Monday, February 1, 2010

Knitty, Knit, Knit

So much time has passed! I had such good intentions of returning sooner to show you all the knitting that's been going on. It'll be my luck that what they say about good intentions and the road to hell is true. As you can see, Merlin is less than enthusiastic about my new-found habit. He thinks there isn't enough room on my lap for him and my knitting. Actually, for him and anything. He wants me to focus my entire being on holding and petting. Just so I'd really know how he feels, here's what I found after I laid out the bag and went to get my camera.

Merlin knows how to put those knitted items to good use! Below are said items without the furry beast on them. Do you see any long, black, old-man cat hairs?
The pics are especially crappy because I can't seem to get home before dark. After days of trying, I finally gave it up and took the ugly pics so I could get on with the felting. I couldn't wait!
The most interesting and confusing part of this whole adventure is trying to predict how big you have to knit the bag to get the felted bag the size you want. All of this experimentation is getting kind of expensive. Do you think that'll stop me? NFW!! I'll just have to foist my unwanted creations onto unsuspecting friends and family. That'll teach 'em.


The purple bag was 13 x 16 before felting and 10 x 13 after ... about the size of a small purse or a big lunch bag. I knitted so tightly that my knitty teacher was teasing me that I'd end up with a change purse. The teal, cream, taupe bag was 22 x 16 before and 19 x 11 after. I stepped up a needle size and used the teacher-written directions for a bigger bag. It would be pretty close to the size I want if it were a little taller, but it's a pretty great knitting bag. As you can probably guess, I'm going for it again (yes, I am a glutton for punishment). I'm gonna knit the larger bag and make it taller. And I'm gonna do it in the purple colors. I'm in love with those colors. Besides, I need the larger (than stitching) therapy. I'll keep you posted. You were afraid I'd say that, weren't you?

I've been stitching a little also, but there were so many pictures and so little time that I decided to save the stitchy stuff for next time. There's something else interesting going on here, and if the stars are aligned and I make my way to the keyboard for more than a few minutes, I'll fill you in soon. Until then, make some fun.

28 comments:

Blu said...

Wow! They're both lovely! Love the purple one.

Annie Bee said...

Beautiful bags - I love the difference after the felting.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

How very pretty both bags turned out! I love the colors of both, but I'll have to agree the purples one is pretty fab!

Margaret said...

Cool felted bags!!! I think the whole felting thing is so neat! Can't wait to hear what's going on that's interesting..... :D

Jennifer said...

Love the new knitting / felting thing you have going on here. Isn't the new baby due in not too much more time? You are a tease about something interesting going on there!!! Hurry up and get back to your computer!!xoxo

Faye said...

Wow~!! Your knitting/felting experience has been wonderful for sure!! I love both of them!~ Your works of art are turning out beautifully!~ Faye

Deb said...

I can't wait to hear your interesting news!!

I love those felted bags! They look like they would be a fun and rather quick project! I just love how they look so different after the felting process!!!

Kttycat said...

Your bags are beautiful. I love what the felting does to them. Good luck on your next one hope it comes out the size your wanting.

staci said...

Awww, how cute is Merlin...how could you possibly make that sweet face move off his knitted bed, lol !

Your bags turned out wonderfully! Congrats!!! And sadly, none of these hobbies are "cheap"! Happy Knitting!!!

Karen said...

The bags are beautiful...what a difference the felting makes. Merlin appreciates them in his own way LOL! Looking forward to hearing your "interesting" news :-)

Sherri said...

Your felted bags are beautiful! Just a few more and you'll have it down pat :) I think cat hair is a welcome addition to any project.

Laurie in Iowa said...

Your felted bags are beautiful.

Loraine said...

Your bags turned out perfect! I'm really impressed. So glad to see you back. Hope things are going well for you.

Valerie said...

I love the bags...they are lovely. I would be glad to be one of your unsuspecting friends! I have to say the purple one is quite striking. Beautiful work!

Melissa said...

Oh I love those felted bags! If you ever want to foist any off coz you have too many, here's a volunteer! They're just great and what an interesting process to knit then felt it.

Looking forward to your 'news'.

Recycled Cottage & Garden said...

beautiful! I may have to try some of that felting now.

omashee aka Barb said...

Doris, your bags are stunning! I'm so jealous! I'd love to learn to knit (like I need another hobby). Can't wait to hear what else you have in store for us! More pics please!

Maggie said...

Love the bags! the purple is my favourite too. Cats know all the best places, cat hair is mandetory in my house, lol.

can't wait to hear your interesting news!

Katrina said...

I am loving those bags, they are both amazing! Fun, fun, fun for a tote bag :-).

Anonymous said...

How do you felt the bags ? Boil them ? They look nice, never mind the dimensions.
Can't wait to hear what you are holding back...
:-)

Pam said...

Your bags look beautiful!! Have fun knitting!

Siobhán said...

Wow! You go girl! Good for Merlin... who says not being able to talk is a hindrance for getting your point across. ;)

Erica said...

Wow! Your bags are amazing! I used to knit yezars ago, but now I can't seem to find the time to get organized with it.
I so identify with you about the cat-in-lap problem. Why do we feel sooo guilty! They have us brainwashed!
I have had people ask me why I don't sell any of my fiber crafts.
It is because I know it would be absolutely impossible to remove the cat hair! They are an integral part of the project!

barbara said...

I don't blame Merlin one bit! I'd want to snuggle up on those lovely knitted goodies, too! Love how the bags came out after felting!

Anonymous said...

Doris, those bags are too cute! I signed up for a knitting class too but it's not til Feb so I'm looking forward to it. Hope you enjoy this new addiction; the bags look great!

Annemarie said...

Ah, the suspense... What is it you're keeping from us, woman?

Loooove the bags. Totally adore them. Can't blame Merlin, though. Very furry lad, isn't he?

Unknown said...

I love your bags!

Love, Ria from the Netherlands

Brigitte said...

Oh Doris, these felt bags are a dream. I've often thought about starting again to knit and make such a felt bag but then I wasn't sure if I could manage. Maybe during the next school vacation. At least give it a try.