FCEC felted bagalong

[firemanshunny]

Would anyone be interested in doing a crochet along for the felted bag in the FCEC? I have seen a bunch of people say that they want to try it. I know that there are a ton of CAL's already but really don't we need more??? :devil

It October 1st and this CAL has started!! Hope you all good luck! Please make sure to post pictures of what you have made so that we can all see the different things being done!

Anyone can join at any time! That's the great thing about crochet alongs!

[deneen]

I would definitely. I can't start it til next weekend, but count me in! I already have the yarn picked out!

[Karen C.]

I'd love to be a part of this one; I already have my wool.:cheer :clap

[Hooker]

I would love to. I wanted to make it as soon as I saw that.

As long as there is no pressure to complete by a certain time! I've got quite a few projects in my queue. (But I can add another, can you ever really have too many projects going at once?)

[DawnsRays]

I'm in!

I've seen a few of these bags on the web and think they are great looking. . . so this CAL is perfect. I will order my yarn and be on my way. Can't wait to see how they all turn out!!

~ DAWN

[airmedh]

Woo hoo!!! I've been waiting for a new Crochet-a-long to start and I've never done a felt project before so I would love to try it if you all don't mind helping me from time to time. Just so I know are we talking about the Tote Bag on p. 28 of the magazine? Any suggestions for what yarn to buy?

[firemanshunny]

Woo hoo!!! I've been waiting for a new Crochet-a-long to start and I've never done a felt project before so I would love to try it if you all don't mind helping me from time to time. Just so I know are we talking about the Tote Bag on p. 28 of the magazine? Any suggestions for what yarn to buy?

That would be the one! I used the Paton's wool and mine came out great. You can use any yarn that is 100% wool. Don't not use anything that says superwash on it. If you need help just ask!!

[Karen C.]

Joann's has the Paton's Merino wool on sale and it's free shipping over $25! The shipping code is sepfs525. I ordered yarn for other projects, too.

[dogymom]

Oh this would be the perfect time for me to start my first felting project! This way I would have a "support" group.:wink
Count me in.

[airmedh]

Thanks for the tips ladies! I just ordered my wool. I went with the Paton's Merino Classic Wool and ordered it from Joann's (along with some other supplies to make the $25).

[Lanik]

Count me in! Count me in! :clap

I just bought my wool :2sheep yesterday for this project. I'm about to finish a scarf for a friend and then, I'll start the bag right away (that should be early this week)!
Thank you for starting this CAL! :yay I'm so excited.

[heroinepretend]

i think i'll join in on this as well, though i have a heap of scarves to finish. buti'll use this as motivation for that, and really get cracking when i'll have time sitting on a plane to new york in two weeks. it's about time i broke away from scarves, right?

[lynie]

Hi ladies,

Is this a magazine you need to order online or is it available in stores. I would love to do this project but can't find the magazine! :(
I hope I can get it at the store and get started right away!
Lyn in NH

[airmedh]

I can never find this one or the BHG issues at my LYS or the book store, but I find it at my local grocery stores so you might look there for it.

[heroinepretend]

i'm having a similar problem; thinking "of course i can get that magazine!" i joined this cal only to find omaha is apparently an interweave-only zone. i'm going to keep looking, but i am losing hope. :(

[GinaLaughed]

I've been dying to do a felted bag but the pattern I ordered last month has not arrived yet. :angry Since I happen to have the yarn and the magazine I thought I would jump in on this one.

Funny story: Since this CAL was originally posted I've been looking all over town for the mag. I finally called JoAnn's (I just hadn't had time to run by there) and they had the magazine! So.....I jumped in the Jeep and went to JoAnn's right away...only to find that I already had the magazine! :blush :lol I've been working on the Living on the Edge poncho (p. 54) for my daughter as a b-day gift!

Ok....now...back to business. I'm already having trouble with this bag. :( When I repeat row 2 of the bag base where it says, 'sc in turning ch'. Am I missing something here? It doesn't say to 'ch 1, turn' like it does on row 1. Am I supposed to do this anyway? Plz help!!! Also...can someone explain why we are skipping the first sc? I hesitate to continue on because I just feel like I'm doing it wrong.

Anyone who is looking for the mag....I found one on eBay for sale here (http://cgi.ebay.com/Family-Circle-Easy-Crochet-FALL-2005_W0QQitemZ8221030656QQcategoryZ36599QQssPageNa meZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem). Also, I'm not well known around here but I'm willing to buy the magazine for you and mail it to anyone who is desperate. :D The JoAnn's here has about 5 or 6 copies left and I live very close to the store and to the post office, so it's not a big inconvience at all. I believe the magazine is 5.99 + tax + shipping. I can figure out the cost, you can Paypal me I'll send it to you. Just a thought...

[firemanshunny]

Ok....now...back to business. I'm already having trouble with this bag. :( When I repeat row 2 of the bag base where it says, 'sc in turning ch'. Am I missing something here? It doesn't say to 'ch 1, turn' like it does on row 1. Am I supposed to do this anyway? Plz help!!! Also...can someone explain why we are skipping the first sc? I hesitate to continue on because I just feel like I'm doing it wrong.


Ok I am working on my second bag so I have the pattern down pretty well. You are going to ch 1 and turn at the end of rows like you would any other time. I think that you are suppose to skip the first sc cause it makes it easier to find the end of the row when you work the body of the bag. You have to work stitches into the sides to make the body of the bag. Personally I just did the bottom like I would do a regular row of sc and didn't skip the first stitch or work in to the turning chain so that I ended up with the right amount of stitches. I was still able to tell where the rows were when I got to the sides. If you have any more questions just ask!! :cheer
Good luck!!

[Lanik]

Hello Everybody!!!

I just finished the base but I can't figure out how to start the rounds (I'm not too experienced yet :ohdear). Where do I make the first stitch? Do I have to do it in that same last stitch (that is, the corner)? Any insight will be highly appreciated.

Thanks :hook

[firemanshunny]

Hello Everybody!!!

I just finished the base but I can't figure out how to start the rounds (I'm not too experienced yet :ohdear). Where do I make the first stitch? Do I have to do it in that same last stitch (that is, the corner)? Any insight will be highly appreciated.

Thanks :hook

Ok This is what you do. Work 16 sc down the side of the base (one for every row you did) You work the first stitch into the corner which would be where the last stitch from the base is. You have to work the last stitch and the first stitch of the next row in the corners! Good luck! If you have more questions just ask! :cheer

[smokeyp81]

Hi!

Count me in! I have already started mine. I am using Paton's classic wool in natural mix for the body and bright red for the trim.

[airmedh]

Reading through all these posts I'm starting to get a bit intimidated. I hope my yarn gets here soon!!!!

[Lanik]

I have another doubt! I'm a little confused. :think

Here's what I did after finishing the base...
I made the first rnd of the sides, making the first and last sc from each side in the same stitch. For the second rnd and up I just made sc in every sc in the first rnd. I'm on rnd 7 and I'm not sure if this is correct. Was that clear at all? :think
Thank you for your help!

[firemanshunny]

H
ere's what I did after finishing the base...
I made the first rnd of the sides, making the first and last sc from each side in the same stitch. For the second rnd and up I just made sc in every sc in the first rnd. I'm on rnd 7 and I'm not sure if this is correct. Was that clear at all? :think
Thank you for your help!

That is what I did. Just make sure that you are marking the beginning stitch of the round. at the end of the body you do 3 rounds of slip stitches so the round evens out. Just make sure that you have the correct number of stitches for every round. Plus when you full/felt the bag you won't see the different. It all blends together.

[firemanshunny]

I ran into a bit of a problem! I am making my second bag in gray with black trim. I ran out of gray yarn! I had just enough to finish the body of the bag and that is it. I dont have enough left over to do the handles and the closure! :angry So they will be all black instead!! I didn't have this problem when I did the first bag! Someone suggested that one of the skeins might have been short!! Let that be a lesson to me to buy extra yarn for a project just in case!!

[airmedh]

I'm still waiting for my yarn and I finished my last project last night. I hope the yarn is waiting for me when I get home today!!!!

It sounds like you are all making wonderful progress!

[allimac]

I am soooo in! I ordered my yarn last week....whooo hooo:yay

[Hooker]

I have the base and 5 rows of the sides finished. It crochets up beautifully and I'm loving the Paton's Wool Yarn that I'm using. I'm hoping to be able to finish and felt it tomorrow.

[Karen C.]

For those who have completed this bag....Did you use the prescribed felting method in the magazine? I prefer felting in the washer and I was wondering if any of you used your washer instead of the sink method. How did it turn out? I'm thinking that there's really not that much difference.:shrug :scrachin

[airmedh]

For those who have completed this bag....Did you use the prescribed felting method in the magazine? I prefer felting in the washer and I was wondering if any of you used your washer instead of the sink method. How did it turn out? I'm thinking that there's really not that much difference.:shrug :scrachin

Thanks for posting this Karen. This will be my first felting project so this is definite good information for me to get!!!

[Mel2nsluvsCrochet]

I would love to try this one out but I am going to have to wait until the 14th before I can get my wool yarn to do this CAL....my first felt project
:yay

[firemanshunny]

For those who have completed this bag....Did you use the prescribed felting method in the magazine? I prefer felting in the washer and I was wondering if any of you used your washer instead of the sink method. How did it turn out? I'm thinking that there's really not that much difference.:shrug :scrachin

I used my washing machine. Its a top loader. I put in a pair of jeans and a little bit of detergent. Use the longest cycle that your washer has and the hottest water setting. I checked after the first cycle (14 minutes) and decided to go another cycle of 4 minutes. I used the rinse cycle on cold and delicate. Don't over spin. make sure you rinse enough to get the soap out. set it out to air dry. I put some rolled up towels in mine to get the shape. Hope you are all making progress!!

