Felted Tote...A Great First Felting Project

Autumn is a great time for felting...if you have never felted anything before this is a great first project!

SIZE: One Size
10 in. x 7½ in. x 2½ in. [25.5 x 19 x 6.5 cm] after felting

MATERIALS
• 820-110 Lion Brand Lion Wool: Cadet Blue
1 Skeins (A)
• 820-133 Lion Brand Lion Wool: Pumpkin
1 Skeins (B)
• Double-Pointed Needles - Size 9
• Stitch Markers
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles
• Additional Materials
1. Size 9 [5.5 mm] 24 in. [60 cm] circular needle
2. Size 10.5 [6.5 mm] double-pointed needles (set of 5)
3. One 1 in. [25 mm] toggle button
4. Sewing needle and thread

GAUGE:
14 sts + 20 rows = 4 in. [10 cm] in St st (knit every round) on circular needle. BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE.

STITCH EXPLANATION:
sk2p Slip 1 as if to knit, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over - 2 sts decreased

TOTE
With circular needle and B, cast on 36 sts.
Row 1 Working back and forth on circular needle, slip 1, k to end of row.
Repeat Row 1 for 34 more times. At end of last row, do not turn work.
Rnd 1 Pick up and k 18 sts along left edge of work, 36 sts along cast-on edge, and 18 sts along right edge – 108 sts.
Join, being careful not to twist sts. Place marker for beg of rnd.
Rnd 2 Purl.
Rnd 3 Knit.
Repeat last 2 rounds 3 times more.
Rnd 10 Purl.
Change to A and work in St st (k every rnd) until all A has been used. Change to B.
Rnd 1 Knit.
Rnd 2 [P 7, p2tog] 12 times – 96 sts.
Rnd 3 Knit.
Rnd 4 Purl.
Repeat last 2 rnds once. Bind off all sts. Weave in ends.
Straps – Make 2
With 2 strands of B held tog and larger dpn, make a slip knot and place on needle.
Row 1 (RS) [K 1, yo, k 1] in same st (increase made) – 3 sts.
Row 2 (and all even Rows 4-12) Knit.
Row 3 K 1, [k 1, yo, k 1] in same st, k 1 – 5 sts.
Row 5 K 2, [k 1, yo, k 1] in same st, k 2 – 7 sts.
Row 7 K 3, [k 1, yo, k 1] in same st, k 3 – 9 sts.
Row 9 K 3, sk2p, k3 – 7 sts.
Row 11 K 2, sk2p, k2 – 5 sts.
Row 13 Knit.
Row 14 Purl.
Row 15 K2tog, k 3 – 4 sts.
Next Row (Cord) *Slide sts to other end of dpn and knit them, pulling yarn tightly across the back of the work. (Do not turn work.) Repeat from * until cord measures 30 in. [76 cm] from beg.
Next Row (RS) K 1, inc in next st, k 2 – 5 sts.
Next Row (and all WS rows) Knit.
Work next 4 RS rows as for Rows 5, 7, 9, and 11 above.
Next RS Row K 1, sk2p, k 1 – 3 sts.
Next RS Row Sk2p, fasten off. Weave in ends.

Loop
With 1 strand of B and smaller dpn, cast on 4 sts. Work in cord as for strap until piece measures 9 in. [23 cm] from beg. Bind off. Weave in ends.

FELTING
Place Tote, Straps, and Loop in mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase. If pillowcase is used, pin closed. Wash by machine on a hot wash/cold rinse cycle with detergent and several pieces of clothing to agitate. To felt additionally, dry by machine on a regular setting until almost dry. Remove from dryer and pull into shape.
For more about felting, click here.

FINISHING
With sewing needle and thread, sew ends of loop together. Sew loop to inside edge of Tote. Pin straps into place on outside of Tote, sew around tabs. Sew on button opposite loop.

Felted Petite Knitting Bag

How cute is this little bag to keep and tote your small knitting projects in!


