Eric & Christopher Project Bags Buying Guide (Sheep Edition) — Cute, Practical Project Totes & Pouches Near Chicago
Eric & Christopher Project Bags Buying Guide (Sheep Edition) — Cute, Practical Project Totes & Pouches Near Chicago
If your yarn has ever escaped into the bottom of your tote (along with a rogue stitch marker and a snack wrapper), this one’s for you. Eric & Christopher project bags bring a cheerful, sheep-themed look to a very serious job: keeping your work-in-progress organized, portable, and protected—at home, in the carpool line, or on the train.
What are Eric & Christopher bags best for?
Small-to-medium knitting and crochet projects—especially anything you want to keep tidy and “grab-and-go” (socks, hats, baby knits, granny squares, a one-skein shawl start).
What’s the vibe?
Cozy and charming—cream canvas, clean lines, and a sheep motif that’s cute without feeling overly cutesy. It’s practical storage that still looks like “you.”
How do I pick the right size?
Think in “what must fit”: yarn + tools + pattern/phone. If your project uses multiple skeins at once, choose the roomier tote style; for single-skein projects, a zip pouch is perfect.
Where can I buy them?
Find a curated selection at AriYARN Shop & Studio in Park Ridge, IL (near Chicago / O’Hare), or check our rotating availability online.
On this page
Eric & Christopher project bags hit a sweet spot for knitters and crocheters: they’re cute, sturdy, and structured enough to keep a work-in-progress from turning into a “bag of mystery.” If you’ve ever found your tapestry needle after it tried to become one with the lining of your purse, you already understand the mission.
In this guide, we’ll keep things straightforward: what these bags are great for, how to choose the right format, what you can realistically fit, and how to shop them locally in Park Ridge (Chicago area, near O’Hare) or online. And because inventory changes, we’ll stay inventory-safe: we’ll describe what you’re seeing in the photos and the categories we carry, without guessing at unconfirmed model names.
Why project bags matter (more than you think)
A project bag is less about “being fancy” and more about eliminating friction. When your tools are in one place, you knit more. When your yarn doesn’t snag on keys, you frog less. When your work stays clean and contained, you feel calmer. That’s the real luxury: fewer interruptions between you and the soothing part.
Eric & Christopher bags are especially lovable for everyday makers because the format is simple and purposeful. They’re not trying to do everything at once. They’re designed for the real flow of a project: cast on, carry, pause, pick up again—repeat.
- Containment: Stops your yarn from migrating into the wild.
- Protection: Keeps WIPs cleaner (and away from zipper teeth, keys, and mystery crumbs).
- Consistency: Your go-to tools live in the same place every time.
- Portability: The bag becomes your “project home,” so you can move rooms without re-gathering supplies.
What we carry (inventory-safe): sheep project bags, zip pouches & small totes
Based on the current photos, our Eric & Christopher selection centers on a cream-canvas look with a sheep theme. Think “portable studio”: a place for your yarn, your needles or hook, and the little tools that make everything smoother.
Common formats you’ll see
- Zip project pouches: Great for one-skein projects, accessories, swatches, and travel knitting.
- Small canvas totes: A bit more open and roomy—ideal when you’re juggling multiple balls, a pattern page, and extras.
- Simple, minimal bags: The clean “plain cream” style is perfect if you love a neutral look or want the bag to blend into your everyday carry.
The big win is that these feel like they belong in your real life. They look at home on the couch, on the passenger seat, or tucked inside a larger bag—without screaming “I’m hauling craft supplies!” (Unless you want them to. In which case… sheep. 🐑)
Choose your bag: pouch vs tote (the honest decision guide)
Most knitters don’t need fifteen different bags. You need one that fits your style of making—and maybe a second that covers the opposite scenario. Here’s the simplest way to choose:
Pick a zip pouch if you want: neat, contained, and toss-it-in-your-bag easy
- You do one-skein projects often (socks, hats, mitts, cowls, baby hats).
- You want zipped security—no needles sliding out, no yarn tangling with keys.
- You like a defined “project kit” that stays together from cast-on to bind-off.
Pick a small tote if you want: roomy, quick access, and flexible packing
- Your project uses multiple colors at once or you bring “just in case” extras.
- You knit in bursts and want to grab the yarn fast without unzipping.
- You like pairing your WIP with a notebook, pattern pages, or a small notions tin.
