Market Bag and Vintage Patterns

Hi all, I stuck to my word and made the market bag from my amazing thrifted yarn. I used the Lion pattern here and it was super fast and easy. I will definitely be making more of these. The bag is quite large it measures 19" across (laying flat) and 2 ft 4" tall, and it will certainly fit a lot of groceries or beach supplies.

I made another trip to the thrift store yesterday and picked up some great patterns. I am in love with the McCalls 4092 the Stephen Burrows Misses' wrap top and middy top and skirt pattern, so adorable. I always love the Marlo's Corner series by McCall's and here are two more to add to my collection. The stretch knit McCall's dress or top will be a great project to try out my new serger on.

Check out my handsome husband, in a commercial he just shot for WOWzzy

Craft Swaps

A Few Pieces I Have Made For Craft Swaps

I have to say that I have my creativity has been rekindled by doing craft swaps. What are craft swaps?, you might ask, well they are simply an organized partnering of crafters and artisans that swap their work usually in a themed swap. I learned about swaps on this awesome forum website http://www.craftster.org/ where artists,crafters, designers or anyone who creates can network.
I stumbled across this site one night when I was surfing the web, and was hooked. I started out as a voyeur, looking at all of the beautiful, interesting, and sometimes bizarre creations that people posted. This sparked my creative spirit, and I began making pieces and posting them for my fellow crafters to give feedback. If you ever need a self esteem boost this works great, as everyone there is so supportive.
I started reading other crafters talking about making an items for swaps, and became curious. I went on the swap board, checked out the swaps, signed up for my first swap and have been hooked ever since. I have received some really cool stuff from these swaps, and the excitement of getting a surprise package in the mail is almost too much.
So if you are thinking of doing a swap just remember, they are addicting, so swap at your own risk.

The Pretty Pink "Kira Clutch"

Since the first time I saw a felted handbag, I have been intrigued. I am a very novice knitter and not real saavy on following knitting patterns. I really need to take some lessons (I am in the process of finding a good instructor) and in the meantime I decided to just make something up. I have to say that this project was really easy and super rewarding.

First off what I did know is that when knitting a piece to be felted you use large needles and that your stitches need not be perfect. With that in mind, I went out and bought some really beautiful 100% wool yarn, some beautiful fabric that I thought would compliment the yarn, and size 15 knitting needles.
Next,I cast on enough stitches to equal 15" or so and knit a rectangle, 15"x23". I then found felting instructions (the easiest I could find) and felted my rectangle. When I figured it was done (when you couldn't see the stitches anymore) I rinsed the piece and rolled it up in a dry towel to get out the excess water. I then blocked the rectangle, on a dry towel using straight pins tokeep it in place while drying.
After the piece was completly dry, I laid the piece on the beautiful fabric and marked the shape of the rectangle plus 1". I then ironed the raw edge of the fabric unber in the shape of the rectangle. Note: the rectangle will not be perfect, that is what gives your clutch charm. I used a magnetic closure and applied it as per the package instructions. Next step is to hand blind stitch the fabric onto the felted piece, this will become your lining. After you finish fold your clutch and stitch the sides with the yarn used to knit the felted piece. You can also add a button or some other cool embellishment to the top of the closure.

I hope this wasn't too hard to follow, I will add illustrations at a later date.