[airmedh]

Woo hooo!!!! My yarn is finally here!!!!!

[airmedh]

Help please!!!!! I've finished my base and am ready to start the sides, but even after reading all the posts about those of you who have already done this I am lost.

Do I finish off my yarn on the last stitch of the base and then start the first stitch for the sides or do I just start the sides in the first sc I just finished? This is the first time I've made anything like this and I obviously have no idea what I'm doing!!!:(

[allimac]

Ginny,

I just received my yarn yesterday and started my base last night after doing a gauge swatch. I decided to go with an "I" hook so hopefully won't run into the problem of running out of yarn . I haven't started the sides yet and might not get to it until tonight but from the directions it looks like you do not fasten off after the base. I would chain 1 and turn to work one sc into each end of row, then do the 44 on the long edge, 16 again into the ends and then 44 again and join each round before starting the next round. When I get there, hopefully tonight, I'll see how it works out. Hang in there! :sheepjump

[Hooker]

I finished this bag last night and it's currently drying on my ironing board. :c9

Before felting (http://psychobabbleblog.com/index.php/hooker/bag_before_felting/)
(http://psychobabbleblog.com/index.php/weblog/bag_before_felting/)
After Felting (http://psychobabbleblog.com/index.php/weblog/f2/)

(if you click on the photos it takes you to my flickr account. I put my hand in the before and after photos so you can see how much, or little, it shrunk up)

The Patons wool felts up so nice and soft. I was surprised at the size of this bag. I expected it to be smaller, but when I was done crocheting, it was so big!

A run through in the washer felted it right up. Now, how do I get this to dry faster. I actually put it through the dryer last night to get some of the water out. So if anyone is considering this it should be fine, no ill effects.

I'm thinking of running it through the dryer on a timed cycle so I can get it dry.

Also a question. How many of you HATE doing the sewing part? It takes so long to crochet I just want it done already!

[airmedh]

Ginny,

I just received my yarn yesterday and started my base last night after doing a gauge swatch. I decided to go with an "I" hook so hopefully won't run into the problem of running out of yarn . I haven't started the sides yet and might not get to it until tonight but from the directions it looks like you do not fasten off after the base. I would chain 1 and turn to work one sc into each end of row, then do the 44 on the long edge, 16 again into the ends and then 44 again and join each round before starting the next round. When I get there, hopefully tonight, I'll see how it works out. Hang in there! :sheepjump
Thanks Alli! That's what I was getting to, but since I had never done one of these before I wasn't sure if I was guessing right. I'll give it a go this evening and see how it goes!

[airmedh]

I finished this bag last night and it's currently drying on my ironing board. :c9

(http://psychobabbleblog.com/index.php/hooker/bag_before_felting/)

Excellent job Amy!!

[GinaLaughed]

Just to update: I frogged what I had started (hadn't gotten that far anyway) and will start over on Monday when I can get the Patons yarn. I had some Lopi yarn that I was going to use, but the pattern I had been waiting for came in and I decided that I really wanted to make this bag with the Paton's yarn just for the sake of working with a different yarn.

I finished this bag last night and it's currently drying on my ironing board. :c9

Before felting (http://psychobabbleblog.com/index.php/hooker/bag_before_felting/)

After Felting (http://psychobabbleblog.com/index.php/hooker/felted_bag_complete/)



I love it, Amy! I especially love the colors. Thanks so much for sharing before and after pics! Great job! :clap

Edited to add: Thank you for your help, Firemanshunny! :) I think I'll do my bag like you did yours and not skip those stitches. That just wasn't working for me.

[airmedh]

Hmmmm...I thought I knew what I was doing and started the sides but now I'm in doubt. Should it look like just a big growing rectangle or should the sides stand up?

Here is what I did. I finished the base so I chained one and started crocheting around 16 on the short sides, 44 on the long. Now what I have is just a large rectangle which is just getting larger with every round. I think this may have something to do with the whole corner thing. Was I supposed to do something special to make the corners?

[allimac]

GInny

THe directions say to make your first stitch of every side into the same stitch as the last stitch of the last side you did, so that there will be two stitches in every corner and every round should have the same number of stitches, so that very soon you should have something resembling a bowl instead of a flat rectangle.

[airmedh]

GInny

THe directions say to make your first stitch of every side into the same stitch as the last stitch of the last side you did, so that there will be two stitches in every corner and every round should have the same number of stitches, so that very soon you should have something resembling a bowl instead of a flat rectangle.

I was afraid of that....I'll frog the sides and start it again.

[allimac]

Good luck, Ginny, don't get discouraged:hug

[Karen C.]

I got the yarn from Joann's yesterday, so I'm going to begin this project this long weekend.

[allimac]

Ginny, I think that after the first round, you will just sc in every sc and it will be even all the way up. Make sure you keep track of your first stitch of every round with a marker so you know when to join your round with a slip stitch. If this is not correct, I hope someone tells me soon because I'm on round two. This is so exciting to be making something other than baby blankets!!!!

[allimac]

Here is my bag taking shape...I think I'm on round 6 or so. http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/DSC00149.jpg:photo

[firemanshunny]

Ginny, I think that after the first round, you will just sc in every sc and it will be even all the way up. Make sure you keep track of your first stitch of every round with a marker so you know when to join your round with a slip stitch. If this is not correct, I hope someone tells me soon because I'm on round two. This is so exciting to be making something other than baby blankets!!!!

I didn't use a slip stitch at the beginning of the row. I just kept going around in a spiral and moved the stitch marker when I started the next row. When I did the slip stitches at the end of the body it all evened out. Did anyone else do it that way? the directions didn't say to use a sl st to join the rounds so I didn't.

Amy (hooker) the bag looks great! I love the colors!

[Lanik]

I didn't use a slip stitch at the beginning of the row. I just kept going around in a spiral and moved the stitch marker when I started the next row. When I did the slip stitches at the end of the body it all evened out. Did anyone else do it that way? the directions didn't say to use a sl st to join the rounds so I didn't.

I'm doing that too... I kept going around with no slip stitch at the end of each row. Up to now, mine looks very similar to Alli's bag. So, I think it should be okay. :hook

[allimac]

[QUOTE=firemanshunny]I didn't use a slip stitch at the beginning of the row. I just kept going around in a spiral and moved the stitch marker when I started the next row. When I did the slip stitches at the end of the body it all evened out. Did anyone else do it that way? the directions didn't say to use a sl st to join the rounds so I didn't. QUOTE]

Yes, it's the end product that's important!!!;)

[airmedh]

Here is my bag taking shape...I think I'm on round 6 or so. http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/DSC00149.jpg:photo

I'm very frustrated!!! I just can't get mine to do this. I have frogged the entire thing and will start again tomorrow or Sunday. Right now I just want to scream. I was so excited, but I'm beginning to think this project is beyond me. I've never had much success with rounds.

[allimac]

Ginny,

What helped for me was to mark the beginning of each side with a marker and counting to make sure there were 16 each short side and 44 each long side. Only the first round has two stitches in the corner, one for each side that meets at that corner, so for the 2nd and consecutive rounds, sc in each stitch around and you should have the same number of stitches. It may take a few rows to get the shape of the bag. I joined my rows just because I like the evenness and I like to know exactly where my rounds start and end. After it's felted I probably won't be able to see a "seam". Does that help, I hope?

[cristin~FL]

Can I still join you all in this one?
My friend (a knitter who wants to learn to crochet, we have YET to find a time that works for both of us) just made a fleted bag and she just LOVES it!
I wanna try it, but I've never felted either...so I'll need some help along the way I'm sure. LOL

[donnalynn2]

Ok, I'm going to give it a try!!!!! I'm scared but the fact that we are all doing this together makes me feel a little better. I'm going to try to buy the wool tonite!

[dogymom]

I wouldn't think it's too late, Cristin. I just ordered my yarn last night, so I'll be getting a late start, too.:hook

[donnalynn2]

HELP! I went to Jo-Ann's tonite to get my yarn for this and they didn't have any yarn that was 100% wool. The most was Wool-Ease which is 20% wool. Any ideas where I can find 100% wool yarn???

[airmedh]

Ginny,

What helped for me was to mark the beginning of each side with a marker and counting to make sure there were 16 each short side and 44 each long side. Only the first round has two stitches in the corner, one for each side that meets at that corner, so for the 2nd and consecutive rounds, sc in each stitch around and you should have the same number of stitches. It may take a few rows to get the shape of the bag. I joined my rows just because I like the evenness and I like to know exactly where my rounds start and end. After it's felted I probably won't be able to see a "seam". Does that help, I hope?

Thanks Alli! I'll give it another try.

Donna,

I bought my wool on-line from joann.com because I had the same problem with finding 100% wool in my LYS.

[dogymom]

Hi Donna,
I ordered mine last night from KnitPicks (http://knitpicks.com)at 1.79 a skein (110 yards). That's worsted weight, which I hope is right. I've never ordered from them before. I went to JoAnns last evening, too. they did have 1 type of wool, but it was 6.99 for a small, small skein!!!! Too much for my first felting project.

[allimac]

Welcome Donna and Cristin:yay ,

I bought mine online too at Joann's, it took about a week. I think they have Lion Wool at AC Moore, but I am using Paton's Wool, they have more colors to choose from.

Ginny, I should mention that if you mark your corners or at least the beginning of your round, you will notice that it gradually moves to the right (but that's perfectly fine.)

[allimac]

:welcome to Debi, too!

[Woven N Spun]

I want to join in.

But um...I am embarrased to say this, :blush but can someone please tell me what FCEC is? I feel totally out of it these days.