What fits: a real-life packing list (so you don’t guess wrong)
“Project bag size” can feel vague until you translate it into objects. Here are practical packing lists you can use to match the bag to the project you actually make.
Zip pouch: the one-skein kit
- 1 skein (or cake) of yarn
- Needles (circulars or DPNs) or 1 crochet hook
- Stitch markers + tapestry needle (in a tiny case or mini tin)
- Measuring tape
- Pattern on your phone (or a folded printout)
This is the “always ready” setup. You can keep one packed as your default travel project and swap yarn/needles as needed.
Small tote: the multi-skein comfort zone
- 2–4 balls/skeins (especially if you’re striping, colorworking, or holding yarn double)
- Needle case or circulars
- Notions pouch (markers, scissors, darning needle, row counter)
- A small notebook or pattern pages
- Optional: yarn tag scraps (so you remember color names / dye lots)
What about bigger garments?
For sweaters, blankets, or large shawls-in-progress, a small pouch can still be useful as a tool-and-notions home inside a larger tote. That way, even if the garment lives in a bigger bag, the tiny essentials don’t disappear.
How to use an Eric & Christopher project bag like a pro
The difference between “a cute bag” and “my favorite bag” is how you set it up. Here are the small habits that make a project bag feel magical:
1) Make a mini notions kit and leave it in the bag
If you move scissors, markers, and needles from bag to bag, something always gets lost. Keep a tiny core kit that stays put: stitch markers, tapestry needle, measuring tape, and a snag-free yarn needle threader if you love one. Your future self will be thrilled.
2) Add a “project passport” note
Slip a small note inside with yarn details: fiber content, needle size, pattern name, and where you left off. This turns “I forgot what I was doing” into “oh right, I’m on the sleeve decreases.”
3) Keep the yarn label (or a photo of it)
Even if you’re not matching dye lots, yarn labels are great memory anchors. If you’re gifting the finished item later, it’s also helpful care info to keep.
4) Use the bag to protect your stitches
When you stop mid-row, tuck the work so the needles/hook aren’t under pressure. A pouch-style bag helps here: it reduces bending and accidental snags from “floating in a backpack.”
Gift ideas (easy wins that makers actually use)
Eric & Christopher sheep project bags are one of those gifts that feel personal without being risky. They’re sized for real use, the look is charming, and they work across many skill levels—from “just learned to crochet” to “has opinions about cast-ons.”
Best gift pairings
- Bag + one skein: A self-contained “start something cozy” bundle.
- Bag + stitch markers: Makes the bag instantly functional as a notions home.
- Bag + needle/hook upgrade: A practical treat that gets used every week.
- Bag + class: Pair it with a learning moment for a gift that becomes a memory.
Where to buy Eric & Christopher near Chicago (and online)
You can shop Eric & Christopher at AriYARN Shop & Studio: 153 N Northwest Hwy, Park Ridge, IL 60068. We’re a friendly local yarn shop and studio serving the Chicago area (including makers near O’Hare) with a curated mix of yarn, tools, accessories, and classes.
Prefer to browse from your couch? You can also Shop our online store to see current availability. Because these are curated accessories, styles can rotate—so checking the store page is the best “what’s in right now” answer.
Want help choosing a size?
If you tell us what you’re making (and what you like to carry with it), we can point you toward a good fit. Use Contact us for help / holds and we’ll do our best to help you choose—especially if you’re buying as a gift.
Thursday Stitch N’ Craft Night (5–7 PM): bring your bag, bring your WIP
If you love crafting around other people (without pressure), you’ll fit right in at our weekly Thursday Stitch N’ Craft Night, 5–7 PM. It’s a social, community-style meetup where you can work on your project, share progress, and get friendly peer feedback.
One important expectation-setting note: Stitch N’ Craft Night is not designed as official instruction or troubleshooting. If you want structured help, skill-building, or guided support, that’s what our classes and workshops are for—see See workshops & classes.
A project bag is perfect for Stitch Night because you can keep everything contained—yarn, tools, pattern—and transition from home to shop without re-packing.
FAQ: Eric & Christopher project bags
Are these bags good for crochet as well as knitting?
How do I know what size to buy?
Do you always have the sheep designs in stock?
Can I use these as everyday pouches (not just for yarn)?
Is Stitch N’ Craft Night a class?
Looking for today’s availability or gift help? Start here: Shop our online store • See workshops & classes • Contact us for help / holds
