Archive for the ‘Rio’ Category
What’s Your Inner Bag Calling?
Wednesday, January 4th, 2012The Rio’s Knit ‘n’ Style
Monday, December 26th, 2011Have you seen the latest Knit ‘n’ Style? It’s got a really cute sweater design in it called Getting Ready for Spring by Sandi Prosser. And what else is in there? The Rio in blue lapis!
The Rio does know how to pose for a fashion shoot. Thanks to Knit ‘n’ Style for the love: “fashion-forward” and “gorgeous” are very nice compliments indeed! Who knows? Maybe I’ll be toting around the yarn for the Getting Ready for Spring sweater in a Rio soon!
Sharing the knitting bag love, Rio style
Thursday, November 17th, 2011There’s nothing like the feeling of a job well done, especially when you get complimented on it by someone else. That’s part of why it’s so nice to read reviews about Jordana Paige products — when someone likes a design and writes about it, it’s like a giant pat on the back.
Glenna over at Knitting to Stay Sane recently posted a review of the Rio, complete with empty and full photos. We love that because it shows just how much you can carry while still being organized and toting around your knitting.
“Even when the bag is stuffed full, it still sits on my shoulder comfortably. That is pretty darned cool … This bag is not fooling around.”
You can read more about Glenna’s experience with her Rio and while you’re there, check out some of her other blog posts. There are so many good ones, but check out her greatest hits listed on the right.
And don’t forget to leave a comment if you’re compelled. Every good pat on the back deserves another. Thanks Glenna!
Celebrate color with a little Rio love
Wednesday, October 26th, 2011Today is the last day to enter the Celebrate Color contest, which has just proven to be a feast for the eyes. Even if you aren’t entering one of your creations (although you should because there’s a Rio for a first place prize), you should check out the entries. The yarn candy corn just makes me drool.
One of the contest’s promoters, Shannon over at luvinthemommyhood, was so kind to write a review of our lovely Rio. She loved it and gushed praises while taking some of the most lovely photos.
I had a hard time choosing what photos to borrow from her blog. So I took a few.
Shannon says this about the Rio: “This bag has changed my knitting life! … it’s large but not too large, comfy to carry, fit everything but but my kitchen sink in it and trust me…i carry around a lot of stuff on a daily business!”
You can read more about what she has to say about the bag, including what she’s actually fit into the Rio. I’m impressed.
And you should check out more of her blog as well. Her photography is sublime, really. And she’s got some crafty fun stuff going on there as well, including a delaney dress tutorial, which has to be the cutest little girl’s dress to sew. Thanks Shannon!
Pin ItCelebrate Color by getting crafty
Friday, October 7th, 2011
Now that fall is here, there are plenty of opportunities for knitting projects. Based on what we’re seeing on Twitter and Facebook, everybody’s got projects coming out of their ears.
That’s why we’re so excited to be a part of the Celebrate Color contest for October. Basically, the good folks over at Stitched in Color want to see your special projects that are filled with your favorite fall colors.
And by showing them off, you’ll be entered to win all sorts of awesome prizes, like our Rio in blue lapis. Check out the list of other great prizes as well. (We’re working on getting the photo changed to a Rio — whoops! That was my mistake!)
Oh and it’s not just for knitting. So if you’ve got something you’re sewing or embroidering, you can enter those categories as well.
So get your craftiness on, head over and enter Celebrate Color and you could win our fantabulous Rio. Happy knitting!
Decisions, decisions.
Thursday, September 29th, 2011Have you ever been to a restaurant where the menu is just enormous? Yes, me too. And I tend to not go back, because really, I’m not good with choices.
So imagine my delight/terror when Jordana said I could choose any bag as a reward for being a rad employee. (Sidenote: Isn’t that *awesome*?)
But then I had a decision to make. I picked the Bella in bronze because I’m just learning to knit and I have a feeling my first projects won’t be that big. Plus it’s absolutely adorable and goes with everything.
But now I’m thinking, what about when my knitting projects get bigger? What then? It’s good to think ahead right? Because I am going to need another one sooner or later. I’m narrowing it down to the Rio and the L.J. Kaelms. And I talked to Jordana to get the inside scoop in comparing them.