Would anyone be interested in doing a crochet along for the felted bag in the FCEC? I have seen a bunch of people say that they want to try it. I know that there are a ton of CAL's already but really don't we need more??? :devil

It October 1st and this CAL has started!! Hope you all good luck! Please make sure to post pictures of what you have made so that we can all see the different things being done!

[airmedh]

Ginny, I should mention that if you mark your corners or at least the beginning of your round, you will notice that it gradually moves to the right (but that's perfectly fine.)

Argh!!!! That was what was happening last time and I thought that must have meant I did it wrong. Live and learn I guess!

[airmedh]

I want to join in.

But um...I am embarrased to say this, :blush but can someone please tell me what FCEC is? I feel totally out of it these days.

Don't worry Kimberly!! I wouldn't know except I saw it posted somewhere else around here. It is the Facmily Circle Easy Crochet magazine.

[firemanshunny]

I want to join in.

But um...I am embarrased to say this, :blush but can someone please tell me what FCEC is? I feel totally out of it these days.


FCEC stands for Family Circle Easy Crochet magazine. Its on new stands now but only until the 1th.

[Woven N Spun]

Thanks ladies....now to go find a place here that has that mag. I am still learning my way around....ARGH

[firemanshunny]

Hi Donna,
I ordered mine last night from KnitPicks (http://knitpicks.com/)at 1.79 a skein (110 yards). That's worsted weight, which I hope is right. I've never ordered from them before. I went to JoAnns last evening, too. they did have 1 type of wool, but it was 6.99 for a small, small skein!!!! Too much for my first felting project.


Just make sure that when you use another brand of yarn that you order enough to complete the pattern. Paton's yarn is used in the pattern. The skeins are 223 yards/100 grams each. Knit pick wool of the andes (http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/yarn_display.aspx?itemid=5420103) 110yards/50 grams. So You might need more than 3 balls of yarn. So make sure you get enough to finish the bag. :hook

[airmedh]

Woo hoo!!! I'm finally doing it right and my bag is taking shape!!!

[allimac]

Woo hoo!!! I'm finally doing it right and my bag is taking shape!!!

You GO girl:cheer

[Karen C.]

I have started my bag and everything seem to be shaping up right:clap

[airmedh]

Thanks Alli! Your help has been invaluable! I'm finally on row 8 of the sides!

I have started my bag and everything seem to be shaping up right:clap

Way to go!!!!

[allimac]

I just finished round 44 but am too tired to take a progress pic. Maybe I'll be fulling by tomorrow night since it is a holiday! :sheepjump

Here's an interesting ?, what round did you change to a new skein on? I think I was on 25, but am using an "I" hook.

[kippiann]

Just make sure that when you use another brand of yarn that you order enough to complete the pattern. Paton's yarn is used in the pattern. The skeins are 223 yards/100 grams each. Knit pick wool of the andes (http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/yarn_display.aspx?itemid=5420103) 110yards/50 grams. So You might need more than 3 balls of yarn. So make sure you get enough to finish the bag. :hook

Thank you! I have already purchased my yarn, but now I do not think I have enough! I am using Lopi yarn and it is only 110 yards per skein. I will have to buy more of have a MUCH smaller bag. :P

I am a beginner crocheter and am new to this forum. I look forward to getting started....and actually hope to finish. :hook

[firemanshunny]

I only have one more strap to go and than put it all together! I am thinking that I will be felting it tomorrow night!!

[airmedh]

Way to go ladies!!! Everyone is making terrific progress.

[chickpea67]

oh dear-- Ipicked up the mag last night and I do love that bag....i would like to join in...*L* but i SO don't need another project on my hooks! But the comrarderie would be nice....and i'm up at my parent's house which is close to a joanns superstore...what to do, what to do...

How fast is the project? I could do it on wedenesday nights when the hubster is not around....

[Hooker]

How fast is the project? I could do it on wedenesday nights when the hubster is not around....

I want to say it took me about 8 hours total (hard to say since I didn't keep track). It's very easy, but the 54 rows of single crochet are mind-numbing.

[donnalynn2]

As I previously posted, I am having a hard time finding 100% wool here in town. I'm wondering if 50% wool would work. I came across some Lion Brand (I think) Landscapes which is 50% wool and 50% acrylic. It says right on the label that this can be used for felting... If this is cool I'd rather do this than on line. I can hide yarn I buy in the stores from my hubby a lot easier than I can if I buy it on line... THANKS!

[allimac]

I want to say it took me about 8 hours total (hard to say since I didn't keep track). It's very easy, but the 54 rows of single crochet are mind-numbing.

Yes, I "watched" two videos and took it with me in the car doing errands and I'm still not done. I had to have hubby rewind the DVD a few times because I would miss the scary parts, lol:eek

[firemanshunny]

As I previously posted, I am having a hard time finding 100% wool here in town. I'm wondering if 50% wool would work. I came across some Lion Brand (I think) Landscapes which is 50% wool and 50% acrylic. It says right on the label that this can be used for felting... If this is cool I'd rather do this than on line. I can hide yarn I buy in the stores from my hubby a lot easier than I can if I buy it on line... THANKS!

Use only 100% wool! 50% might not felt or might not felt as well. Its best to stick to 100%!!

[chickpea67]

well--i think i'm gonna go for it! I went to tehdentist today and now that novacaine has all worn off...i don't feel very well! The dentisist put a big filling in my left top wisdom tooth and said it'd be sore for awhile--but if it doesnt start feeling better they're going to yank it. It certainly doesnt feel good right now and i might even get enoguh sympathy from the hubster that he won't care i spent another 20$ on yarn!

[double2]

I would like to know if I could dye the bag with koolade while it is felting in the washer. Has anyone tried this?

[donnalynn2]

I'm going to check one more place tonite and see if I can find 100% wool... If not I'll have to use the 50% as my hubby won't let me get away with buying more yarn right now... If I go to a local store, I can use cash that I have on me that he doesn't know about... Since he does checkbook, I can't sneak anything on cards! LOL Has anyone tried felting with 50% wool??? The label on the yarn says it's specifically for felting... Thanks all!!!

[Karen C.]

I would like to know if I could dye the bag with koolade while it is felting in the washer. Has anyone tried this?

Hmmmm. I don't think you can dye the wool in the washer during the felting process, but it surely can be done before crocheting the bag.

[Karen C.]

As I previously posted, I am having a hard time finding 100% wool here in town. I'm wondering if 50% wool would work. I came across some Lion Brand (I think) Landscapes which is 50% wool and 50% acrylic. It says right on the label that this can be used for felting... If this is cool I'd rather do this than on line. I can hide yarn I buy in the stores from my hubby a lot easier than I can if I buy it on line... THANKS!

Donna, yes that yarn is unique because of how it's wrapped around the acrylic; it sort of "chokes" it I guess. I have had good results with one particular tote project of Marlo's at www.marloscrochetcorner.com (http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com) using this exact yarn. I believe it's called the felted country market tote or something like that. It's under her for sale patterns if you'd like to take a look at the picture. I think your bag would look beautiful with this yarn.

[allimac]

ALERT ALERT ALERT:yell Ok, I am almost done. As I got done with the 53rd round, I started feeling short on yarn, so I started working the tab on the other end of the yarn. After the main color was done on that I didn't have a lot left, so I went ahead and made the 4 circles, too and had to rip back almost one whole round on the bag. So I have 52 complete rounds. Should I just leave it at that? I think so as I don't want to alter the overall "look" . If I were to make another one, I might make a larger band of the complementary color at the top, but this will do, I think. Ok, just a little bit more to do, but might have to wait until after dinner to shrink it.

[Hooker]

So I have 52 complete rounds. Should I just leave it at that?

That would be fine. In fact, I thought the bag would almost work better a little "shorter". And you are not alone, there was at least one other person other than me that ran out of the main color. I even checked my gauge and I was spot on, so who knows what happened.

[airmedh]

Thanks for the warning ladies! Maybe when I get closer to the end I will be able to keep this in mind and maybe switch to the CC a little early.

[Karen C.]

I posted a picture of the progressing tote on my blog; it's not a good picture, but it does show :) I'm on row 30 and the second skein of MC. Do you think I'll make it?:hook

[allimac]

I'm on row 30 and the second skein of MC. Do you think I'll make it?:hook
I think if you made it to round 30 on the first skein you will probably make it, just to be sure, I wouldn't cut the end until you knew for sure. This was a close call for me. I used an I hook and my gauge was still a little small and still didn't get the total 55 rounds.

[heroinepretend]

oh dear, i am a little intimidated by all the comments here on this project...but i am fresh back from new york with the magazine in hand (sadly, i didn't make it to the yarn co.). i'm going to go get my yarn now and try to slog my way through this...i must get better, really, because i must be able to, at some point, make the dress in this magazine! ;)

[chickpea67]

alright-- i can't wait to start this. I got dark green for the main color and parika for the contrast. I'll be sure to do a wider band of parika at the top of the bag so I won't run out of the green....or maybe even an sc stripe 1/3 of the way up the bag?

[donnalynn2]

Ok, well I'm going to go for it with the Lion Brand Landscapes yarn. It is 50% wool and 50% acrylic but after some other posts about it and checking it out on the Lion Brand site, it appears as though this is specifically made for felting. I guess the wool is wrapped around the acrylic. Unfortunately this yarn only comes in varigated colors, not solids so I'm not sure how that will look. I'm just hoping for the best.

However, since I have seen the posts about the 54 rows of SC... UGH! I'm already dreading it and haven't gotten there yet!!! Oh well. I'll hopefully get started on it tonite!!!!! Wish me luck!!!!

[cristin~FL]

I was going to order my yarn from Knit Picks, but decided to wait and go to JoAnn's (in person) and scope out what they have on the shelves. I was thinking Peacock and Chestnut for my colors. Hopefully, they'll have what I'm looking for.

