Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Another necklace and another felted bag!

I just absolutely had to knit this:

It's a free pattern from Knitty.com http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter05/PATTknecklace.html that I just had to try.  I used Berroco Lumina yarn, which is much thinner than the yarn in the photo for the pattern, but I love the look of this.  Now if I only had something to wear that went with it...............

I also managed to complete another felted bag.  This one has the handles knit right into it, so finishing was minimal - always a plus for me!

Now I have started on a Special Olympics scarf.........you should make one too!  Check out this link to learn more about this great cause:  

http://www.redheart.com/blog/2012-special-olympics-usa-scarf-project

Needles are calling me!  Happy Knitting!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Finally finished - a felted bag!

I started this bag weeks ago.......planning on making it a tote bag and then got distracted with other projects and it just sort of sat on the needles waiting for attention. Then, I realized that the next project I was planning on starting also needed the size 13, 24 inch circulars and I used that as inspiration to just get the bag finished.


This is a simple bag that I will try in other colors.........perhaps as gifts.........

Felted Bag

Worsted weight - 100% wool – about 250 yards.  I used Patons Classic Wool in Rosewood

Size 13 circular knitting needles

Handles of your choice

Gauge isn’t important for this pattern. A little shorter or longer bag will not make a noticeable difference.


Cast on 120 stitches.

Place marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist stitches.

Knit every row until your piece measures about 16 inches long.

Bind off loosely.

Stitch the center 8 inches of the bottom seam together.

Stitch the sides of the bottom seam, perpendicular to the center seam, forming a T shape on either side. This will help the bag stay open.

I - - - - - - - - - - - - - I

To felt the bag, place it in a pillowcase and either zip the case closed or cinch it closed with a rubber band. Run it through your top loading washing machine using a hot wash, cold rinse cycle and a small amount of detergent. Throw a pair of jeans in with your pillowcase for increased agitation.

Check your bag once it is finished. If you want it felted more, just repeat the wash. If it’s felted enough, gently press it into shape and allow to completely dry.

Sew handles onto the bag. If you prefer, you can make an i-cord to use for handles or knit a garter stitch strap.  Any sort of handle will work.  You can also add a snap closure or a zipper if you like.



Now, I've got another felted bag started on those same size 13 needles and I just got a delivery of metallic yarn to make some necklaces with.  I'm looking forward to the weekend!!!

Happy Knitting!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

A Knit Necklace!

Well, I have been very busy tagging hats and blankets - 4,507 hats so far and 448 blankets!  And I have noticed that work and life just get in the way of knitting sometimes. 

But, I have managed to get a couple more hats knit for Delaware Head Huggers in the past few weeks.....

And then I wanted to make some type of necklace for my niece's birthday gift...........a lot of patterns I found were too large and detailed........I wanted something kind of simple..............so I was playing around with ideas and came up with this:  I made a 4 stitch i-cord using Vanna's Glamour yarn that I had in my stash and made it about 17 inches or so........a little looser than choker length on me. I attached the owl button and crocheted a thin chain that I turned into a loop to finish the clasp. Hopefully she likes it. Now, I'm planning on trying other types of metallic yarn and I'm going to add some charms and different clasps to see what works best.

Well, I've got yarn calling my name from the other room.

Happy Knitting!