Rio in Black Onyx, L.J. Kaelms in Lucky Green
Let’s start with the hard facts … the dimensions:
Rio: L 14″ x W 6.5″ x H 10″
L.J. Kaelms: L 11″ x W 7.5″ x H 12″
Rio is an East/West bag so it’s longer than L.J. Kaelms but not as tall. L.J. Kaelms is a North/South bag so it’s size is in it’s height. However, both can hold a magazine or file folder. In Rio the magazine sits horizontally and in L.J. Kaelms it sits vertically.
Both bags have the trademark circlets to keep your yarn from tangling and a row of pockets for all of your needles and tools. The Rio has nine of those, while the L.J. only has eight. While I’m sure eight would do just fine, I’m a big fan of the number nine, which might sway me in my decision.
L.J. Kaelms has yarn pockets below the circlets and Rio does not. Oh, and the Rio has an eyeglasses pocket, which I’m also partial to although it’s not necessary.
“The bottom line,” Jordana said, “is your preference. The bags have really similar features and function in the same way. For some it comes down to the fabric or a favorite color.”
L.J. Kaelms is offered in two fabrics; a supple faux pebbled leather in Red and Lucky Green which make for a slouchy bag, and a more structured faux snakeskin in Deep Taupe and Teal.
Rio is made from faux croc, making it really sturdy for throwing on the ground and knitting straight out of.
But what if I like them both? Indecision can be such a pain. Oh well, a girl can’t really have too many purses, can she?
Pin ItGynna B: A knitter’s profile
Friday, September 9th, 2011One of the most quiet understated guys I know told me recently about how he scaled a mountain and then snowboarded down it. To look at him, you would never guess this. I’m a firm believe that everyone has stories worth telling, as long as you ask the right questions.
So in the spirit of introductions and stories, we’re starting a new series here at the JP blog, which focuses on you, the Jordana Paige fan, the knitter, the reason we’re all here in the first place, right?
One of the first people I talked to about a knitter’s profile was Gynna B, partially because she’s bought six bags and at least three patterns but also because she’s chatty on Twitter and Jordana has chatted with her several times at different events.
After talking with her, it’s apparent she’s a girl after my own heart. If she was going to be a superhero, she would be Cat Woman. “She can do anything! Jump, fight, hear, see and is really fast…”
Keiki, Gynna's cat, loves the Rio, now that she won't fit in the Bella anymore.
I’m a huge Cat Woman fan, so she’s already scoring major points (even without that awesome photography and adorable kitty). That and the girl loves to ride her motorcycle on nice days when she’s not knitting, which has to be on my short list of awesome outdoor activities as well.
Here’s a bit of our Q&A with Gynna. I think my favorite part has to be about the strangest thing she put in her JP bag. Read on:
JP: When do you enjoying knitting most?
G: I actually always have my knitting with me. Usually even two projects! I knit a minimum of 15 minutes a day and if I don’t, I’m a complete mess!
JP: How did you find out about JP? What was your reaction?
G: Oh wow, that’s a good question. I know it was in 2005, and it seemed like everywhere I looked the Knitter’s Satchel was everywhere!!! I immediately fell in love and HAD to have one! I of course started stalking the website and finding shops where I would be to try one out and then ended up purchasing the Ocean Blue Satchel from Ancient Pathways Yarn shop in Fresno.
JP: If you could eat or drink anything with no consequences, what would it be?
G: Oh that would definitely be Fish and Poi. My family is from Hawaii and growing up my Gramma would always make us Fish and Poi for special occasions. I also could go for Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream!
JP: What project are you working on right now?
G: Haha what project am I not working on? Off the top of my head: two pairs of socks, Bel Air sweater, two shawls, a Wedding Shawl and Shane
JP: Which JP bag is your favorite?
G: Can’t choose a favorite, I love them all! But my Black Rio and Bella get the most love… I typically use 2-3 bags at a time. This past weekend for example I used all three of my current JP bags!
My Egg Plant Purple Rio is my overnighter bag, perfectly holds 3 outfits, change of shoes, toiletries/makeup case and my Kindle. My Black Onyx Rio is my camera bag: it goes on all my photo shoots with me and is absolutely perfect for holding my Canon DSLR, mini computer, knitting, camera accessories/lenses.
