A couple of weeks ago we got a Gump's catalog. Just love browsing through catalogs, don't you. John commented on this and said that I could make it for myself. You know, I thought to myself, he's right!!! Can you make out the prices of the bags below? That's unreal!!
I've never felted before (except by accident and totally unintended) so I jumped into the car and ran over to one of our LYSs to see what I could find. I told Linda what I had in mind and she immediately came up with Fiber Trends, Gelato Bag. It was perfect!
Just look at the similarity. I started knitting as soon as I got home. Linda had suggested Iceland 100% Wool yarn by Crystal Palace in a beautiful shade of red. I omitted the handles as I wanted to use something like the photo. (Now I have to figure out how to attach them.) Since I had never felted, I wasn't sure where I should make a tab to be inserted through a loop of the handle. We'll see. Anyway, this is what the bag looked like after knitting:
Then it was time for the felting. I put it through three hot washes until I had it the size I needed:
I'm waiting for it to completely dry and then I'll try to get rid of the fuzz---is that possible and how do I do that? Any suggestions from you felters will be greatly appreciated. I plan on sewing in a lining. I have some beautiful Christmas pins that I can use on the front of the bag that will be just perfect. The way this bag is made, with different pins, the bag can be used for more than just Christmas. I think I'll make a black one too.
I'll post follow-up photos as the process progresses.
Your bag turned out really cute...you can get rid of the fuzz with a sweater razor...they make battery operated ones...I also have a pumice like block that is made for de-fuzzing sweaters.
Can't wait to see it finished!
Posted by: Karen | November 21, 2009 at 08:30 PM
cute! I love the bag. I started one a little bigger but I'm not sure I'll felt it.
Posted by: SusanB-knits | November 21, 2009 at 08:34 PM
Posted by: Elizabeth | November 22, 2009 at 08:43 AM
I have done this pattern and LOVE it. I included my blog post to it if you would like all of my details. I used a disposable razor to shave mine--ya know, like one you or your husband would use to shave. Works like a charm! Have fun!! :)
http://knittingknirvana.blogspot.com/2009/01/lime-gelato-felted-bag.html
Posted by: Suzanne | November 22, 2009 at 08:45 PM