Fair Isle Felted Tote KAL

progress

2007-11-19T12:58:00.000-05:00

Yes I'm still working on my bag. I have taken many detours. I have Knit socks wrist bands tried to learn toe up socks but I always come back to the Bag. All that is left to do is felt and line.

yarn

2007-08-30T18:02:00.000-04:00

Have been making progress on my bag,hope to have some pictures tomorrow. I'm still looking for other yarns that would be good for this bag and other felting projects
I'm using Plymouth classic wool but would like to try something else.
michele_7748@yahoo.com

side

2007-08-23T15:28:00.001-04:00

this is the side. I need more wool in different colors and I saw on one of the post that someone use elann wool. I was wondering how that worked out and if it felted OK.

just started

2007-08-23T15:21:00.001-04:00

This is the bottom of the bag. I used three strands of yarn to make it sit when finished. I don't know if this will work as this is my first felted bag.

I'm using paton classic wool 2 strands.

Spring Bag Finished

2007-08-20T12:06:00.000-04:00

Better late than never I guess. ;-) Here is the bag that I started back in the Spring. I finally found the time and want to, to get it done. I can't wait to felt it.

I used elann's Highland Wool and I've never felted with it before, so I'm going to be really careful. Cross your fingers.

As soon as it's felted and dry I'll post another picture.

Almost there...

2007-08-13T11:35:00.000-04:00

Over the past few days I've really been inspired to finish the bag that I started in the Spring. With all the emotional stuff going on and packing I just lost interest in several of my long term knitting projects and did quick and simple ones. Well the felting bug has attacked me again. LOL. I am on the I-cord bind off and will be taking pictures this afternoon. I was just so excited about getting almost done that I had to get on here and post about it.

I will say that right now, on a scale of 1-10, 10 being totally in love with it, that I would have to give it a 7. Some of the colors I'm not crazy about. They looked good all laid out but, you know how things change once they are felted. So maybe we'll hit a 10. ;-)

received my yarn

2007-08-06T17:03:00.000-04:00

I received my yarn Friday and I'm going to start the bag tonight. My grand daughter broke the camera at field hockey camp so I don't have any pictures . Sorry I haven't emailed in awhile but summer is a busy time.
Michele

Starting Over

2007-07-14T23:54:00.000-04:00

I just looked over the yarn I picked out for this bag and was re energized. I'm using Bartlett Shetland Style wool in heathered tones. I already had the yarn in my stash in all of the blues and purples, plus what Bartlett calls sheep's grey (undyed wool) that is really beige. I had started knitting the bag on size 15 needles with the yarn doubled and it wasn't working. I'm going to frog the few rows I've done and restart. I'll use the double bottom too.

Thanks for the inspiration.

Hi All

2007-07-13T16:30:00.000-04:00

Hi Guys
Browsing through this blog I want to make another tote, LOL. I may and save it for a swap. I would ike to go more purples or more reds....hmmmmmm......

Received mag

2007-07-12T21:49:00.000-04:00

Well I finally received my magazine. My daughter and I are picking out colors for the bag now. I'm sure I will have many questions. I'm so excited I cannot wait to start.

New

2007-06-08T21:45:00.000-04:00

Thank you for having me in your group. I have ordered the magazine with this pattern in it and cannot wait to start.

It's been a while

2007-06-07T07:35:00.000-04:00

Getting side tracked by normal life is so human, but frustrating, and so I am really happy to be picking up again my fair isle tote that I started in the Spring time. Since these pictures were taken last weekend I have finished the purple flowers and started on another color section. I hope to get it finished pretty soon because I'm in real need of another tote bag.

Bag Was Loved

2007-05-14T23:11:00.000-04:00

I lined it filled with patterns and sock yarn and gave to MIL...she loved it! She actually kept hugging it. Now I am making another tote, different pattern, from the leftover yarn and seems there will still be left over yarn. Lordy hw many things can you knit out of 14 skeins???

Looky Here

2007-05-09T14:32:00.000-04:00

I love it, double stranded Patons Classic Wool, felted it stands on its own. I am going to make lining but not put it in until dMIL sees the inside, she is also a knitter....