[firemanshunny]

Donna, I think that the landscape colors will look great. But on the Lion brand web site it says that this yarn wont felt like 100% wool and may need more washing to felt fully. So I am curious to see how yours comes out and how long it takes to felt all the way! Good luck!!

[donnalynn2]

I was going to order my yarn from Knit Picks, but decided to wait and go to JoAnn's (in person) and scope out what they have on the shelves. I was thinking Peacock and Chestnut for my colors. Hopefully, they'll have what I'm looking for.

The JoAnn's here in Ocala, FL had NOTHING 100% wool. Nobody in town does... Well, there is one place that probably does but I won't go in there. There's a specialty yarn shop in town that's completely overpriced. I cannot imagine buying yarn for the amount of money the lady in there wants.

Let me know if you find something! The manager at my local Jo-Ann's said they've been asking corporate to send 100% wool for awhile but haven't gotten any yet... GOOD LUCK!

[donnalynn2]

Donna, I think that the landscape colors will look great. But on the Lion brand web site it says that this yarn wont felt like 100% wool and may need more washing to felt fully. So I am curious to see how yours comes out and how long it takes to felt all the way! Good luck!!

Yes, I saw that. Hopefully it will give the desired effect, I just may have to work harder to achieve it! I'll let you all know how I'm doing on it once I get going!!!

[chickpea67]

so anyone thought about adding a stripe or two of their contrasting color in order to not run out of the main color....do you think this would be a good idea? How far up would you place it? How wide would you make it?

[allimac]

Just got home from AC MOORE Ka-ching, Ka-ching!!!! For anyone looking, they do carry PATON's 100% Merino Wool (for 4.99 not on sale.) Mine didn't carry all of the colors, but a lot of selection. I bought a couple because I want to make some felted flowers from FCEC and LB website.

I have one more strap of my bag to sew on today, hopefully. I will post before and after photos asap!:hook

[cristin~FL]

Donna~
I think my JoAnn's carries Teh Paton's 100% Merino wool skeins. I just don't remember what they cost each. But I figure I'd spend less there than the $30 minimum (to get free shipping) I would spend at Knit Picks even if they're $5.99 each. Maybe once I actually get hooked on felting, I'll be at Knit Pciks everyday!! LOL
Hmmmmmmmmm, which got me thinking......my best friend in MN is a student again. I could make her a FELTED BOOK BAG for Christmas!!! Oh my goodness!!! That would be SOOOOO cool!

[allimac]

Ok ladies, drum roll please:lol My bag is felted and drying!!! Pics can be seen here: http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/DSC00155.jpg,
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/feltedbag.jpg,
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/DSC00159.jpg

[firemanshunny]

The bag looks great. I love those colors together. The box is a good idea for shaping!

[donnalynn2]

WOW! That's amazing! I hope mine turns out even 1/2 as good as yours!!!


I started mine today! I have the first 15 rows done and it took almost 1 1/2 skeins of the 50 gram skeins I bought!!! I think it's going to take a lot of yarn. But I tend to crochet loosely so that may contribute to it. Since I don't need it to be a certain size persay I'm not worried about gauge, however this little bag will cost me a lot! At $5.99 a skein (buying one at a time with a 40% off coupon, it may end up costing me around $25...


Oh, since I'm using the varigated yarn, anyone have suggestions for the trim color????? Maybe one of the darker varigated colors????

I think if this works even half way decently I may start using Knit Pics too! Around Christmas time my hubby gets generous and may let me buy some stuff!!!

Well, it looks like I'll be starting on the dreaded SC rows from **** tomorrow! Wish me luck!!!!

[kippiann]

WOW! your bag is amazing. Thank you so much for posting photos.

I am still at around row 20 of the body of the bag, but I am seeing progress. I keep telling myself that some of the imperfections will work their way out during the felting process. :D

I am going to make the contrast color band a little wider on mine just for fun. My bag is chocolate brown with varigated pink/burgundy as the contrast. I gave up on getting more of the Lopi yarn for now. I am using some 100% wool from Bernat that I found at Hobby Lobby. For those of you with a Hobby Lobby, keep checking their website or your local Sunday paper. For the last few weeks they have been running a 40% off coupon. The good part is you can download a new coupon EVERY DAY of the week. :cheer

[dogymom]

It turned out great!!!!:manyheart I'm making mine as a Christmas gift, so I hope it turns out as pretty as yours!

[nutz4crochet]

Ok ladies, drum roll please:lol My bag is felted and drying!!! Pics can be seen here: http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/DSC00155.jpg,
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/feltedbag.jpg,
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/DSC00159.jpg

Your tote came out great! The colors are nice too. I have the magazine and was looking over the instructions for felting the tote. Is that how you felted your piece? I was just wondering. I hear it's good to run it through the wash.....the instructions were different.

[allimac]

I must say sewing those darn straps on was a pain in the behind. Some patterns are very specific about what row or how far in or down to put things, well this pattern was pretty unhelpful as far as that goes. I hope it looks ok when I'm done and dry.

I didn't feel like I got good felting using their method in the sink. I must've done the hot/cold thing three times. Then I broke for dinner and then did the washing machine way from knitty.com on the super long cycle using a Tblsp. of detergent and a couple of vinegar. I rinsed in the sink, squeezed gently and blotted between towels. I was so shocked at the shrinkage, it's just what I wanted.

I can't wait to show my sisters!

[Karen C.]

Ok ladies, drum roll please:lol My bag is felted and drying!!! Pics can be seen here: http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/DSC00155.jpg,
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/feltedbag.jpg,
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/DSC00159.jpg

I think your bag looks great!

[allimac]

Thanks, Y'all. Hang in there and YOU TOO can felt/full like a professional! :lol

[kippiann]

To those of you who have finished your bags, are you happy with the length and thickness of the handles?

what role does vinegar play in the felting?

I am on row 42 of the single crochet! :cheer I am now trying to decide how many rows of the contrasting color I want. So many decisions!

[allimac]

[QUOTE=kippiann]To those of you who have finished your bags, are you happy with the length and thickness of the handles?

what role does vinegar play in the felting?

I do think the handles are a little spindley. Maybe a different stitch would bulk it up a bit, but since this is my first time felting, I don't have any other experience with how things turn out. Perhaps researching some other patterns would help.

As far as the vinegar goes, it was recommended in the fulling/felting forum. I think it has something to do with chemically affecting the fibers. Here is the link to the article http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter03/FEATfelthis.html. He just recommends hot water and lots of agitation. I used a pillowcase tied shut with a rubberband and didn't let it spin, hence it is still damp, but I am happy with the results.

[smokeyp81]

I just finished my first tote and posted pictures over at show-n-tell under accesories. Take a look!

On around row 25 I realized I was going to run out of yarn, so I made the tab and circles using the main color and did 10 rows of red, then switched back to the main color. I think it looks OK. Next time I will by 3 skeins of the main color just to be sure.

Also, I think for the next bag I am going to do an I-cord (knitted) for the handles. The handles this way just don't feel strong enough.

I have my second bag started with grey and black.

I love this pattern!

[cristin~FL]

I can't believe the shrinkage, Alli!! WOW!! I LIKE IT!!! A LOT!!
Last night I went to JoAnn's and looked at all the Paton's 100% wool colors. Wasn't really thrilled with any of them and ended up picking up some other yarn for a different project instead. :devil
I was gonna do this as a gift for a friend that is in college again (after being married for 8 years and two kids -- YAY HER!!) Do you think the straps and bag are sturdy enough for say a notebook, folder and textbook? Or even a textbook and 3-ring binder? Would it even fit? I'd probably have to use a slightly bigger hook...? :think I have so many questions..... :lol

[chickpea67]

Alimac--your bag looks fantastic! I printed the unfelted picture to help me determine where to place some stripes.

I started last night and finished the bottom and 4 rows....only 49 more rows of mindnumbing sc.

I'd consider making some bags for gifts if it wasn't such tedious project--wish i could throw in some dc :)

Anyone thought about lining their bags?

[Woven N Spun]

Looks great!

I haven't been able to find this mag yet, but I will keep looking :)

[airmedh]

Ok ladies, drum roll please:lol My bag is felted and drying!!!

Wow!!! It turned out great Alli! I needed the inspiration. I'm so sick of single crochet I took a night off. Now I'm motivated to start working on it again!

[airmedh]

Well, it looks like I'll be starting on the dreaded SC rows from **** tomorrow! Wish me luck!!!!


Good luck Donnalynn! I have never been a great fan of SC and it's been a challenge for me, but seeing the finished products of fellow CALers has really helped!

[allimac]

[QUOTE=kippiann]To those of you who have finished your bags, are you happy with the length and thickness of the handles?

I wrote this in the wrong thing before, but if I had it to do again (and maybe I will!) I might double the yarn on the handles to make it thicker.

[Hooker]

I wanted to let you gals know that I've been using my bag as a purse ever since it dried. It is super durable and my fear of it falling apart has left. It has quickly become my favorite bag!

[donnalynn2]

Ok, I'm a little confused. Working on the "SIDES" part of the instructions it says to work 16 SC along the short edge then 44SC along the long edge and do this for 53 rows... My question is, do I just work the short edge, then the long edge then turn and repeat or do I work both short edges??? HELP!!!!

[allimac]

Ok, I'm a little confused. Working on the "SIDES" part of the instructions it says to work 16 SC along the short edge then 44SC along the long edge and do this for 53 rows... My question is, do I just work the short edge, then the long edge then turn and repeat or do I work both short edges??? HELP!!!!

