Felted bag pattern

I've been meaning to write up some more patterns recently so here is the pattern for my little felted bag. It takes no time at all and is ideal for a last minute gift!

Yarn: Debbie Bliss SoHo (1 ball)

Needles: 1 pair 6mm for bag and 1 pair 5.5mm for handle

Other materials: Button or toggle

Bag:

Cast on 30 sts.

Knit 6 rows

K14, YO, K2 tog, K to end of row (creates buttonhole)

Continue in garter stitch (Knit every row) until knitting measures approx 26 cm or desired length. NB make sure you have enough yarn left for the strap.

Handle/strap:

Using 5.5mm needles, cast on 3 sts. Knit until strap measures approx 50 cm.

To make up:

Fold up about 10cm from bottom of bag. Sew up sides and turn right side out. Sew ends of strap
to either side of bag.


Place inside a pillow case in the washing machine with an old towel or pair of jeans. Wash on short cycle at 40 or 50 degrees. NB felting is a trial and error process! This worked for me. It left some stitch definition but made the bag much more sturdy.
Attach button when bag has dried out. I placed newspaper inside the bag to help it dry.

Variation:

The blue bag was knitted using the same pattern but I omitted the buttonhole. Instead, I added a loop afterwards and attached the button this way. I also forgot to use different needles for the strap so the whole bag uses 6mm needles.

Disappointing!

As I mentioned last time, I was a little disappointed that not everyone likes my patterns! I entered two of my knitted creations in a local flower show. It was just for a bit of fun but unfortunately I didn't even get 3rd prize - boo hoo :(

My bag (re-lined as the first lining was awful) was in a category for any article that was sewn, knitted or crocheted. The item that won was a small teddy bear in some sort of little pocket. I didn't look too closely so didn't quite see what it was. A Jean Greenhowe clown came 2nd and I can't remember what came 3rd. I think there were only 6 entries altogether. There were 2 other teddy bears (not knitted). I think one of them came 3rd and there was also a blue fluffy thing. It may have been a scarf or a bag. I couldn't see and you were not allowed to touch the items. So my poor old bag sat there amongst the other items looking very lonely!

I also decided to enter a knitted brooch at the last minute. I had knitted some of this ages ago and decided to add the bottom layer and turn it into a brooch for the competition. This was in a class for a brooch made from any medium. I think there were only 3 or 4 entries. The brooches that won looked very intricate and well made but I'm not sure what they were made out of. I think one of them was heart-shaped but that's all I can remember.

Anyway, it was quite exciting entering a competition for the first time and I think I will have another go next year. My next event is a local craft show. I am hoping to exhibit some felted items and see what sort of response I get. Hopefully a little better than the flower show!

More on my recycled bag

I have been wanting to knit something with recycled materials for quite a while. I saw a feature in Simply Knitting last year about knitting with plastic bags and tape from old videos but haven't got around to it yet. I also have a pile of old t-shirts waiting to be cut up and knitted into bags inspired by the wonderful bags like this one created by Sharon from Laughing Purple Goldfish designs.

I have got around to buying some recycled sari silk though. I got it from Angel Yarns and was initially surprised that it had so much black in it. However, I really like the way it has knitted up even though it has been tough on the fingers!

The pattern I am using is Unbiased from Knitty. I was going to give the bag as a present but I'm now thinking I may keep it myself - I'll wait and see what the finished bag looks like!

Where to start!?

I have been so busy lately and done loads of knitting that I just don't know where to start. I really need to take some photos as well. In brief this is what I have been up to on the knitting front:

1. Made a cushion in entrelac style (my first go at this and quite pleased with myself)

2. Bought some recycled sari silk and started knitting this bag with it (it's amazing but a little difficult to knit with)

3. Finished my bunny

4. Started Clementine by Emma King at last (been on my list for ages)

5. Bought some organic cotton and started a little bag

6. Made a pair of little pink Mary Jane's by Sublime for a cousin's baby.

I think that's about it.

7. Just remembered - added some finishing touches to my little pink cable bag from Let's Knit.



Really hoping to finish off lots of projects ASAP and take some photos. I will be on holiday from school after Friday so may have a little more free time (just a little!)