I lost about 4 inches in height and 4+ in width. I love it and will certainly make another. I purchased a total of 14 balls of yarn and definitely have enough to make another tote...I am going to use the yarn for a different bag for a swap I am in though.

Note to Satori...I adore the double bottom, it felted very sturdy and the bag can stand on its own...

UPDATE

2007-05-04T15:10:00.000-04:00

Not too bad , haven't knit today, so this is a few hours at work, May 2,3 after casting on May 1.

It is heavy and going to be huge. Those that have completed this tote, did you put the dowels in? Satori if you did the ruffle did you not do the hem? Do the straps seem strong enough? I want to knit the straps, may make them wider and shorter.

Progress Update

2007-05-03T08:09:00.000-04:00

If I keep this rate going I may be done Sunday night...
Bottom pic is truer of color representation

Officially Cast On

2007-05-01T16:44:00.000-04:00

I need this tote for May 9 my MIL bday...I cast on today May 1 about 2pm EST I ran an errand did a walking video and have already finished the base it is almost 5pm EST. I hope the rest of the tote goes as quickly. I have to work tonight and am hoping to get through the first 10 rounds, I also have a sample sock to knit on. That would not leave too much. I think it may be possible, if not it will be for Mom's Day.
I will post a pic on the weekend as to where I am.

I will be excited to get this done and get 14 skeins out of the stash, whew!!!

Laurie's Bag

2007-04-08T09:23:00.001-04:00

Laurie is having problems posting her pictures so she sent this beautiful picture of her felted bag to me to post. I love the colors she picked. Bright and happy. She said she was working on the handles so I am hoping that when she gets it all finished we'll have another picture of the completed bag.

Thanks Laurie, your bag is awesome!

Spring is here!

2007-03-24T20:07:00.000-04:00

I decided to go ahead a post a pic of a handbag I

made out of cotton. It has a little fair aisle. I will now take on the KAL bag. I'm thinking of not felting it. We shall see how that goes. I really enjoyed knitting and making it up as I went. The squares are going to have the same beads that the triangles have in them. I just decided to do that and will have to go get more beads.

Where is Everyone?

2007-03-24T10:38:00.000-04:00

Where is everyone? Let's see some pictures of your felted fair isle bags!

Yesterday I was finally able to get a few pictures of the bag I am working on now. The stripes are really two different shades of purple, but the camera insisted on making them different. LOL. After the leaves are done then I can start the flowers tips. I'm hoping to be felting this time next week.

The Cast On Has Begun

2007-03-07T09:27:00.000-05:00

Finally. Has life ever gotten so busy that you never thought you were going to get to slow down? Well that's how it's been around here. But, finally last night I got the cast on and the first few rows started on my next bag. What a relief it was to finally get it started. As soon as I get some color work started I'll start posting some pictures. Since the Spring flowers have started blooming and the trees are started to get buds my bag will have a Spring theme to it.

So what is everyone working on now?

Check this out!

2007-02-25T22:41:00.000-05:00

I was just looking at the hit counter on the blog page and noticed some thing kind of cool so I pursued and and found this.
http://www.nickyepstein.com/iframe_home.html
Check out this link and where it talks about a "knit a long" click on it. (big smile on my face)

Pattern

2007-02-25T14:26:00.000-05:00

Does anyone know of any good fair Isle handbag pattern. I did a search and came up with very little.
I guess I will have to come up with one.

The Next Felted Bag

2007-02-25T11:12:00.000-05:00

So it took me long enough to get this picture up, but it's here finally. LOL. These sweet little balls of yarn will be used for my next felted fair isle. I am really looking forward to doing this bag. I did notice when I took the picture that I seem to always pick the same colors. I will have to work on that. LOL.

Oh and the paw in the bottom of the picture belongs for my trusted side-kick, Gunther.