Donna,
You won't need to turn at all, you will be starting "rounds" meaning you will do the 16, do the 44, do the 16, do the 44 then either join rounds with a slip stitch or just keep going around (people have done it both ways and once it's felted you probably won't be able to tell)

[donnalynn2]

Donna,
You won't need to turn at all, you will be starting "rounds" meaning you will do the 16, do the 44, do the 16, do the 44 then either join rounds with a slip stitch or just keep going around (people have done it both ways and once it's felted you probably won't be able to tell)

Thanks so much! Is it just me or are the instructions not written very clearly???

I can see now that I'm going to need a lot more yarn! :lol

Ok, I can get anywhere from 3-4 rows of SC's in ONE SKEIN of yarn, 50Grams each... That's like 13 skeins just for this portion, not to mention the straps... Maybe I am making this wayyyyy too big??? I know I crochet loosely but I can't imagine I do it that loosely! I'm going to check my gauge and I may end up having to frog this and start ove UGH!

[smokeyp81]

Yikes! I just took the box out of my tote that I was using to block it while it was drying and I realized that I had attached the handles wrong! I attached the handles with one circle to the front and the other to the back instead of one handle on the front and one on the back. So now when I put the bag over my shoulder it doesn't lay flat. If you look at my picture you'll see what I mean.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y116/smokeyp81/Crochet%20Pictures/IM000231.jpg

I guess I'll have to cut the handles and re-attach the right way.

Just thought I'd warn everyone!

[Hooker]

To those of you who have finished your bags, are you happy with the length and thickness of the handles?

I noticed that a lot of your handles look thinner than mine did. The way I read the directions was that you start with the chain, work your way around the first circle, DC back across the chain, work around the second circle, and do another row of DC back to the first circle before finishing off.

So each handle has two rows of DC. After felting the straps seem in proportion to the bag.

[allimac]

That could explain a lot!!! Looks like I shouldn't be crocheting at 10:00 p.m., not my most alert time of day.:lol :lol

[donnalynn2]

To the poster still looking for this mag: I noticed that at my local shops, it sold out quickly. Maybe try Books a Million or Barnes and Nobles? Maybe they can order one for you?

I checked my gauge and yep, I'm way way way off! I think the reason it's so big is because I'm using a different yarn than called for. DUH! So I frogged the whole thing (I cried every stitch) and have tried several hooks but my gauge is still too large so I'm starting it with an H hook and reducing the starting chain by 11. Hope this still works out... UGH!

[kippiann]

So each handle has two rows of DC. After felting the straps seem in proportion to the bag.


Thank you! I have made my handles already but I missed the two row part so I am going to redo them. Everyone here is so helpful. :manyheart

[airmedh]

I went back to work on the bag last night. I decided to stripe the sides. So here is what I am doing on the sides.

15 rows MC
5 rows CC
15 rows MC
5 rows CC
10 rows MC
5 rows CC

I hope it turns out ok. I am on row 19 now. I only get an hour or so to work on it each night and I am obviously a very slow crocheter in comparison to the others here!!

[Hooker]

Oooh, I can't wait to see it!

[cristin~FL]

ooo!! Me too!! Me too!! I love variety and COLOR!! And pictures!! I won't even attempt a pattern that doesn't have a picture. :lol
Ginny, I wouldn't say you're slower than anyone....sc is just a slow working stitch, IMO.

Okay, I think I have decided what to do with this. I was originally going to give this bag to a friend for her schooling, BUT my SIL is having her first baby and I wanted to do something "special" (besides a blanket) for her.
Ladies, I've never had infants, would this bag work as a diaper/baby bag? Or is it entirely too small with a lack of compartments that would make it more of a bother for bottles and stuff????

[Hooker]

It might work as a smaller diaper bag for quick trips (to the store, etc.). A few diapers and a travel container of wipes would definately fit. I can JUST fit a couple magazines in mine so you can get an idea of the size.

[chickpea67]

30 more rows of sc....

[Cordelia]

Oh man y'all are so tempting me! I wonder if Bernats Lana can be substituted, its 100% merino wool?

And landscapes does felt....well too. its just bulky! I made a tote using one strand, dc, J hook...and it was very bumpy. But felted! I only ran it threw the wash twice and it shrunk well.

[kippiann]

[QUOTE=CraftyCritter]Oh man y'all are so tempting me! I wonder if Bernats Lana can be substituted, its 100% merino wool?

I used the Lana and it worked well. I felted (fulled?) it this morning and it is drying. I am working on getting the photos here.

Someone asked about dyeing the bag during felting. While looking at all the pretty pictures on Crochetville, I found a thread where someone did just that! Her bag started out as white and ended up pink. Search using 'ditty bag' and you should be able to find the thread as I don't know how to link....yet. :hook

[airmedh]

It might work as a smaller diaper bag for quick trips (to the store, etc.). A few diapers and a travel container of wipes would definately fit.

I agree. When my son was much younger I had a special small diaper bag for when I was just running to the store or the library or what have you and It was just one big open area that held a diaper, a small pack of wipe, a bottle, and burp rag. I probably used it more than I did my "real" diaper bag.

[cristin~FL]

Oh, GOOD!! :cheer I'm so happy to get that feedback! :hug THANK YOU!!!
I was just thinking this morning of what colors to use...she's not finding out the sex, so I was gonna do a beige of some sort and maybe a couple pastel colored stripes??
Or I could go totally primary colors? Haven't decided that part, but that'll require another trip to the LYS to know for sure.... :think I'm always so undecided when I do gifts. I HATE that!

[airmedh]

I vote for primary colors, but that is just mainly because I really like them!!!

[BluesForCP]

Fun! My first felted project...

http://images.snapfish.com/344%3C552323232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2327%3D329%3D57%3A%3 DXROQDF%3E2323%3B72764%3B73ot1lsi

I think I, too, misread the handle instructions. They bother me. I'll probably re-do them.

I used Knitpicks.com "Wool of the Andes"- 4 skeins of Carrot and 1 skein of Daffodil. Less than $10!

[kippiann]

love the orange and the yellow you used! beautiful. :cheer

[allimac]

Great job! I love your colors too. I might just have to try that Knitpicks wool...I think it's calling my name:think .

[CrochetRT]

I'm not doing this CAL but I have done this bag. I posted onehttp://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14225

For the handles I didn't like the way they had them so I used the Clover wonder knitter and did i-cord. They turned out nice and sturdy.

I just completed another(I'll be posting it shortly under accessories) and I did the handles with double thickness DC(DC folded back on itself and SC together). They turned out nice as well:clap :cheer :yay

[airmedh]

Very nice!! I like the orange and yellow too!

[racerose]

I used Knitpicks.com "Wool of the Andes"- 4 skeins of Carrot and 1 skein of Daffodil. Less than $10!
Wow! I have got to try that yarn! Nothing better than great looking yarn at a great price. I love your purse!

[racerose]

Ok ladies, drum roll please:lol My bag is felted and drying!!! Pics can be seen here: http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/DSC00155.jpg,
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/feltedbag.jpg,
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/DSC00159.jpg
I love love love love love love love love love love love your bag and the colors you chose!!!! I have got to get this magazine!!!

[AshEgypt]

Yay I'm jumping in too I just received enough Patons wool from my wonderful fall swap partner mumbles17! I'm excited about my first felted project... let the addiction begin! :clap

:frog

[allimac]

... let the addiction begin! :clap

:frog

You got that right! Here is my finished product and some other felted stuff:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/feltedbag3.jpg,
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/DSC00163.jpg

[Karen C.]

You got that right! Here is my finished product and some other felted stuff:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/feltedbag3.jpg,
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/DSC00163.jpg

The bag and flowers came out beautiful:cheer :clap

[AshEgypt]

Great results allimac! :clap

:frog

[kippiann]

You got that right! Here is my finished product and some other felted stuff:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/feltedbag3.jpg,
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/ameschwitz/DSC00163.jpg


Beautiful work! Your flowers are fantastic. :)

[allimac]

The flowers on the right side I think I over-felted. I did them all in the machine. Next batch I may just do by hand. I am still looking for a crocheted clog pattern if anyone can help??

[airmedh]

I am at row 27 and just has to switch to the second ball of yarn. I'm concerned now, that even with the striping I'm doing, I'm not going to have enough yarn!!!!

[allimac]

I am at row 27 and just has to switch to the second ball of yarn. I'm concerned now, that even with the striping I'm doing, I'm not going to have enough yarn!!!!

I think you will especially if you are doing stripes of a CC. Don't worry too much and if you seem a little short, start making your tab from the other end before you finish off. That way if you have to rip back a row or two it won't be difficult.

[Karen C.]

I am at row 27 and just has to switch to the second ball of yarn. I'm concerned now, that even with the striping I'm doing, I'm not going to have enough yarn!!!!

This was a concern of mine. I was on row 20 something when I started on the second ball. I really started getting nervous when on row 50 I realized that maybe I needed to start on the tab and the handles. After completing the tab and the handles, I might have enough MC to place one more row on the body. If not, I will just use the CC. I know I had the stitch gauge, but I don't think I measured for the row, so that could quite possibly be the reason for not having enough yarn. Oh, well I don't have to wear the thing :)

[Karen C.]

Did anyone have trouble with the stitch count on the tab? I chained 14, sc in second chain from hook, that's 13. Chained 1, turned. skip 1st sc, sc in next 3 (I think it should be 4), ch 4, sc in next 4 sc. If I followed the instructions like this, the button hole is off center and the stitch count wouldn't be 13. What did you do?

