So I finally finished this! I felted it last weekend (thank you to those who gently reminded me to get going on it.. hehe)
So I bought this pattern from Knitique (an LYS in Elk Grove) after seeing their displayed sample in the store. It was so cute! So here’s my version of it:
Unfelted:
Felted with finishing touches (one button):
Me carrying the bag (fits snugly as a small shoulder handbag huh?)
A close-up of the button:
Pattern: “Squatty Sidekick,” by Avant Knits
Yarn: Cascade 220, in Violet, 1 skein (100% Peruvian Highland Wool)
Needle: US #10.5 (29″) circular
Accessories: Several stitch holders, waste yarn, one button
Additional Notes:
Pattern
LOVED the pattern. Really quick and easy. Caitlyn had advised me of some pattern suggestions (there is one minor error) but of course, I didn’t listen and later had to frog back and conclude that what she originally advised was correct. Pretty much while knitting the bottom of the bag, instead of stopping at 60 rows as instructed, do one extra row. Next, (with RS facing you) pick up stitches all around (you will be going in a counter-clockwise direction) to begin knitting up the sides. Do NOT place marker from where you first started picking up stitches; instead, place your marker after your last picked up stitch. That will be the beginning of your round. You’ll be at the correct place when you need to do your increases and decreases of this bag.
P.S. If you’ve purchased this pattern and are still confused, message me and I’ll help you out. =)
In anycase, I felted it for exactly 7 minutes in hot wash, high agitation in my washer. I could have actually felted it a bit longer (I’d say 10 minutes or so total) but I was scared I’d over-shrink my bag (which has happened before). So I took it out when I felt it was a good size.
Yarn
There is absolutely nothing bad to say about Cascade 220. An excellent yarn! Great to knit with (it was a great alternative from my mohair project) and felts wonderfully. It comes in a pretty large selection of colors too. And even better, it doesn’t shed the way Brown Sheep’s Lamb’s Pride would. I’ve already got a second ball of this to make a second purse. =)
20 Comments so far
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I don’t like Brown Sheep either.
Your bag is darling. You will get a lot of use out of it.
Amy
By amylovie on 11/15/05 5:09 am | Permalink
I love making purses and this one is too cute! I have a felted purse made from Cascade 220 that I love. I had someone try and buy it right off my arm. I’ll have to try this pattern. I am a button freak, I really appreciate the detail. BTW, shoulder pads in the 80’s looked great at the time – they helped disquise my less than petite thighs – but now I look back and ask that age old question, “What were you thinking?” ; )
By Sheryl on 11/15/05 6:44 am | Permalink
Nice job, Ruth!!! It looks really cute on you and I love the color!
By caitlyn on 11/15/05 7:23 am | Permalink
Lovely lovely! You have a new cute bag now! ;)
By Agnes on 11/15/05 8:17 am | Permalink
That is so cute!!! And, my favorite yarn – I think it’s the same color I’m using for my Essential Stripe sweater!
By Lynda on 11/15/05 9:32 am | Permalink
Another cute purse you made. I can’t take it. What are you going to do with your wonderful handmade bag collection?
By The Sheepish One on 11/15/05 11:10 am | Permalink
cute purse! I have a skein of cascade 220 that I plan to make a felted purse from, just don’t know which one!
By Cecilia on 11/15/05 12:09 pm | Permalink
The bag is so precious! I’m going to have to check that pattern out!
By Gracie on 11/15/05 3:49 pm | Permalink
very cute! I agree about the Cascade for felting–the Brown Sheep is a furry monster.
By Stitchingirl on 11/15/05 7:45 pm | Permalink
this is so beautiful!! good job!!!
By Purse_Ho on 11/15/05 7:52 pm | Permalink
A felted bag! And it’s purple! I LOVE IT!!
By Kathy on 11/15/05 9:40 pm | Permalink
What a pretty purse…love the color and the style! Felting is amazing, isn’t it?
By Maggie Ann on 11/15/05 10:51 pm | Permalink
Great bag Ruth. Isn’t Cascade 220 great to felt with. Actually, its the only yarn I’ve felted with. I’ve got an unfinished bag somewhere knit up in knitpicks wool of the andes, if I eventually get round to felting it, I’ll let you know what thats like.
By SweetPeaknits on 11/16/05 12:37 pm | Permalink
oh cute cute cute!
By Laura.Y on 11/16/05 10:50 pm | Permalink
That’s a cute purse! I love the shape, thanks for sharing the source of the pattern.
By Judy on 11/17/05 6:34 am | Permalink
Such a pretty purse, lady! I love the color. You are a lavender girl, aren’t you? :-)
P.S. Got your email, thanks! We definitely need to meet up sometime.
By Lynette on 11/17/05 3:27 pm | Permalink
Soo cute! I love it! I think it would be perfect-o fpr my little sister.
By Kaity on 11/17/05 9:26 pm | Permalink
Really cute bag! I love the color choice. Just might have to make a trip to Elk Grove to find that pattern :-).
Lisa
By Lk on 11/19/05 11:14 am | Permalink
Lovely!
By emy on 11/21/05 6:41 am | Permalink
Thats such a darling bag. I tried the pattern link but I don’t I’m getting to the pattern. Not quite sure.
I recently bought two balls of deep purple Japanese wool and have been looking for a pattern similar to this….could you help me out with the link Ruth?
Thanks a million
By Rain on 08/29/06 5:03 am | Permalink
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