OvEr FeLtEd

2007-02-17T11:15:00.000-05:00

Back before I left for TN. I felted the fair isle tote I was working on. I bought handles for it and they looked TERRIBLE beside it, so I thought I better go ahead and get a picture of the Over Felted Bag on the blog. It washed 3 extra minutes and came out way over felted for me. It's not un-usable though. I still plan on finding some handles that will go with it. And then someone will get a wonderful bag as a gift.What happened was when I was felting it, I got side tracked by an upsetting call from the EX. By the time I was off the phone the damage had been done and my bag turned into a very tightly felted fabric. Actually it went from tote size to handbag size. LOL. And you know I have to give this bag away because everytime I look at it, it reminds me of that phone call. (hahaha) But, the good news is while I was in TN a box of wool came from Elann.com with the yarn for my next fair isle bag. So it's on to the next bag.

Laurie's bag, in progress

2007-02-10T12:33:00.000-05:00

Laurie is having some blogger issues and sent me an email with a picture of her bag in progress. Don't you just love the colors she picked? I am so looking forward to seeing it felted. Great job Laurie!

I'm Back from TN.

2007-02-07T17:36:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone,
Well I'm home and I have a lot to tell, but I can't right now. See when I got home yesterday, I found that my pipes were plugged up and water was ALL over. I'm in the cleaning and dealing with the Rotor Rooter man. Give me a day or so and I'll catch you up on all the woolly news. ;-)
Blessed be

Progress Reports?

2007-02-07T02:10:00.000-05:00

I seem to be having an attack of startitis. I want to start every new project that appeals to me. The result is that nothing gets finished and I am running out of needles. I did finish two entrelac tote bags, now they need to get felted. My fairisle tote is sitting in the project bag, with the bottom only partially done. I started another felted tote (another KAL) and also got back into knitting an Amish colored Ohio Star quilt block tote from last summer's Knitter's magazine. Then there's the entrelac sweater in fuzzy purple angora, the mitered socks, the basketweave socks, the Celtic Vest, the feather and fan poncho, the ripple scarf. Sometimes I think I might have adult ADHD.

Just messing around

2007-01-26T11:53:00.000-05:00

Sometimes my patience runs a little thin. And it has again, but in a good way. I started another bag out of scraps. Just a where ever it ends you add the next color. I was glad that I had enough to do a little fair isle here and there. So here is a couple of pictures of where I'm at now. Hopefully tonight I'll finish the ruffle and then I plan on purchasing handles for it. Oh and my yarn came from Elann, so I can start for real my next fair isle. I'll more than likely get that going after my trip to TN next week.

In this picture you can see a little better where I have ran out of yarn and changed. I thought that after it felted it would have an interesting look.

Blogger Change

2007-01-25T12:40:00.000-05:00

Ok, well it happened. The Fair Isle Felted Tote KAL was switched to the new blogger. If you have any problems posting PLEASE let me know.

Also, I started the other day a new bag. It's just left overs and wherever that yarn stops that where the new yarn starts. But, I did have enough to do a little fair isle here and there, so I'll be a picture of the before and after felting coming soon.

Nearing the finish line...

2007-01-22T18:21:00.000-05:00

Since I took the picture this afternoon, I've completed the chart, turning row and decreases. Another few rounds and I'll be ready to cast off and start the straps. Oh.. and the gazillion ends to firm up and weave in.
What a fun knit. I'm already planning colors for the next one since admittedly I could have done better pairing up colors for this one.

Branching Out with new bag.

2007-01-19T00:29:00.000-05:00

Well, I loved the last bag so much I wanted to design one that I could sell. I came up with this one.
I used Naturally navy in SWS paton, paton classic, in navy, aran and brown.
It felted in 5 minutes in washer. Very quick.
I knit it in 2 evenings.
Blog - http://obsessivecompulsivecrafter.blogspot.com/Patterns for sale - http://knitiot-grandmas-creations.blogspot.com/Free patterns - http://oc-knitiots-freebies.blogspot.com/

www.elann.com

2007-01-18T15:16:00.000-05:00

Here is the link to the yarn that I am using for my next bag. Peruvian Highland Wool. If you have felted with it before please post a comment about what you thought about it, and how it felted.

Have a great day

Pictures soon

2007-01-17T15:45:00.000-05:00

This morning I finally decided on the fair isle pattern for my next bag. Pictures will be coming soon. It's a Spring floral design, and then I'm going to design the decorative rows that go in between the main design. So now all I need is my yarn. Actually I ordered my yarn from Elann today so as soon as that comes in I'll be starting.