Karen

[allimac]

I ripped mine out and did my own....I don't remember what I did to make it more even because I didn't write it down, but I didn't follow thier directions. Mine was still slightly off, but I think it had more to do with the way I blocked the bag, as it pulls to the right a little even though I centered the button. It isn't that noticeable and I'm not a perfectionist!!!:)

[cristin~FL]

Every time I read this thread I get more and more excited to start!! But I really need to decide on my colors first! I'm going to go to JoAnn's tonight to check out the colors again (the first time I went I was scoping out colors for my friend rather than the diaper bag idea). I'm thinking beige with primary stripes -- yellow, red and blue or green somewhere in there -- we'll see what colors I have to choose from. I'll also go back to Knit Picks as I think they're selection has a LOT more color varieties!! -- I'm really just thinking aloud, I don't mean to bore you ladies with my indecision! LOL --

I do have a question though. I have a front load washing machine. Will that provide enough agitation? Or is it more the water temp that does the felting??

[Hooker]

I do have a question though. I have a front load washing machine. Will that provide enough agitation? Or is it more the water temp that does the felting??

From what I understand, a lot of the shrinking has to do with the shock of going from hot water to cold water and the agitation makes it "felty" (Hey, new word!)

I have a non-standard washer (calypso) which doesn't have quite the same agitation as most, and it took all of 2 times through for it to come out to my liking. If it seems not to be working, you can also do it by hand.

[chickpea67]

Alright-- I'm only on row 40 and I'm almost out of the main color, eventhough my gauge is right. I may be able to squeeze out one or two more rows but that's it.

Do you guys think it would look funny without all the rows asked for? I even did 5 rows in the contracsting color so this wouldn't happen!

[firemanshunny]

I think that it would look ok just that your bag would be a little shorter I ran out of the MC yarn before I was done to

[cristin~FL]

ok, I just ordered tan, tomato, daffodil and blue bonnet from Knitpicks.com "wool of the Andes" line.
I spent only $14.99 (including shipping)!! My only worry is that the tan and daffodil may be too "close" in color...?? We'll see!

[airmedh]

ok, I just ordered tan, tomato, daffodil and blue bonnet from Knitpicks.com "wool of the Andes" line.
I spent only $14.99 (including shipping)!! My only worry is that the tan and daffodil may be too "close" in color...?? We'll see!

I'm sure it will look fine!!

[cristin~FL]

THANKS, GINNY!! I worry way too much when I make/or give gifts! LOL

[Karen C.]

I am having no luck with this closing tab. I don't understand what I'm missing.:think

[donnalynn2]

Oh Lord! I just counted and I'm only on row #19!!! UGH! Here I thought I was making progress! What did everyone do to stop the insanity of the SC's from helll????????????

[Lanik]

I'm close to finish my bag. The dimensions are way off but I love :manyheart how it looks anyway!!! I decided to leave the closing tab out (I made it but it looks out of proportion when I put it with the bag). I didn't have enough yarn to finish all the rounds but I think it'll work out. I'll post pictures as soon as I finish it. I still have to attach the handles.

OK... I have an issue! :think I don't own a washing machine... I use the building's front loader machines to do my laundry. As you already know, those machines lock the door once it starts the cycle. That means that if I decide to use those, I'll have to let my bag spin. Is all that spinning going to damage the bag? I've also heard that doing it in the sink doesn't give the same results as doing it in the washing machine. Any advice will be highly appreciated. :hug

[BluesForCP]

I don't own a washing machine...

Go to your local laundromat. The whole felting process takes about 10 minutes!

[firemanshunny]

I finished my second bag. I just love the way that it come out. I wish I was keeping it but I am giving it to my MIL. I already have the yarn on the way for a third bag for myself. I hope that everyone else is having good luck with their bags. You can see mine here (http://hooksonfire.blogspot.com/2005/10/felty-goodness.html)at my blog.

[dogymom]

I finished my second bag. I just love the way that it come out. I wish I was keeping it but I am giving it to my MIL. I already have the yarn on the way for a third bag for myself. I hope that everyone else is having good luck with their bags. You can see mine here (http://hooksonfire.blogspot.com/2005/10/felty-goodness.html)at my blog.

I love your bag, and the colors you chose!
(My yarn came today, but I have to finish a baby blanket first:P)

[Lanik]

Go to your local laundromat. The whole felting process takes about 10 minutes!

Yes... that's all I got, the building's washing machines. The problems is I can't stop the machine after rinse or at anytime. The door locks once it start. My question is... Will the spinning after rinse damage my bag? :think

[airmedh]

Oh Lord! I just counted and I'm only on row #19!!! UGH! Here I thought I was making progress! What did everyone do to stop the insanity of the SC's from helll????????????

I can only work on the bag for about 2 hours at a time which only equals about 8 rounds. Anymore than that and I just don't want to work on it for a few days. I'm only on row 35 and I'm in the same boat.

[airmedh]

I finished my second bag. I just love the way that it come out. I wish I was keeping it but I am giving it to my MIL. I already have the yarn on the way for a third bag for myself. I hope that everyone else is having good luck with their bags. You can see mine here (http://hooksonfire.blogspot.com/2005/10/felty-goodness.html)at my blog.

Lovely!!! How do you manage to do them so quickly??

[smokeyp81]

Hey firemanshunny, I love your bag...I am doing my second one in those same colors. It's nice to see how it will turn out. Thanks for the pictures!

[firemanshunny]

Lovely!!! How do you manage to do them so quickly??

It really wasn't that quick. I had started it before I started the CAL for the bag. So I was kind of ahead. And I already did one bag so I knew what to do already when making it. Not like the first time when I had to redo some stuff. But I can crochet quick when I want but all those SC start to get to you after a while.

[firemanshunny]

Hey firemanshunny, I love your bag...I am doing my second one in those same colors. It's nice to see how it will turn out. Thanks for the pictures!

Thanks! The only problem I had is that I ran out of gray. So I had to do the straps all black.

[airmedh]

But I can crochet quick when I want but all those SC start to get to you after a while.

I know what you mean! I love the look of the bag and now that I know what I"m doing it's not that hard, but I can't imagine every making another one with all these rows of SC.

[smokeyp81]

I guess I must be the only one that doesn't mind all the sc! lol I guess it's just mindless. I can do it in front of the TV and just zone out! It does get tedious, but I love the end results!

[chickpea67]

I'm done! I love it-- its STILL drying. Hubby says he thinks the straps need sewn on better-- I just sewed on around hte center--should I do the edges too?

I'll post pics as soon as I have access to hubbys laptop.

[smokeyp81]

Any of you that have an AC Moore's craft store near you...I just looked at this weeks flyer, and Paton's wool is on sale for $3.88.

Guess where I am going after work!!!!

[Lanik]

This will be the last time I ask... I swear :blush! I've never done this and after all those sc I don't want to mess it up. Can somebody tell me if the spinning (after the rinsing) in the washing machine will damage my purse? :think I don't have a way to stop the machine (it's coin operated and it locks the door). Do you think I'll be better doing the felting using the sink method? Thanks. :hug

[allimac]

Any of you that have an AC Moore's craft store near you...I just looked at this weeks flyer, and Paton's wool is on sale for $3.88.

Guess where I am going after work!!!!
NOOOOOO, I was just there yesterday, Oh I am so bummed. But it's just as well, I am working on something else and I want to order from knitpicks.

[GinaLaughed]

This will be the last time I ask... I swear :blush! I've never done this and after all those sc I don't want to mess it up. Can somebody tell me if the spinning (after the rinsing) in the washing machine will damage my purse? :think I don't have a way to stop the machine (it's coin operated and it locks the door). Do you think I'll be better doing the felting using the sink method? Thanks. :hug

Everything I have read about felting says that the bag will become mishapen if spun. That said, I did spin my other felted bag for a couple of seconds to help get the water out. I don't know if I'd chance a whole spin cycle...actually it would sit thorugh 2 spin cycles, wouldn't it? Why don't you try going to a different laundromat where you can open the door?

[airmedh]

This will be the last time I ask... I swear :blush! I've never done this and after all those sc I don't want to mess it up. Can somebody tell me if the spinning (after the rinsing) in the washing machine will damage my purse? :think I don't have a way to stop the machine (it's coin operated and it locks the door). Do you think I'll be better doing the felting using the sink method? Thanks. :hug

I don't know the answer, but if I didn't have total control of the washer's functions I would probably do the sink method.

[cristin~FL]

I don't know the answer, but if I didn't have total control of the washer's functions I would probably do the sink method.
mine locks too -- front loader
I'll be at the neighbor's or the laundromat.........bummer!

[Lanik]

Thanks for answering! :hug I'll try to find a laundromat or somebody that owns a washing machine.

[Lanik]

I just wanted to share with you some pics :photo of my finished purse (pre-felt and felted/drying view). I'm in love :manyheart with my new bag.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b165/Lanik/pre-felt.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b165/Lanik/felted.jpg

~Eliany :hook

[firemanshunny]

I like your bag! Your color choices are awesome. :cheer

[Hooker]

Gorgeous! I love those colors!

[dogymom]

I just wanted to share with you some pics :photo of my finished purse (pre-felt and felted/drying view). I'm in love :manyheart with my new bag.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b165/Lanik/pre-felt.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b165/Lanik/felted.jpg

~Eliany :hook

It turned out so pretty!
I'll get to start mine soon. I'm almost finished with a baby blanket I'm making as a gift.:yay

[airmedh]

I just wanted to share with you some pics :photo of my finished purse (pre-felt and felted/drying view). I'm in love :manyheart with my new bag.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b165/Lanik/pre-felt.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b165/Lanik/felted.jpg

~Eliany :hook

Very nice!!!! I love the colors. What did brand/colors did you use to make it?

[airmedh]

Well I am making progress. I finished round 45 today so hopefully I will get this finished this weekend. I'm not sure I understand the last part of the pattern though. Do we do three rounds of slip stitiches for the edginging on the top?:think

[Lanik]

Very nice!!!! I love the colors. What did brand/colors did you use to make it?

