Felted Bag

I purchased this wool sweater from the thrift store at half price (yeah!) and I'm repurposing it. From this sweater I can make two items from the sleeves and one from the body. I have made this little felted bag from one of the sleeves. I just cut off the sleeve to accommodate the size of a small bag or purse, whipped stitched the bottom closed, turned under the upper rim and whipped stitch that in place, and then made a 6-stitch I-cord for the handle and sewn in place. I then put it in my washing machine with a towel to serve as friction, and Waugh-lauh!... my little bag came out perfectly felted. This little bag can be a small purse, I would probably stitch a cute button on the front and sew on a button loop for closure, or as you see you can use it to put a little greenery in. I am planning on making a felted pillow out of the body of the sweater, so I better get moving sense I am in a felting mood today.

Knit & Beaded Miniature Purse Necklace

I got this sweet little knitted and beaded, miniature purse necklace kit for Christmas. I've seen these before from vendors at craft and sewing fairs, so I bought a kit to go in my stocking. I promised myself I wouldn't peek into it until Christmas. I finished the purse on Christmas day, and today (New Year's) I finished beading the necklace part. I had a blast knitting this, even as tiny and meticulous as it is. I had to use a much stronger pair of reading glasses to see what I was doing. The pattern and kit is from "Simply Unbeadable" Battle Ground, WA. 360-989-6535 or you can email them at: simplyunbeadable@gmail.com the kit includes, size #0000 knitting needles, one ball of pearl cotton, seed beads for purse and necklace part, instructions, and a photo of finished product. If you want extra fancy beads for the purse and necklace part you will have to purchase that yourself. I'm already planning to do a few more in different colors and beads, this could be addictive!