Felted Purses: Not everybody's picnic.
I hate to bore you with yet another one - But I just love making felted bags. Choosing the color for the main body of the purse; figuring out how I am going to incorporate novelty yarn (as a stripe, along the top or on the edge) and then deciding which yarn to use. Then there's the whole mystery of the felting process as you wait with great anticipation to discover the final size and shape. Next comes the selection of fabric and the creation of the lining, which requires a mathematical schema like in the movie, A Beautiful Mind. Once completed, the lining is hand stitched to the bag with surgical precision. Finally, there's the excitement of finding just the right handles - or the fun of going on to a website like UMX or MJTrim (or Goodwill) to buy some new ones. To some folk, this might sound like a lot of work. I guess it feels more to me like how a kindergarten teacher must feel on the day that they give out those little diplomas: "geez, that was a challenge - but gosh, how cute!" I named the bag pictured: Spring Fling. The body is doubled Cascade 220. The novelty is Stacy Charles "Cancun". It reminded me of a field of flowers so I chose a lining that evoked (as Yogi Bear would say) "a beauty-filled pic-a-nick basket." 
I can't wait to use it on a warm, sunny day.
I hope you get to enjoy one of those this weekend!
See ya Monday.
And I know that it's even prettier in the flesh! HOpe you get to use it this weekend.
Posted by: Marcia | April 07, 2006 at 07:56 AM
You are SO crafty, Ms. Purl!
Posted by: christine | April 07, 2006 at 08:00 AM
What a happy bag! Have a great weekend yourself. :)
Posted by: Chris | April 07, 2006 at 09:00 AM
What a cute bag!
Posted by: Jennifer | April 07, 2006 at 10:00 AM
when acrylic felts i'll make one. it's so spring and i love the lining. enjoy wearing it!
Posted by: mary ann | April 07, 2006 at 10:32 AM
I love felting bags...yours is very springlike...almost like a happy Easter basket! Love it!
Posted by: estella | April 07, 2006 at 02:40 PM
Totally cute and girly! Lovely bag.
Posted by: Carla | April 07, 2006 at 05:21 PM
I always thought of felted wool as a fall/winter sort of thing. This one inspires me to done some for spring. I'm too lazy for lining, but it is a good excuse to buy adorable fabrics. Really love this one.
Posted by: Spiritual knitter | April 09, 2006 at 12:23 AM