In Designing Knitwear, Deborah Newton says that you should always find a way to incorporate your gauge swatch into your design. Her suggestion, was to use it as a pocket or a shoulder pad. (I think we can pretty much date the writing of her book!) At any rate, her suggestion has always stuck in the back of my mind, because what a waste to just toss those old swatches. And ripping and reusing a blocked gauge swatch just won't do!
I started rummaging through my big old bag of swatches filled with years of design ideas, and it was like trip back in time. Since most of the swatches are between 4-6 inches, I thought what about mini pouches? I also found old bits and pieces of felted swatches, perfect for adding accents as well. Luckily, whenever I'm out at vintage shops, I'm always on the lookout for interesting buttons and beads. I was lucky enough to find these 3 buttons at an LYS in my area.
The top orange and variegated pouch is made with Colinette Iona and Mission Falls 1824 superwash wool. The second pouch with the brown button is made in Malabrigo worsted wool, with one pictured here to the right Schaefer Esperanza for the variegated front, and Malabrigo worsted wool for the front flap. The button loop is actually made with a felted piece of Plymouth Homestead. What a treasure I've found in my old swatches. I'm planning getting a little wild with more bits of felting pieces with embroider and beaded accents.
I just made these 3 mini pouches available in my Etsy shop. I'm excited about pumping out a few more today, and hopefully I'll find some time to be "crafty" this weekend!
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