Who Are the Two Old Bags?

Two Old Bags started as a partnership of two women, Ann Swanson and Katie Nagorney, who designed and wrote patterns for hand knitters. Their goal was to write patterns that the knitter could understand and perhaps during the knitting process learn something new. Each pattern is written with the advanced beginner in mind. We strive to include complete instructions from start to finish. Many patterns include technical diagrams and graphs when appropriate.

For more than 10 years they wrote many patterns for felting (knitted first, then washing to felt). There are a number of purse patterns, including the ever popular LUCY BAG as well as patterns for embellishments and holiday items such as ornaments and stockings.

The Two Old Bags catalog includes more than just felted purses or knitted bags. Lace shawl patterns were some of the original designs Katie and Ann created.  Along with lace and felting patterns there are patterns that don't fit in either category. Check out the baby blanket trio (Kaia's Blankets) or several purse patterns that are knit only (no felting required). There are shrugs and shawls that include lace stitches but come in non-traditional shapes. Mister Ben is a knitted sock monkey who can be knit in a wide range of sizes to be a toy for all ages. Most recently, traditional two-color Christmas stockings have been re-released as Up North Christmas Stockings.

Ann Swanson passed away in 2009. The Two Old Bags pattern line was sold to Barb Cattani and distributed through Up North Fiber Art Supply. Katie continues to occasionally design new patterns, teach at her local yarn shop, and knit for her own pleasure when not tending to grandchildren and other things "old bags" want to do. She provides advice and insight for the future of Two Old Bags patterns.

Please browse the following pages to see all of the currently available patterns. If you are a shop owner interested in carrying the patterns in your shop, please contact Barb Cattani, Up North Fiber Art Supply, at info@upnorthfiberartsupply.com. Wholesale orders can be placed on line at www.upnorthfiberartsupply.com