Thank you so much everybody! :hug I had a great time doing this CAL.

The brand of the yarn I used is Galway Highland Heather by Plymouth and the colors are 718 (mauve/lavenderish color) and 738 (sage green like color). I don't know if it's available in big arts & crafts stores (I got it from a small local yarn store).

~Eliany :hook

[chickpea67]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/chickpea67/th_PA180114.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/chickpea67/PA180114.jpg)



Here is my bag! I finished it on Wednesday. I'm super pleased wtih the results!

[dogymom]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/chickpea67/th_PA180114.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/chickpea67/PA180114.jpg)



Here is my bag! I finished it on Wednesday. I'm super pleased wtih the results!

Rachel it's gorgeous!:manyheart
I'm planning on striping mine, too.

[Hooker]

That looks fantastic! Did you do the entire 54 rows of SC or less? I think I want to make one for my cousin for Christmas, and was thinking striped. Similar to this. I love the way it came out!

[cristin~FL]

Nice Job Eliany and Rachel!! They both llok super! I really like the stripes!
I can't wait to get my yarn!!!

[airmedh]

Fabulous Rachel! I hope my stripes look as good at the end.

[Lanik]

Wow Rachel, that looks great!! :clap Now I want one with stripes... have to get more wool!

~Eliany

[allimac]

Here is my bag! I finished it on Wednesday. I'm super pleased wtih the results!

RAchel, you did a FANTASTIC job. Stripes look great!:clap

[allimac]

I'm in love :manyheart with my new bag.


~Eliany :hook
So am I!!!! THe colors look so soft and beautiful:yay

[AshEgypt]

The bags are looking great ladies (and gents?)! :clap I'm so glad my dissertation is done now I can concentrate on working on my bag among other things... :lol

:frog

[Lucy]

I would love to do this.
Nancy

[chickpea67]

Airmedh--I had a little trouble with the stripes since i didnt dot he slip stitch to join--so if you look closely, you can see they're off on the first and last stictch..but it doesnt matter to me!!

Thanks ladies! I, too, bought more yarn for another one. The next will be black with bright pink stripes of some sort.

[Valerie77]

i am gonna start this baby up very soon...gonna use my thrift wool! guess all i need is the zippered pillowcase, and oh yeah...the pattern!! soon as i track that FC down it's on!!

[airmedh]

Airmedh--I had a little trouble with the stripes since i didnt dot he slip stitch to join--so if you look closely, you can see they're off on the first and last stictch..but it doesnt matter to me!!

Thanks Rachel! I was wondering about that. I know I can sure see the difference on the color changes for the stripes as I'm making mine but I wondered if it would be as noticeable once it was felted. I definitely couldn't tell in your pic that there was any possible issue.

[chickpea67]

Ginny-- I think, on my last stripe, i figured out that i could sc into the row below on my last stitch of the stripe and it wouldn't be so noticeable of a change. But the felting really did mask it better.

[chickpea67]

Hooker-- no, even with the 5 rows or striping in the different color i think i was 8 rows or so short, and then i only did 75 chains for the handles.

[donnalynn2]

Just thought I'd give an update! I decided last night to stop at row 38 because this thing was getting huge (I'm using this bulky Landscapes yarn)... I got the trim on the bag finished and then started on one of the handles but ran out of my trim color so I have to go to the store today and get one more skein. Hopefully I'll be finished today! At latest tomorrow, I think!

P.S. Did anyone here NOT make the little closure thing? I started to make it and then thought better of it. Just wondering if I'm the only one here...

[Lanik]

P.S. Did anyone here NOT make the little closure thing? I started to make it and then thought better of it. Just wondering if I'm the only one here...


I decided not to include it. When I put the bag together I wasn't happy with how the closing tab looked. You can see a picture of my bag or Rachel's (chickpea67) that doesn't have a closure either...

~Eliany :hook

[airmedh]

Well, I'm done. It didn't turn out extremely great, but it's not horrible. The problems are my own fault as this was my first felting project and didn't know what to expect. The first mistake was using red and white wool. When I felted the red bled into the white so the end product is more of a red and light pink tote. The next problem was that it didn't shrink evenly so the button was waaaaaayyyy off center so I had to take it off and re-sew it after the felting was done. The final issue is my "bright" :( idea on the strap. I decided to do only one strap and do it with two strands (one of each color) to make it extra sturdy. However, after felting it looks odd to say the least. Oh well, that is the price you pay when you experiment. Anyway, the photos can be seen by clicking the links below:

Pre-felting (http://www.bankofthestyx.com/airmedh/crochet/FeltTote/1PreFelt.jpg)
Post Felting 1 (http://www.bankofthestyx.com/airmedh/crochet/FeltTote/2PostFeltSizing.jpg)
Post Felting 2 (http://www.bankofthestyx.com/airmedh/crochet/FeltTote/3PostFeltHanging.jpg)

I'm not very good with pictures so this is the best I have.

[donnalynn2]

Ginny,

I absolutely LOVE your bag!!! I love the red and white and how it turned out!!!!!! I hope mine turns out even 1/2 as nice!!!

[airmedh]

Ginny,

I absolutely LOVE your bag!!! I love the red and white and how it turned out!!!!!! I hope mine turns out even 1/2 as nice!!!


Thanks Donna!

[dogymom]

I think it turned out beautifully, Ginny!

[deneen]

I finished my bag last night, although I am not happy with the stitch definition not fulling correctly, but such is life.

I used two 100 gram hanks of some handpainted expensive wool (to me anyway) I bought at AC Moore (Arucardian-I think is the name).

Anyway, I had about 3 yards left over (whew!)

I fulled htis about 7 times and it did shrink, just didn't fuzz up like I would have liked.

Original size was about 14" x 16" and it did shrink down to 11" x 12" (approx)

I won't do another (sorry, I hated the sc rounds with a passion), but I plan to do other fulled bags.

Before:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/dsa0901/th_DSC01340.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/dsa0901/DSC01340.jpg)

After (it's still blocking):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/dsa0901/th_DSC01344.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/dsa0901/DSC01344.jpg)

[cristin~FL]

Well, I'm done. It didn't turn out extremely great, but it's not horrible. The problems are my own fault as this was my first felting project and didn't know what to expect. The first mistake was using red and white wool. When I felted the red bled into the white so the end product is more of a red and light pink tote. The next problem was that it didn't shrink evenly so the button was waaaaaayyyy off center so I had to take it off and re-sew it after the felting was done. The final issue is my "bright" :( idea on the strap. I decided to do only one strap and do it with two strands (one of each color) to make it extra sturdy. However, after felting it looks odd to say the least. Oh well, that is the price you pay when you experiment. Anyway, the photos can be seen by clicking the links below:

Pre-felting (http://www.bankofthestyx.com/airmedh/crochet/FeltTote/1PreFelt.jpg)
Post Felting 1 (http://www.bankofthestyx.com/airmedh/crochet/FeltTote/2PostFeltSizing.jpg)
Post Felting 2 (http://www.bankofthestyx.com/airmedh/crochet/FeltTote/3PostFeltHanging.jpg)

I'm not very good with pictures so this is the best I have.
Ginny, I agree with Donna -- your bag looks great!!! (funny how we are always our own worst critics??) I really do like it!

Deneen~ yours looks great too!
Ugh, I can't wait to start mine....no yarn yet. I think it got sent out late last week?

[allimac]

I fulled htis about 7 times and it did shrink, just didn't fuzz up like I would have liked.

Out of curiosity, which method did you use to felt? Mine didn't work well using the two bucket in the sink method, but after that I used the machine and it made a big difference. I could just be the yarn, though. I love the colors and I think it looks fine:yay

[deneen]

Out of curiosity, which method did you use to felt? Mine didn't work well using the two bucket in the sink method, but after that I used the machine and it made a big difference. I could just be the yarn, though. I love the colors and I think it looks fine:yay

I used the washing machine method, jeans added for agitation, etc. I just think some wool doesn't full as well as others. It is frustrating and it's not the first time this happened with some wool not fulling as well as others.

[kippiann]

Ginny your bag is great! I really like the stripes in the middle. I think I will try that on my next attempt.

kippiann

[kippiann]

I finally finished my bag. It is my first real crochet project and boy did I learn a lot! :cheer I am happy with the end product, although, as always, it could have been better.

Some things I learned: not to use two different kinds of yarn in a felted project; read other people's posts and suggestions; don't hestitate to rip out when it doesn't look right. I want to thank all those who gave suggestions such as doubling the handles. :manyheart I made mine with two rows of double crochet, side by side and I am quite pleased with the handles.

When I make another one of these bags, I think I am going to make it shorter, but a bit wider.

You can see photos at:

http://homepage.mac.com/kipwich/PhotoAlbum17.html

[Hooker]

Kippiann - I love the fun color you used for the handles! And you did an awesome job! Isn't great how completing a project makes you feel! It's totally addicting.

[cristin~FL]

KIPPIANN! YOU HAVE AWESOME THREAD WORKING SKILLS....I JUST PAGED THROUGH YOUR PHOTOS! I have always dreamed of making a quilt....you are VERY talented! Love all the colors you chose for the 'insane" one! :) :)

[airmedh]

Thanks for all the nice remarks on the bag. I'm liking it more now then I did last night, but I don't think I'll do this one again.

Deneen - I love your bag! The color is absolutely wonderful too!! :cheer

Kippiann - I love yours too!! I like the two different yarns.

[BluesForCP]

I just felted mine again. It is small, but much cuter.

If you don't like it, you can keep felting it. It gets super strong and super sturdy. The stitches totally disappear.

I also was happier with the handles after I shortened them and re-felted. Proportions were good.