Materials
3 50 gms balls of Cleckheaton Vintage Hues (the color used is 1270)(you can also use any other yarn which have to be 100% wool for felting)
6mm or 6.5mm circular needles (60 cm length)

Measurements
Before felting:
Base – 26 cm
Height – 33 cm
Handle – 32cm

After felting:
Base – 15 cm
Height – 18 cm
Handle – 24 cm

Base
(If you are not familiar with Magic Cast-on or Magic Loop, you can use double pointed needles (dpns) to cast on & then join in the round.)
Using the Magic Cast-on, cast on 8 stitches (4 stitches on each needle).

Now using the Magic Loop method, start knitting.
Round 1 & all odd rounds – knit
Round 2 – kfb into every stitch (16 stitches)
Round 4 – *k1, kfb* all around (24 stitches)
Round 6 – *k2, kfb* all around (32 stitches)
Round 8 – *k3, kfb* all around (40 stitches)
Round 10 – *k4, kfb* all around (48 stitches)
Round 12 – *k5, kfb* all around (56 stitches)
Round 14 – *k6, kfb* all around (64 stitches)
Round 16 – *k7, kfb* all around (72 stitches)
Round 18 – *k8, kfb* all around (80 stitches)
Round 20 – *k9, kfb* all around (88 stitches)
Round 22 – *k10, kfb* all around (96 stitches)
Round 24 – *k11, kfb* all around (104 stitches)
Round 26 – *k12, kfb* all around (112 stitches)
Purl 3 rounds.

Body
Carry on knitting every round until the bag is 33 cm high.

Handles
Cast off 19 stitches, knit the next 18 stitches, cast off another 38 stitches, knit
the next 18 stitches & cast off the last 19 stitches.
Rejoin yarn to the 1st set of 18 stitches
Row 1 – knit
Row 2 – purl
Row 3 – k2 tog, knit till the last 2 stitches, k2 tog (16 stitches)
Row 4 – purl
Repeat the above 4 rows for another 3 times until there are 10 stitches left.
Continue knitting these 10 stitches until the handle is 16 cm long.
Do not cast off & leaves stitches on a stitch holder. Cut yarn but leave a 20 cm tail.

Rejoin yarn to the next set of 18 stitches & repeat the decreases & continue knitting until the handle is 16 cm long.
You can now cast off the 10 stitches on each of the handle using the 3-needle bind-off.
Weave in all the ends & you are ready for felting.

Magic Cast-on & Magic Loop
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/FEATmagiccaston.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhBIS0AhhQY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtBSmxGomPk
3-needle Bind Off
http://www.stitchdiva.com/custom.aspx?id=189

Felt your bag in a top loading machine on a regular hot/cold cycle. Put your knitted piece in a laundry bag & put the laundry bag in the machine with a towel. Add a little teaspoon of wool wash. Check the machine after 10 mins as you don’t want your bag to be over felted.
Happy felting !

Felted City Bag

This cute bag will take you from daytime to nightime in record time.

Materials:
2 hanks (100 grams each) Caledon Hills Worsted Wool (color shown: CH841)
Size 10.5 U.S. Circular Needles (24")
4 Stitch Markers
Tapestry Needle
Magnetic Snap Closure or 1” Button for front closure (as shown)
Sewing Needle & Thread if using button
Optional for Convenience: Size 10.5 U.S. Straight Needles & Double Pointed Needles

Gauge:
Felts to approximately 80% of original size -- Gauge not vital for this project

Finished Size: Approximately 12" x 6" x 4" after felting.

Pattern Notes:
1. Hold 2 strands of yarn together throughout.
2. Bag will be at a loose gauge until it is machine felted.
3. Special thanks to Elizabeth Zimmermann for I-cord.