My Black Bella is my go to everyday purse. I usually have a knitting project, sunglasses, wallet, small camera, iPhone and any other random stuff I think I’ll need for the day.
JP: How did you learn to knit?
G: I taught myself how to knit in 2002 my Freshmen year in college. I learned how to crochet the year before but wanted to learn how to know also. I look online and read a bunch of tutorials and just practiced til it was perfect.
JP: Nice! How did your first knitting project go?
G: My first knitting piece does not actually exist! When I first started I knit sooo tightly, I was using horrible scratchy yarn and these needles my mom had used when she was a kid.
Needless to say after casting on and knitting then ripping out a few times I tossed the yarn aside and went to JoAnn’s and purchased soft yarn and better needles and then the Magic Happened! I knit a simple garter stich scarf… but it was perfect and I gifted to a close friend.
JP: What inspires you?
G: I get my inspiration from a lot of different places and people. If I am particularly desperate I will go outside and just look, no matter where I am, just the act of going outside and looking up and actually seeing the world around me is inspirational!
I also find inspiration from many online artists and of course Ravelry!
JP: What’s one of the strangest things you’ve put in your JP bag?
G: A zucchini. It actually JUST happened. A friend had some extra from her garden and I slipped one in my Rio as I was walking out the door. When I got to my next stop, I was setting up for a photo shoot and was surprised when I reached for a lens and grabbed a zucchini instead!
You put *what* in here?
JP: Do you do any other sorts of crafty stuff?
G: Most definitely! I’ve taken up spinning and weaving, I also Sew, got my first machine when I was 7 and haven’t looked back! I still sew clothes for myself but now I mostly sew for my Etsy shop, I also do beading and make stich markers and jewelry which I hope to have in my shop soon.
Do you prefer to knit alone or with friends? Why? I like both. Alone if I want to learn something new or have a deadline or to decompress. With friends because everything is better with friends! I love the companionship and camaraderie and that no matter what your age or background knitting brings everyone together.
You can check out Gynna’s blog is if you want to check out her work or just say hi. She’s also Gynnab on Ravelry.
If you’d like to be featured in our knitter’s profile, I’d love to hear from you! Email me or leave your info in the comments and we’ll make it happen! Don’t worry, you don’t have to submit photos of yourself if you’re not into that (but we do want to see your knitting and your bags for sure!).
Thanks again Gynna!
Video: JP Bag Love
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010I have so much fun meeting everyone at Stitches each year. For three days people stop by to tell me why they love their Jordana Paige bag so much. It’s really great to get to hear from you. This year I decided to record your comments. Here’s a little video. Thank you to everyone who let me record you. For you camera-shy folks, I’ll get you next year!
Get the Flash Player to see this content.
Day & Night: New Rio Colors
Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
Everyone loves a basic black bag, which is why it’s time to offer Rio in Black Onyx. It’s classic and chic. I’m certain it will become your everyday bag. Also new this fall, Rio in Blue Lapis. I’m so happy with how this blue turned out. It’s the Goldilocks of blues; not too dark, not too light, but a rich, eye-catching blue.
Rio in Black Onyx and Blue Lapis will be available mid-September. Pre-order yours today to have it shipped as soon as it’s available.
Winter + Knitting = Happiness
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008
Being comfy cozy working away on a project while it’s cold and snowy is the bliss of knitting! This past weekend I went with friends and family to Lake Tahoe for some fun in the snow. I opted out of skiing, relaxed in the lodge and did a little knitting. It had been years since I’d been to the snow. Stomping around in the cold just made me want to knit. Knitting and winter go together like peas and carrots.
Here I am knitting on the deck at Northstar, with Rio in Eggplant at my feet. Wrapped around my neck is the first project I ever knitted. When I finished knitting this scarf I remember kind of being sad that I had finished it. I was instantly addicted to the craft and just wanted to keep knitting, much like needing to knit when I got to the snow.
I’m working on Fern Glade by Megan Marshall. I keep seeing people with cute floppy berets and was excited when I saw this pattern in the latest Knitty. It’s coming out great, pictures when it’s done.
