A busy knitting weekend

So we all know that I was sick for the past two weeks. While I was sick, I decided that I should start getting ready for Christmas. I know, it’s not even halloween, but hell, I was laying on the couch, wanting to be busy, but unable to do much. So, I picked up my knitting needles and started by finishing things that I needed to finish. I finished that green cable knit turtle neck sweater I was working on. Then I finished this uber cute poncho (a gift for my friend Anne’s child Emily). Isn’t it cute. I used Lorna’s Laces Worsted Super Wool in ChildsPlay. It’s machine washable, which is very good for a toddler. I’m really pleased with it, even though I needed another skein to make the fringe really fluffy.

After finishing all my projects that I really wanted to finish (there is a baby blanket that I need to finish that I hate working on, but that is another story), I started working on purses. I figured that I would felt purses for my friends for Christmas. I mean really, I like knitting, I love purses, and if I like one I make, I don’t have to give it away, right? So, lets start with this one. I meant to bring the yarn labels so I would remember what I used, but oh well. This one was done in Lambs Pride, I used some novelty yarn in just the flap.

This purse was kinda a experiment. I wanted to see how my seams would turn out, if I finished them normally. Well, I know now not to finish them normally. But, I still think the purse came out beautifully. I could have made it a bit smaller, but I don’t want the strap to get any shorter, so I’m keeping it like this. I think it’s lovely, even though the bottom seam is a bit bulky.

The next bag I worked on was done in “forged iron” using Goddess yarns Julia. It says it’s made by knitters for knitters. It’s a wool/alpaca/kid mohair blend. It’s also going to be an experiment. I have no idea how it is going to felt. No one in the yarn store had felted with it, or honestly knitted with it before. Lets just say, I hate knitting swatches. This may haunt me later. I loved knitting with it. It passed through my fingers so gingerly. It’s really soft, and as you can tell, it’s a very consistant knit. I love that. I like the bumps of some yarns, but this yarn would make a lovely sweater I think. I’ve taken out the bottom seam, and have to re-sew the bottom, so felting may happen tonight or Thursday.

This purse is going to be a bit different than the others, it is going to have a wooden handle. I made it out of Manos del Uruguay, in a solid red, and then a variegated red blend. The handle is a cherry maple, and I think it’s going to be lovely. I originally bought the supplys to make a purse for myself. I followed the pattern, and I ended up with a change purse after felting. Hmm. So, I picked a different pattern, and now I’m making another experiment. This purse should also have an icord strap. NOT. I didn’t have that much yarn. So, I’m going to see what happens when I put the handles on.

I’ve also made a purse out of Noro Kureyon. It’s browns, fuschia, and lavendars. It’s not quite an experiment. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be perfect. I’d better start knocking on wood now.