Circs. Bummer. On the plus side, they knit like a dream, smoothness of metal but warm and the points are great. Am doing a feather ‘n’ fan shawl for a neighbour and quite enjoying the 4mm circs.

Been working on the shawl for a bit. The needles are nice, so smooth and light but they are not very good in my standard knitting environment. I knit at my desk, with low light. I was concerned about the darkness of the needles and it is a bit of a problem at night especially with darker yarn. If I would have proper lighting, I don’t suppose this would be much of an issue. Guess I should consider not being such a mole and having a bit more light on my knitting. Maybe after I finally get my office rearranged this will change.

So, happy as can be that I got my hands on some of these. I truly didn’t think I would for awhile yet given the backorder situation for these here in the EU.

Thanks, Christa. You rock!