Abbreviations:
PM = Place Marker
K2tog = Knit two together as 1 stitch (creates a right leaning slant)
K = Knit
P = Purl

Instructions:
1. For Bag Bottom & using double strand of yarn and size 10.5 circular needles, cast on 45 stitches.
2. Knit every row for 16 rows (8 garter ridges).
3. For Bag Body, place 1st marker (PM) at end of row.
4. Pick up 8 stitches or 1 stitch for each ridge along side & PM (2nd marker) at side edge.
5. Pick up 45 stitches along bottom edge (1 for each cast on stitch) & PM (3rd marker) at end of row.
6. Pick up 8 stitches (1 stitch for each garter ridge) along side & PM (4th marker) to designate end of round -- 104 stitches total.
7. Work even by knitting every round for 7" or 28 rows.
Please Note: The first round or 2 may be a bit tight on your needles.
8. Begin decreases as follows:
Decrease round 1: Decrease 8 stitches evenly spaced knitting two stitches together (K2tog) across bag front between markers 4 and 1; 37 stitches remain. K2tog between markers 1 and 2; 4 stitches remain. Knit 45 stitches between markers 2 and 3. K2tog between markers 3 and 4; 4 stitches remain. Total 90 stitches.
Knit next round even.
Decrease round 2: K2tog between markers 1 and 2; 2 stitches remain and between markers 3 and 4; 2stitches remain. Total 88 stitches.
Knit 3 rounds even.
9. For Bag Flap & beginning at marker 3, bind off all stitches between markers 3 and 4, markers 4 and 1, and markers 1 and 2 -- 45 stitches remain.
10. Knit 3 stitches, PM, work to within 3 stitches of end of row, PM, K last 3 stitches.
11. Knit first 3 stitches, slip marker, purl to within 3 stitches of end of row, slip marker, knit last 3 stitches.
12. Repeat rows 10 and 11 for 6" or 22 rows.
13. Knit 3 rows.
14. Bind off all stitches as if to knit.

Bag Closure:
Note: You may choose to omit the buttonhole (below) by simply working all rows, omitting the buttonhole and using a magnetic closure that can be attached to the bag under a decorative button.
1. Using double strand, cast on 10 stitches.
2. Knit all rows for 20 rows or 10 ridges.
3. To start Buttonhole, K 3 stitches, cast off 4 stitches, K last 3 stitches (including the stitch remaining after casting off the 4th stitch.)
4. To complete Buttonhole, K 3 stitches, cast on 4 stitches by using backward loop, K 3 stitches (10 stitches total).
5. Knit 5 rows.
6. Bind off all stitches as if to knit.

Bag Strap (I-Cord):
1. Using double pointed needles and 2 strands of yarn held together, cast on 5 stitches.
2. Make EZ’s I-cord by sliding all stitches to opposite end of needle and knit.
3. Repeat until strap measures approximately 36 inches but be sure to save enough yarn for finishing.

Finishing:
1. Securely attach I-cord strap to bag at each side of the bag body, centering over the 2 stitches at each side.
2. Center bag closure on bag flap, about 1 ½ to 2 inches from flap edge and with buttonhole (if applicable) centered at the front of the bag body.
3. Whip stitch closure to bag flap, securing along all edges.
4. Darn in and trim any loose ends.
5. Place the bag in an old pillow case or lingerie bag to protect your washing machine from lint.
6. Fill machine at low level on hot water/cold rinse cycle. Add a drop or two of detergent such as Joy liquid soap,
and run normal cycle.
7. Check bag every 5 minutes or so to be sure strap is not twisted and that bag is felting to desired size.
8. Stop machine after most water has been drained, but before the spin cycle has completed to prevent deep
and sometimes permanent creases from forming in the felt.
9. Remove bag from machine and shape bottom, sides and fold flap over front of bag. If not sufficiently felted, repeat machine cycle again.
10. Allow bag to sit on a flat surface until completely dry. Since the felt is thick, this may take up to two days.
11. You may wish to lightly stuff the bag with plastic bags or bubble wrap to maintain shape. To aid in shaping the bag bottom, cut to size a piece of Styrofoam or foam core board.
12. Check your bag regularly as it dries, stretching and shaping as needed to ensure desired shape.
13. Attach button or magnetic closure if desired.

