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June 28, 2006
Rather Huge
A few weeks ago (or maybe a month ago now) my mom decided she wanted to try another knitting project and she really liked the felted bag my mother-in-law made. I asked you all for your input, and Yahaira thoughtfully recommended the Noni bags. Well, as soon as I looked at the patterns, I knew I was going to have to knit one too - yeah, I'm weak like that, but come on - they're sooo cute. I ordered the felted carpet bags and the sculpture garden patterns. My mom decided she wanted to knit the small carpet bag and I decided on the large (a great work bag, don't you think?). And then I ordered some Cascade 220 from Purl (they had by far the best color selection and really quick shipping!). My mom ended up with a really fun coral color (the small size only uses 2 hanks) and I got a walnut color (Purl seems to be out of that color now) and red for the flower (because really, I think the flower makes the bag) . My mom is already finished with her bag and is ready to felt, but me? Not so much. My excuse is that I finished Hourglass and the Oak Ribbed Socks before I started, plus they aren't kidding when they call this the "Rather Huge Carpet Bag."
Here's what I have so far.
See the ruler? I know it isn't felted yet, but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to carry this once I get it full. I tend to put a lot of stuff in my work bag - knitting, work stuff, purse stuff, random stuff - you know, everything but the kitchen sink. It's just boring stockinette stitch in the round and I'm only a little more than a quarter of the way up the sides (row 30 out of 80), but once I get it felted then I get to figure out some handles and some lining, which could be fun. Oh, and I think knitting the flower will be fun - mostly because of the shaping and I can't imagine knitting a flower for a sweater, so this will be something new. I can't imagine you all will want to see more pictures of this until it's felted because, let's face it, it makes for pretty boring photos.
In sewing news: The Enabler and I have joined Sew Retro (yeah, I know, like I don't have enough to do) and we're going to sew this supposedly super simple dress. Now I just need to find some fabric that isn't ungodly expensive because the pattern calls for almost 5 yards!
Comments
The good news is that Cascade 220 felts really well, and really quickly, at least in my machine the way I do it. It is a rather lot of knitting, though, but that mindless knitting that is so good for so many occasions! BTW..those knitted, felted flowers are great on a winter coat...just saying!
Posted by: Marcia at June 28, 2006 11:22 AM
I know what you mean about the bag being so big it won't limit what you carry in it. I have a bit of a problem with that myself. My mom teases me about my small bags but I do it that way for a reason, LOL!
That dress will be super cute!
Posted by: Kristi aka Fiber Fool at June 28, 2006 11:46 AM
am I going to have to put you in some sort of bag cleaning regiment? I love the cascade color you chose and cant wait to see what handle you finally go with.
now what does your mom's look like?
Posted by: yahaira at June 28, 2006 11:57 AM
Gee, the bag is brown. Quelle surprise.
Posted by: Carole at June 28, 2006 12:07 PM
Noni bags are so cute. I've been thinking about one for winter.
You'll look so good in that dress! Donna Reed, eat your heart out ;-)
Posted by: margene at June 28, 2006 12:10 PM
That's a good pattern! I like that Carpet bag. That's a good reason to use up some of my Cascade 220 that I don't think I will use for a sweater, as the yarn does pill. I think felted would be just the trick. How much yarn does the bag require for the large size?
Posted by: Wanda at June 28, 2006 12:28 PM
Oops, nevermind. I found it myself.
Posted by: Wanda at June 28, 2006 12:36 PM
Put the bag over your head and take a picture, you know you want to!
Very nice, I'm itching to do another felting project myself, but first must finish up the doll.
Posted by: Rebekah at June 28, 2006 1:04 PM
Very cute dress - did you see this? http://www.dressaday.com/2006/06/retro-butterick-wrap-dress.html
Love the Noni bag pattern too. I haven't seen those felted bag patterns before. Looks like a potential future project. :)
Posted by: Cyndi at June 28, 2006 2:01 PM
Love the carpet bag! Especially the flower! So cute.
Posted by: Cindy at June 28, 2006 2:14 PM
I'm innocent!
Posted by: Angela at June 28, 2006 3:12 PM
The bag will be Great! You'll be surprised... and what a great dress pattern, love that one...
Posted by: Liz at June 28, 2006 3:50 PM
Someday you and I will have to meet and go shopping together for projects because every single one you pick out - I adore! Maybe it's in the name.
Posted by: Stephanie at June 28, 2006 4:45 PM
Have I been living under a rock?? I had NEVER seen those felted Noni bags! I now MUST have one. WHEN I will knit it, I have no idea. But I NEED one. Okay. Maybe two.
Posted by: Kathy at June 29, 2006 9:12 AM
Oh, nice bag pattern. The color you chose is sophisticated-looking too. That is going to turn out great!
Posted by: Lynette at June 29, 2006 11:07 AM
The Noni bag looks like a good pattern! I'm always inspired by the cool projects that you pick.
Posted by: caitlyn at June 29, 2006 2:22 PM