I'll try to get pictures of the charts up soon.

Have a great day!

IMPORTANT QUESTION

2007-01-12T14:40:00.000-05:00

Well that dreaded time is here. Changing to the New Blogger. From what I gather if I change the KAL those of you with the old Blogger will have to be invited again to join but you will have to change to the New Blogger TOO. I really hate this kind of complicated change. There is no flippin' order to it. (a soapbox of mine, if you have millions of members come up with an organized plan of transition) LOL.

Anyway, let me know when and if you are changing so that I can organize this change over to be somewhat smoothly.

Thanks,
Sandra aka. Satori

UPDATE: 1/13/07
After a couple of emails and Cheryl's comment. It seems like most of us are in the same boat. We can't change until others change especially the bigger KAL that we belong to. So I've decided to keep the blog just the way it is and not change it until either Blogger changes it or everyone lets me know that they can change over to the new one.

Finished my Bag

2007-01-10T14:51:00.000-05:00

Before on left my bag measured 15 wide by 18 tall. After felting it measured, 12 wide by 10 tall.
I did not follow directions though. I cast on 45 for bottom of bag. I knit 2 strands together for the bottom only. I then picked up 15 on sides for a total of 120 stitches. I kind of did my own colors and pattern placements. I used the ruffle around the top by knitting in front and back of stitches and then knitting around for about 1o rows. I bought some black handles at JoAnns and used then on this bag. I have it stuffed with newspaper right now to keep the shape. I attatched the handles on the inside of bag due to the ruffle being on the outside.
I am pleased with how well this turned out and its the perfect size for me to carry around.
If I did it again, I would not double the bottom of bag.
Warning, this felts up super fast, keep an eye on it. I almost messed it up again. I checked after 4 min of agitation in washer and it was just starting to felt, I let it go 4 more min and it was done! So keep a close eye on it or it will get too small.

Here is the Yarn

2007-01-08T15:41:00.000-05:00

This is my Patons yarn for the tote....meant to be for MIL for May birthday but I fear I will love it...suppose that is a good reason to gift it...

Bada Bing, Bada Boom!

2007-01-06T16:55:00.000-05:00

I felted the Nicky Epstein Fair Isle Tote on New Year's Day. However, I have not felted the handles or attached them yet, but plan on doing that this week. I had sooooo much fun knitting this bag, and can't wait to start another!

Here is the progression of the bag.

The most difficult part of the bag was color selection. I felt overwhelmed by all the different choices. But then that's what made it so much fun.

The colors and Ruffle

2007-01-03T13:57:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all the people who have emailed me and left comments about my bag. I really appreciate the positive feedback from all of you.

A couple of things that have been asked of me are 1, how did I make the ruffle and 2. what yarn and colors did I use.

The ruffle that I added was simple. I got the idea from a felted vase that I had made earlier in the year. It had the cutest ruffle edge. All I did to add the ruffle was when I finished the last row, I did another round of K1, M1 (make 1). Then the next round was just Knit. I did this 3 or 4 times. Sorry that I don't remember exactly. I think since I had double stranded, it was 4 times. If you single strand I think 3 would be enough. It will ruffle by it's self, but after it felted I also placed the ruffles more evenly around the bag.

Yarn, I used Patton's Classic Wool. To be honest. I use it for all my bags. Just for no other reason than I can easily get it. Where I'm located we have craft stores, but it's at least an hour away to a LYS with higher quality wool, so both of the craft stores have Patton's and what colors one store carries the other doesn't so I can get a pretty good variety. LOL.
So here are the colors. 1. Black 2. Leaf Green 3. Aran 4. Peacock 5. Old Rose 6. Purple 7. Camel.

If you have any more questions please feel free to ask.

Colorways

2007-01-02T15:44:00.000-05:00

Satori, thanks for this group. I've been eyeing the bag and am glad to have company while working on it. I'm wondering where everyone is getting there inspiration for colorways. While I enjoy what's in the magazine, Satori's bag has me thinking of working up my own version.

finally here!!