Seattle Bag

This cute little felted bag will carry your wallet, phone and keys for a quick trip to the store.

SIZE: One Size
About 8 x 7 1/2 x 2 in. (20.5 x 19 x 5 cm) after felting

MATERIALS
• 150-123 Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool Yarn: Oatmeal 1 Ball (A)
• 150-126 Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool Yarn: Nature's Brown 1 Ball (B)
• Knitting Needles Size 11 [8 mm]
• Stitch Markers
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles

GAUGE:
12 stitches + 15 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) before felting in single crochet or in Stockinette stitch in the round (knit every round). BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you less stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

KNIT BAG
Base
With A, cast on 30 stitches. Working back and forth on circular needle (just as when working on straight needles), knit 6 rows. Pick up and knit 8 stitches along short side of piece, 30 stitches along cast on edge and 8 stitches along remaining short side - 76 stitches around base.

Sides
Place marker for beginning of round and join, being careful not to twist stitches. Working in the round, knit every round until Bag measures 5 1/2 in. (14 cm) from base. Change to B. With B, knit every round until Bag measures 10 in. (25.5 cm) from base. Bind off.

FINISHING
Weave in ends.

FELTING
Wash by machine on a hot wash/cold rinse cycle with detergent and several pieces of clothing to agitate. To felt additionally, dry by machine on a regular setting until almost dry. Remove from dryer and pull into shape.

Handle
After felting, cut a 3 1/2 in. (8.75 cm) slit centered on back of Bag, about 1 1/2 in. (3.75 cm) down from top edge. Repeat on front.

Felted Braided Scarf to the Nth Power!

This scarf is not for the meek! So if you want to show off your stuff...knit, felt and Go!


SIZE: One Size
About 7 x 175 in. (18 x 444.5 cm), after felting

MATERIALS
• 820-178 Lion Brand Lion Wool Yarn: Dark Teal5 Balls (A)
• 820-132 Lion Brand Lion Wool Yarn: Lemongrass5 Balls (B)
• 820-140 Lion Brand Lion Wool Yarn: Rose7 Balls (C)
• 820-133 Lion Brand Lion Wool Yarn: Pumpkin7 Balls (D)
• Knitting Needles- Size 8 [5 mm]
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles
• Additional Materials: 2 large binder clips
GAUGE:
16 stitches + 22 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) before felting. BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you less stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

SCARF
NARROW STRIPS (make 1 with A and 1 with B)
Cast on 15 stitches.
Work in Stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) until piece measures about 185 in. (470 cm) from beginning.
Bind off.

WIDE STRIPS (make 1 with C and 1 with D)
Cast on 25 stitches.
Work in Stockinette stitch until piece measures about 185 in. (470 cm) from beginning.
Bind off.

FINISHING
Felting
Wash pieces by machine on a hot wash/cold rinse cycle with detergent and several pieces of clothing to agitate. To felt additionally, dry
by machine on a regular setting until almost dry. Remove from dryer and pull into shape.
Allow to dry completely.

With binder clips, clip Strips together at one end and lay onto a flat surface. Weave left-hand Strip loosely over and under the other
3 Strips. With the new leftmost Strip, repeat the weaving process. Continue to work from left to right to braid Strips. Clip Strips together at end of braid. With doubled strand of D in large -eyed needle, sew Strips together at each end, removing clips. Sew ends of braid together to form a loop.
Weave in ends.

Felted Laptop Sleeve...for School Cool or Office Pool!

A way to show your school colors and protect your prized possession! This easy to knit/ easy to felt laptop sleeve will get you looks from the geeks and the chic's!
Even the office group will be a little jealous!


SIZE: Varies
Pattern fits a laptop 9 inches (22.9 cm ) tall x 12.25 inches (31 cm) wide x 1.25 (3.2 cm) deep. Size is adjustable.