I highly recommend Knitpicks Wool of the Andes. Super cheap. How can you feel bad about a project that costs less than $10??

[cristin~FL]

I just got my yarn in the mail yesterday from Knitpicks!! (yep, totally cheap!! $14.99 incl shipping - I got four colors)
I started my base last night, but didn't bring it with me to work. I'm leaving early today and therefore not taking a lunch break. I can't WAIT to get going on it!!
If I do another one, I'm going to do Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Blueberry and a chocolate brown color for myself. :)

[Hooker]

I didn't realize Knitpicks was so affordable! I'm going to have to check them out before shopping for my next project!

[donnalynn2]

I finally got my last skein of yarn to finish this thing and doggone it, I left my magazine at home!!! I wanted to get this finished today!!! Can anyone PM me the instructions for the straps? I have the buttons done, I just need to finish the straps! THanks!

[chickpea67]

Hey all, I know I posted my bag already, but this weekend i added a few embellishments to make the bag stronger and last a little longer.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/chickpea67/th_PA240123.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/chickpea67/PA240123.jpg)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/chickpea67/th_PA240122.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/chickpea67/PA240122.jpg)

I added ribbon to the underside of the straps and put in a matching lining. As much as I loved it before, I love it more now. Now I don't feel like my keys will poke a hole in the bag. It was my first sewing project since 7th grade! So the stiches aren't great but I'm pretty proud!

[quirkyvirgo]

Blues and Cristin, thanks for the KnitPicks info. I'll have to try them next time for wool. I used Crystal Palace for this because I know I like how it felts and I ended up spending twice that!



I added ribbon to the underside of the straps and put in a matching lining. As much as I loved it before, I love it more now. Now I don't feel like my keys will poke a hole in the bag. It was my first sewing project since 7th grade! So the stiches aren't great but I'm pretty proud!

Chickpea your bag turned out awesome! I was thinking about lining mine, but I've never lined anything before. Any tips?

[kippiann]

Rachel your lining is fabulous! Great idea to line the straps with ribbon.

I think I want to make another bag. I am going to check out knitpick!

[chickpea67]

Chickpea your bag turned out awesome! I was thinking about lining mine, but I've never lined anything before. Any tips?

Uh...get your mom who knows something about sewing to help you :)

We, used a box that fit nicely into the bottom of the bag. We then put the box on top of the fabric and added an extra inch to all sides. Then wemeasured up from the point on the bag where it is square, which on my bag was 9 inches, and then added an inch to it all on sides. We then put the wrong sides together and placed the bag on top of the fabric, traced the outline of the purse, and added 1 inch to both sides. Sewed it all togetehr, and tehn slip stitched it into the bag. I'm sure that this is not very clear, my mom was the one who figured out how to do everthing, I think I could do it again, but I'm not sure. Doing it this way gave me a flat bottom to my bag. But i'd think you could also do it easily by putting the wrong sides of the fabric together, tracing the bottowm and the sides of the bag, add an inch, and then sew all teh way around, but this won't give you a flat bottom.

You

[cristin~FL]

Blues and Cristin, thanks for the KnitPicks info. I'll have to try them next time for wool. I used Crystal Palace for this because I know I like how it felts and I ended up spending twice that!
The only thing you have to check is yardage. The Knitpicks is only 123 yds (that's from memory, so I could be off?), so I had to order 3 skeins (I always buy more in fear that I'll run out and so dye lots match!) of my main color. Only $1.79 each so I don't mind buying over.

Rachel!! The extras on your bag are AWESOME!!! You are SO creative!! I got inspired to sew a Christmas tree skirt after finishing all of the color guard flags -- now that I have a sewing machine (and knowledge of how to use it) WATCH OUT the possibilities are endless!! (insert evil villanous laugh)

[chickpea67]

Cristin

Thanks! Hehe, thats the same thing i told my mom, the measuring of everything is a pain in the butt, but it's kinda fun to sew!

ANd no, its not me. I saw the ribbon idea in a book I was thumbing through while hubby was paying for things at Ac Moore.

[cristin~FL]

ya, I'm not sure I go do anything without a pattern....or at least some supervision....LOL
Great job, no matter where you got the inspiration!! Looks really good, Rachel.

[kippiann]

[QUOTE=cristin~FL]The only thing you have to check is yardage. The Knitpicks is only 123 yds

Cristin

Thanks for the reminder about the yardage. Also thank you for the kind words you said about my quilts. They are fun to make. I sew a lot so can help anyone with the lining if they want help. It isn't really that hard. I might line my bag. If I can find some fabric here that looks okay with it, I will take photos of each step if anyone is interested.

Does Knitpicks have fast shipping?

[airmedh]

As much as I loved it before, I love it more now. Now I don't feel like my keys will poke a hole in the bag. It was my first sewing project since 7th grade! So the stiches aren't great but I'm pretty proud!

Wow!!! :yay That is gorgeous!!! I love the additions.

[Qmare]

Also thank you for the kind words you said about my quilts. They are fun to make.

Kippiann - I meant to tell you the other day that your quilts are gorgeous! I have seen quite a few Dear Jane's but your's really shines!
:manyheart

[AshEgypt]

Wow the bags are looking awesome ladies! I can't wait to finish mine! :yay

:frog

[donnalynn2]

Well I finally finished mine last night! I ended up washing it 3 times and I like the way it turned out. Since I used Landscapes yarn it didn't felt like normal wool but I like the way it looks. It is bumpy, but the stitches are tight and I have no danger of crochet hooks popping out of the sides of this tote. I opted not to make a closure and I think it look ok without it... I'm anxious to find some 100% wool yarn for my next project!

http://www.geocities.com/craftscrochetnmore/totebefore.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/craftscrochetnmore/toteafter.jpg

[Hooker]

Donna I love the colors on this. It works for both fall and spring! I can't wait to make another one! I think I'm making one (or several) for Christmas gifts!

[cristin~FL]

Donna
I love the look of your bag. I like the variegated look. And the colors are great together too!

[deneen]

Final bag pic-it's finished blocking and drying. I sewed on a gorgeous brass button I received from Ro in the button swap earlier this year.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/dsa0901/th_DSC01360.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/dsa0901/DSC01360.jpg)

[airmedh]

Well I finally finished mine last night! I ended up washing it 3 times and I like the way it turned out. Since I used Landscapes yarn it didn't felt like normal wool but I like the way it looks. It is bumpy, but the stitches are tight and I have no danger of crochet hooks popping out of the sides of this tote. I opted not to make a closure and I think it look ok without it... I'm anxious to find some 100% wool yarn for my next project!

Wow! I think that is absolutely gorgeous!

[Hooker]

Deneen I LOVE the color (purple IS my favorite)!

I am so impressed at how well everyone's bags are coming out and the creative choices of yarn and pattern alterations. I know if I hadn't found Crochetville, I wouldn't have had nearly as much fun with my projects!

[kippiann]

Deneen and Donna both of your bags are fabulous! I really have enjoyed seeing how each one has turned out with the different style and yarn choices. This has been a lot of fun. :D

[donnalynn2]

When we're finished let's do another Felting CAL!!! This has been such a blast! Everyone's bags turned out great and it's amazing how each one of us took the same pattern and made it our own! I love seeing all the differences!

[deneen]

Thank you for all your compliments!

[chickpea67]

everyones bags look fabulous!

[quirkyvirgo]

Deneen, your bag turned out great! I really like the purple.

Donna, I love your bag too. I really like the color combo and the way that speckled yarn turned out.

I am still plucking away at this bag of a million single crochets. I think I am on row 40-ish of the bag and hope to finish by this weekend.

I think another felted something-along is a great idea. I'd really like to make felted slippers, maybe something like these? (http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter02/PATTfuzzyfeet.html) This pattern is knitted but I haven't seen a crochet pattern like it and I heard these are really warm and comfy. Just my :2c.

[AshEgypt]

Round and round I go when I'll stop nobody knows - but seriously I think I'm on row 42 so almost done! :yay

:frog

[kippiann]

I think another felted something-along is a great idea. I'd really like to make felted slippers,

I agree, I would love to do another felt along project. Slippers seem like fun! :hook

To those of you still working on those dreaded sc...keep going! Can't wait to see your finished bags.

[quirkyvirgo]

Finished my bag this weekend. But I wasn't incredibly happy with it. Did anyone have a problem with the bag shifting while felting and the tab and handles being way off center? I could have missed a chunk of the instructions, it's been known to happen before, but I straightened my bag out on the floor pre-felting and sewed on the handles and tab. Now it just looks more than a little off. Other than that, it turned out great. Really want to do another one. Will post pics soon.

[allimac]

[QUOTE=kippiann]I agree, I would love to do another felt along project. Slippers seem like fun! :hook QUOTE]

If someone can find a cool slipper pattern, I'd join in a heartbeat! I've been looking online and can't find a crocheted one I really like. There is a so-so one published by Fiber Trends.

[airmedh]

Finished my bag this weekend. But I wasn't incredibly happy with it. Did anyone have a problem with the bag shifting while felting and the tab and handles being way off center? I could have missed a chunk of the instructions, it's been known to happen before, but I straightened my bag out on the floor pre-felting and sewed on the handles and tab. Now it just looks more than a little off. Other than that, it turned out great. Really want to do another one. Will post pics soon.

Tandi,

The same thing happened to me. It is like one side shrunk more than the other and so things were off balance. Luckily for me the worst feature was the button so I just took it off and sewed it back on. The handle doesn't line up well but since I chose to do my handle a little differently I lucked out. Can't wait to see a pic. It probably doesn't look as off as you think.

[airmedh]

I'd like to try a felting CAL too but it would depend on the project. I simply could not stand another million rows of sc. :lol