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. =)

Modeled by my friend Mary (thanks Mary!) - it was a little too bright, but you can make out the scarf and all the curly ruffles, right? =)

Pattern: “Ruffles,” From Scarf Style
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran (#101 - cream/off-white), 3 balls
Needle: US #8 straights

Additional Notes:

Pattern
The pattern was a bit confusing at first (the only time I’ve ever done short rows was a couple weeks ago when I did the heel and gusset of my first sock). Once I figured it out, it was pretty easy and it went really fast. I actually knit this up in a week, but have been postponing posting it because it’s for a friend. In anycase, the only thing I was wondering about was how to discretely hide the short rows. If you look closely, you can see them. Any tips on making them look more subtle?

Yarn
All I can say is, wow!!! It was so incredibly soft and wonderful to knit with!! I have heard that it pills quite a bit with repeated washing, so it’s (sadly) probably not good for a sweater project or the like. But a fun soft and warm scarf - perfect!

Sorry I haven’t posted in awhile! I feel like I’ve been neglecting my knitting blog. Partially because I have no FO’s to present - so many WIPs to finish up! Here’s what I’ve been up to:

1) Ruffles Scarf - Yes, I’ve jumped on the bandwagon. I actually just finished it last night, but it’s for a friend and I can’t post anything about it just yet, not til she gets her gift. I’ll just say that Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran was heavenly to work with. =)

2) A cute felted bag - I’ve actually finished this nearly a month ago, but never got around to felting it. I’m terrible with finishing up projects (surprise surprise!). I swear, after I finish writing this post, I’m sending it straight to the washing machine to felt. I will I will I will!

3) My first sock - for the first time, I’ve turned heel and done gusset!! I was so proud of myself and took pictures. Of course, this was weeks ago, and completely forgot that I didn’t download them onto my computer just yet, and last night I was cleaning up my camera and deleting what I thought was “old” pictures. And I accidentally erased (guess what) my sock progress! ARGH! I’m going to have to figure out how to retrieve those pictures (if it’s possible).

4) I painted my nails a cool color last weekend, here’s a picture.

5) Still doing the high school knitting club thing. I’ve learned quite a bit while figuring out how to teach. First things first: Don’t be discouraged if not everyone finds knitting to be as enjoyable as you think it is. Lots of kids dropped out for various reasons. It was discouraging, but I’ll shrug it off as a normal thing, not everyone has to connect with this particular craft. Right?

6) I’m taking a Mandarin class. The teacher has kicked it up a notch or two, so I’m studying like crazy now. I still have a desire to learn Japanese (with the main purposes of wanting to read those Japanese knitting magazines, mangas, and other cool Japanese things). I was told that Japanese is among the hardest languages to learn (everyone says that the grammar is absolutely confusing). So in the meantime, I have to gain some Japanese friends fast, so I can decifer some of this Japanese I’ve got here! =)

7) Church stuff - Ok so this year was actually a lull in volunteer activities, until we got back from our Asia trip. Then we were bombarded with a handful of opportunities. I’ve already declined several, and after some praying, we’re pursuing a select few. Among them is a potential church plant and a start up small group for young couples. I love serving, but at the same time, I have to keep myself in check while I’m in it. I’m also still struggling with some insecurities with missions (it’s a burden my husband and I have) but we’ll save that for another time in my other blog.

Ok, signing off! Hopefully by the end of this week that felted bag will be done!! =P