MATERIALS
• 820-099 Lion Brand Lion Wool Yarn: Winter White (or color of choice) 3 Balls (A)
• 820-113 Lion Brand Lion Wool Yarn: Scarlet (or color of choice) 1 Ball (B)
• Knitting Needles- Size 8 [5 mm]
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles
• Additional Materials
2 1-inch (2.5 cm) rectangle rings (available at hobby stores in the section of materials for making purses or jewelry)

GAUGE:
22 sts x 28 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes
you less stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

NOTES:
Sizing
Laptops vary quite a lot in size; this pattern can easily be adapted to any size, providing you follow the rules below. Knitting that is being felted shrinks more in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. Your piece, before felting, should be 1.5 times as tall as you need on the finished vertical dimension and 1.2 times as wide as needed on the horizontal dimension.
Thus, to fit a laptop that is 9 inches (23 cm) tall, the piece needs to be 9 inches (23 cm) x 1.5 or 13.5 inches (34 cm) deep before felting. If your laptop is 10 inches (25.5 cm), the vertical dimension will be 10 inches (25.5 cm) x 1.5 or 15 inches (38 cm). To fit a laptop that is 12.25 inches (31 cm) wide, the piece needs to be 12.25 inches (31 cm) x 1.2 or about 14.75 (37.5 cm) inches wide before felting. If your laptop is 13 inches (33 cm) wide, the piece will need to be 13 inches (33 cm) x 1.2 or 15.6 inches (84 cm) wide. The final sizing can also be controlled to some extent by how much you felt the piece -- start out gently and then use hotter water and more agitation if the sleeve is too large.


LAPTOP SLEEVE
Front
With A, cast on 80 sts
Beginning with a knit row, work in Stockinette (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) until piece measures 13.5 in. (34.5 cm), end with a right side row. Knit the next (wrong side) row rather than purling it to make a turning ridge where the front folds to become the bottom.) This is the end of the front portion of the sleeve.


Bottom
Work 12 rows in Stockinette stitch, end with a right side row. This is the end of the bottom portion of the sleeve.


Back
Knit the next row rather than purling it. At the end of the row, cast on an additional 10 stitches for a total of 90 sts.
This is the start of one of the side flaps.
Knit the next row and, at the end of the row, cast on an additional 10 stitches for a total of 100 stitches. This is the start of the other side flap.
Continue in Stockinette stitch until the vertical edge of the side pieces measures 13.5 in.(34.5 cm), end with a right side row.
On the next row, bind off the first 10 stitches, then knit to the end of the row rather than purling it -- 90 sts.
On the next row, bind off the first 10 stitches, then knit to the end of the row - 80 sts.
This is the end of the back portion of the sleeve.


Top
Work 12 rows in Stockinette stitch, end with a right side row.
Knit the next (wrong side) row rather than purling it..
This is the end of the top portion of the sleeve


Front Flap
Continue in Stockinette stitch for 6 in. (15 cm), end with a wrong side row.
Next row (knit row): K2tog, knit to last 2 sts; k2tog -- 78 stitches.
Next row (purl row): P2tog, purl to last 2 sts; p2tog -- 76 stitches
Next row (knit row): K2tog, knit to last 2 sts; k2tog -- 74 stitches.
Next row (purl row): P2tog, purl to last 2 sts; p2tog -- 72 stitches
Bind off, weave in ends.


Strap
With B, cast on 72 stitches.
Rows 1-12: Knit
Bind off, weave in ends.


Finishing
Seam front and back at sides, seaming lower edge of front to bound-off sts of back.


