My Namaste Knitting Bag
My knitting bag quest consumes me each time I walk into a new yarn store or industry trade show. I knit and crochet 'on the go' mostly, so a great bag is pretty important to my daily routine. Each time I purchase a new bag, I am excited about it initially, but when the excitement fades and the functionality doesn't hold up, it goes on a shelf in a closet with the rest of the knitting bag graveyard.

Until last year. I walked past the Namaste Bag booth at a show and stopped in my tracks. I looked over the bags and became excited immediately. The colors are gorgeous, the silver buckles and rings are contemporary and the pockets are deep, practical and abundant. I tried a few on, talked with the incredibly sweet owner, took a price sheet and said I would contact her for an order.

About ten minutes later I noticed that I still had one of the bags on my shoulder! I walked as quickly as I could back to their booth and apologized for stealing the bag!!!! We all had a good laugh at my expense (thank goodness they found the humor in it!) 

I subcontracted several crocheters for a very large project last year (more news to come soon!), and decided that these bags would make the PERFECT thank you gift. I emailed a color chart to each person and asked them to pick out their favorite color (we all picked either Hollywood Pink or Turqoise). I'm not usually a 'bright color' person, but these colors are so fun, that I couldn't resist! I use the Laguna bag because it can hold multiple large projects at once (I had 2 sweater projects, and 20 balls of yarn in there last month), and it still stood up when sitting on the floor. One of my gift recipients is a new mom and swears that the Malibu bag is the coolest baby bag she has ever seen (hers is Hollywook pink). I use my Malibu bag for smaller projects (lace shawls).

I hesitated in writing my review about the bags until now for one reason: I wanted to see if my excitement would fade or if I really, truly loved these bags. I've been using them daily for 6 months and STILL LOVE THEM! 

There are several varieties, but I especially liked these two styles:

Namaste's Malibu Bag 

Cali Collection: MALIBU

Whether at the beach or out on the town, the Malibu's hip simplicity will ahve all eyes on you. Like all Namaste handbags, the Malibu's interior is spacious, divided, and has plenty of pockets for all your notions. Available in 5 fabulous colors year round, and two additionals easonal colors.

Materials: animal-friendly faux leather 

Size: 20" wide x 13" high (at center ) x 8" diameter

Namaste's Laguna BagCali Collection: LAGUNA

Exterior pockets? Check. Interior Pockets? Check. Zippered interior divider and detachable shoulder strap? Check. Check. Organizing your knitting projects and personal items is just another day at the beach with Namaste's Laguna bag. Available in 5 fabulous colors year round, and two additoinal seasonal colors.

Materials: animal-friendly faux leather

Size: 17-1/2" wide x 16" high x 7-1/2" deep

Namaste  is a family run and operated wholesaler in their hometown of Los Angeles, California. They provide customer service that is prompt, personal, and friendly, while offering needle art supplies and accessories that are hip, innovative, and fashion-forward.

 I asked Kelly, one of the owners, a few questions about the company:

1. How long ago did you start Namaste?
"My husband and I started Namaste 3 years ago, and soon after my sister-in-law joined in and she and I run the biz now. "
2. What is the best part of your job?
"Working with my family, sharing an office with my sister-in-law out of choice rather than necessity (we have an empty office right next door, but we prefer to share an office because we have so much fun together and offer each other the balance we need.), and lastly, bringing my dogs to work every day (they are so spoiled and we have 4 total in the office each day- all very good friends)."
3. What is on your ipod right now?
"Kanye West :)  This office gets pumping :)."
4. What does Namaste mean?
"The literal translation of the word "namaste" is: the divine in me honors and respects the divine in you.  It is a hindu term used as a greeting of respect and commonly used at the beginning and end of many yoga practices.  I love this word and it's meaning, and it has become a founding principle of our company. "

So. cool. I love my bag even more now. 

To find a Namaste bag you love, click on their website NAMASTE website. To find a retail location, click here: NAMASTE retail locations