lunchbox swap

I mailed off my package for the Lunchbox Swap today, making the deadline with several hours to spare.  Quite unlike me, don't you think?

For my little lunch tote I decided to incorporate a lot of different crafts.  Knitting, crochet, and sewing.  The outside was knit from hemp twine, and is a one time only deal.  I'm never going to use that particular kind of hemp again.  It really wasn't meant for knitting, it's literally just a thin rope, and was the roughest thing ever.  "Difficult to knit" would be putting it mildly.  Especially since I have a very tight gauge.  My hands were rubbed raw and I had to take very frequent breaks.  But I think it looks nice, and that's what matters.

I sewed a little lining for the inside, out of fabric I've used before, which I thought was perfect for something that's supposed to hold food.  Then I used some cotton crochet thread and steel crochet hooks (1.5mm and 2.35mm) to make the handles.

I included some Hello Kitty sandwich bags and summery, barbeque napkins just for fun.  I really hope my swap partner likes it.

And now, I get to show you all the goodies I received from Christina.  In the photo, it looks black, but this cute lunch tote is a dark denim, with the red/green paisley print apple on the front and inside the handles,

and one of my favorite color combinations of pink and green for the lining and ribbon closure.  There are pockets on the inside,

and even one on the back.

And look at all the little treats she stuffed inside!  More pink and green, buttons, fabric, a yummy fun magazine, and rubber stamps.  I love my little tote and it really does fit my style.  I've already got a little knitting project settled inside it.  But you know, on second thought, since it was supposed to be for lunches, I think I should find some food to put in there... I'm sure there's a bar of dark chocolate around here somewhere.  That's a good lunch, right?

Comments

[Ali]

Love both the lunch bags! What a great swap theme. I haven't had the time to take part in any recently and I'm really missing the buzz.

[mushroommeadows]

Wow the lunch bag you made is adorable. And the one you got is super cool too. :) How fun!

[Beth]

I really like both lunch bags. I admire you for knitting with hemp! I tried crocheting with raffia once and it was no fun at all.

[ragan]

Wow! The tote you made looks fantastic. Thanks for the tips on the "rope"...what kind was it? The one your partner sent you is so cute. It has some very nice little touches to it too (just like the one you made has).
Have a good weekend!!!

[Regina]

Beautiful lunch bag! I'm very impressed that you hung in there with that hemp string. I would have started over. It does look really nice! I'm still needing to finish up my bag!!!

[Lucy]

A lunch box swap!?! I had no idea such fun things were going on. That is so stinkin cute. I am going to have to get on the stick for next school year and make some of those for my kids. They would love them!

[Christina]

I'm so glad you liked your lunch bag! This was the magazine that Elizabeth (aka Oh, Fransson!) had her door stop featured in. I didn't plan it, but was so happy, that a magazine fit so perfectly in the back pocket. I always like to have some reading material handy. :)

[Shelley Gardner]

Swaps are so much fun!

[kerri]

Swapping is so great, but I have a little issue with deadlines as well. Ah well.

I've knit with that hemp twine before too, it was an entrelac mat 3x4' with the twine held double (30 balls). I totally feel your pain and I'm glad you hung in there because it's beautiful!

The lunch bag you got is super cute too! I love the little fork pocket. And chocolate can totally be considered lunch, sometimes.