2007-01-02T15:22:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally got blogger worked out so I could accept the invitation to join! Wow!! I have the new blogger and it would not let me join because the blog you started is not updated to the new blogger. So I had to create another blog and wahla, I was here!
My name is Deby and I live in Michigan. I design sock, bag and lace patterns. I love felting. I have always wanted to try fair isle felting but kept putting it off. Well, enough! I will knit it now!

Soooo, now that all of you are way ahead of me, I need to pick out some yarn.
I just had a disaster with a bag. I felted it and it really really really shrunk!!! I was so bummed out I almost cried. I have never had yarn go down like that. It was Patons S..something, I cant remember the name now. I spent 3 days knitting this bag and in 15 min it was gone!

Well, in a couple of days I will be all better and will be able to start again. this bag will definately take longer to knit.

Question(s)

2007-01-01T12:27:00.000-05:00

When I put this KAL together, it was primarily for the Fair Isle Felted Tote that is in the vogue Knitting magazine. I suggested that, that tote was inspirational. Which is SO IS. Anyway, my question is, do we stick totally to that bag and it's charts or do we use it as a launching pad for other Fair Isle Felted Totes?

Reason I ask is that I ran across some fair isle charts that would be perfect for this bag. So what do you want to do?

Also, I was thinking, about some time this year all of us doing a seasonal version of the bag. For example if we all did a summer version, same charts, etc, but all our colors would be different.

So leave a comment and let me know what you think.... Thanks and Happy New Year

Happy New Year

2006-12-30T17:29:00.000-05:00

I want to wish all of you a very Happy and safe New Year!

I hope that 2007 is filled with your dreams coming true, lots of wonderful yarn and fantastic knitting experiences.

Happy New Year!

Under the Wire or Things We Tell Ourself

2006-12-30T16:47:00.000-05:00

So I got the yarn and will post pic later, just under the wire as I have decided to try and not purchase yarn for 6 months in the new year, now that is consecutive months not just chosen willy nilly....And as I am heading into my 3rd of 4 12 hour night shifts there was nary time to shop.. heehee
I need this bag for a May gift so have plenty of time even knitting 3-4 hours on it a week, as I truly have 15 WIPs at least. BUT, come July I will be rich and needing yarn if this works out right...whatever will I do with all the space? OK, Happy New Year to one and all, be safe we are busy enough in the Emergency Room...

My Tote Bag info

2006-12-18T11:16:00.000-05:00

I've been asked to post some info about my felted tote so here we go.

One of the first things I decided on after reading the pattern was to double strand the bag, and let me put in here that the majority of the changes I made were because of who it is going to, and how she will use it.

So, I double stranded the bag, I also garter stitched the bottom instead of the St. st. it called for. The rest of it I pretty much followed except I put the patterns in different order. I did that because of colors I had and what I wanted it to look like when it was finished. Also, I added a ruffle to the top. My mom will love that and that's why I added it. If I know her she will have the bag out as decoration when she isn't using it, so to go along with her French Country decor, the little ruffle was a perfect little ending.

I used Patton's Classic Wool, size 11 circular needles. My color choice was totally based on my mom's favorite colors and a complimentary color to accent it.

Over the past few days I've been planning my next one. Since I won't start it until after the New Year, I'm thinking of going with Spring colors, and I think this one I will do single strand.

Blessed be

It's wrapped and ready to ship to Mom

2006-12-15T15:17:00.000-05:00

Well it's ready to go. I just finished wrapping it up and tomorrow it will be on it's way to Tennessee. What I did was wrap all her other gifts and put inside the bag, then wrapped the bag, put it in a blanket size gift box and then wrapped it in shipping paper so our Postal Service doesn't accidently mess it up.

While I was taking pictures of the bag, Gunther decided to check it out. LOL. Actually I take so many pictures of him, that when he sees a camera, he thinks it's time for him to pose. Usually after that he gets a treat. If you have never seen my Great Dane, jump over to his blog. I've been keeping track of him online since he was about 4 days old.

Here's a close up that shows the pattern a little better. To be honest with you, I'm all ready planning my next one. I think it will be bright and Spring like.

Beginning the Finishing

2006-12-14T16:37:00.000-05:00

First off, WELCOME Cheryl to the group.

Today I started working on the inside of the bag. I thought that since I have to have it in the mail tomorrow, that maybe I should get busy. Maybe busy isn't the correct word since lately I'm "busy" from about 5AM till 11:30pm. So lets say I decided to turn my energies to the bag.(grin) I am just about done and will have picture to post tomorrow.

Ok some of you that have your bags in different stages get some pictures together and post on here. We want to see what you are up to!

The Stages of my Fair Isle Tote

2006-12-07T17:53:00.000-05:00

I promised pictures. Ok, I didn't say they would be great, but at least they are pictures. LOL. Just for the fun of it I thought I would post the progression of my bag. Of course when it dries fully I'll add the finishing touches but for now we have the following.

This was after a day or two of knitting if I remember correctly. (key word, remember)

This pictures was taken as soon as it came off the needles. It was a Sunday, early evening. I over exposed it just a little so the purple would show up.

And here we are right out of the washed. It hadn't really started drying yet. I measured it and it is 18 1/2 inches wide and 13 inches tall. I lost about 1.5 - 2 inches in height and about 1 inch in width. Note* read the post below for info about the shape.

Welcome, News and Blogger Stuff

2006-12-07T16:26:00.000-05:00

I want to welcome Carla to the group. She joined this afternoon and was one of the fortunate ones that didn't have troubles with Blogger. (cheer, cheer) I also want to thank her for making us a button. I love the variety, and I hope that everyone who wants to will feel free to make one and email it to me so we can put it one the sidebar. Again, Carla, welcome and thank you!

Well, as I write my bag is drying. Yes it's felted and it turned out really good. (if I do say so myself). Mom is going to love it. I did make a boo boo so I wanted to share it with you. Make sure that you have a constancy in your tension with all your yarn colors. If one is a little tighter you it may show when felted. I tend to knit really tight with my right hand, and I noticed that in one area where I had a lot of right hand knitting it hour glassed a little when felted. I personally like it but it was not intended. Because of the ruffle I added at the top, it kind of looks like it was suppose to do that. (mom will never know the difference, LOL). You'll see what I am talking about when I get some pictures of it posted. Also, when I post the pictures I'll put some measurements up. Because the picture in the magazine looks so much bigger than mine.

Like I mentioned earlier, Carla was able to get right through blogger and join the KAL with no problems. Some others are having troubles. I am still working on it, and have not received a satisfactory answer from blogger about the problem except that they are still working out bugs with Beta. I wrote back and suggested some sort of professional pest control should be called in soon. (evil grin)

Satori

Thank you!

2006-12-01T08:07:00.000-05:00

We have buttons! Thank you so much Diana for taking the time to make our first buttons. I can't tell begin to tell you how much I appreciate it. Now everyone Take Those Buttons!!!!

Comment

2006-11-30T08:50:00.000-05:00

For some reason, the "Comment" link on this blog is not showing. I have went through all the set and it's correct, so I have contacted Blogger Help. Hopefully I can get this fixed. Sorry for any inconveniences this has caused.

Sandra

NOTE: when I published this post I noticed that the comment link was there. Go figure. LOL

Thank You!!!

2006-11-29T21:24:00.000-05:00

I just want to say thank-you for setting up this KAL. I am so excited to be a part of it. I have ordered my yarn from Knit Picks and am anxiously awaiting its arrival. Hopefully I will be able to cast on for this beast by the weekend.

Happy Knitting!

Diana

The Beginning of a New KAL

2006-11-27T09:50:00.000-05:00

Hi,

As the description says this KAL is all about Fair Isle Felted Totes. Particularly the beautiful Fair Isle Felted Tote in the Holiday 2006 Vogue knitting magazine.

I started mine last week and made a few personal changes that would better fit the person who is receiving it, but my next one will be actually according to the directions. This is a fantastic tote and wonderful to knit.

To jump right into all the fun, email your Name and Blog address to slm2110@gmail.com.

Also, if you would like to come up with a button for the KAL email that to me also.