Felting
Felting is a process whereby the wool is deliberately handled so that it is matted into a fabric. Wool fibers have scales and are also crimped. When these fibers are wetted and softened and then rubbed together they grab each other and are permanently bound together. This happens when you put a wool item in a washer
and agitate it -- it comes out much smaller and also denser, because the fibers have bound together.
Finished item size depends on how much the piece is felted. Keep in mind that you can always felt more, but once felting is done, it is not reversible. Wash by machine on a hot wash/cold rinse cycle with detergent and several pieces of clothing to agitate. At the end of the wash cycle try the item to see how well it fits. If you
like it, stop! Place it flat to shape and let dry. If it is larger than you want, you can felt it additionally, if you dry by machine on a regular setting until almost dry. Remove from dryer and lie flat to shape. Steam if desired.
If the item is still too large, you can felt it additionally by washing again. Felting is often improved by adding about 1/2 cup baking soda to the wash water to increase the alkalinity.

Assembly
Sew one end of strap at top center of back. Sew the 2 rectangular rings, one above the other, at lower edge of front. Thread free end of strap over one ring and under the other to secure.

Felted Striped Wine Sack

What better way to give a gift of wine than to wrap it up in a felted wine sack! When the wine is gone, they still have something to remember you by!


Size (after felting)
Length: Approximately 131/2 inches (34.5cm)
Circumference: Approximately 10 inches (25.5cm)
Tie length: Approximately 50 inches (127cm)

Materials
Yarn: 100% wool worsted weight yarn, about 175 yards (160m)
Photo: Noro Kureyon (100% wool; 109 yards per 50g ball): color #154, 2 balls
Needles: size 8 (5mm) double-pointed, set of 4
Notions: Open-ring stitch marker; tapestry needle; size I/9 (5mm) crochet hook

Gauge
15 stitches=4" (10cm) in circular stockinette stitch (knit all rounds)
Note: Superwash wool and synthetics will not felt; do not use for felting projects.

Making the Sack
Loosely cast 42 stitches onto one double-point needle, then divide stitches equally onto 3 needles (14 stitches on each). Join into circle, being careful not to twist stitches. Place open-ring stitch marker in first stitch to denote beginning of round, and move marker upward every few rounds.

Round 1 (wrong side): Knit.
Round 2 (right side): Purl.
Round 3: Knit.
Round 4: Purl.
Round 5: Knit.
Change to circular stockinette stitch (knit all rounds) until piece measures 17" (43cm).
Purl the next round (on right side of work).
Decrease Rounds
Round 1: (Knit 5, knit 2 together) to end of round. (36 stitches)
Rounds 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10: Knit.
Round 3: (Knit 4, knit 2 together) to end of round. (30 stitches)
Round 5: (Knit 3, knit 2 together) to end of round. (24 stitches)
Round 7: (Knit 2, knit 2 together) to end of round. (18 stitches)
Round 9: (Knit 1, knit 2 together) to end of round. (12 stitches)
Round 11: (Knit 2 together) to end of round. (6 stitches)
Round 12: Knit. Remove marker.
Cut yarn leaving 6" (15cm) tail. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle and pull through the remaining 6 stitches, pulling tightly to close. Weave in loose ends to wrong side of work.

Make the Tie
With crochet hook and yarn, make a crochet chain about 56" (142cm) long. Beginning in second chain from hook work 1 single crochet in each chain to end of row. Fasten off.

Felting
Felt wine sack and tie in washing machine.
The tie is finished felting when you can gently stretch it to about 50" (127cm). Let sack dry with wine bottle inside so it keeps its shape.

Tie overhand knot at both ends of strand, and tie around neck of wine bottle.

Ice Cream Pint Cozys

Happy Memorial Day! It's officially summertime and ice cream is a plenty. This project is a great way to use your scrap wool yarn. (because you'll be felting!) You have time to whip up some red, white and blue ones for the 4th of July!

Size
To fit a Ben and Jerry’s pint, other pints may vary slightly: 10" bottom circumference, 11.25" top circumference and 2¾–3" tall.
Materials:
Yarn-Pick Up Sticks “small balls” of wool yarn- Two 65 yd
balls will yield two cozies! Or 65 yds of any other combo of wool yarn.
Colors
• Neapolitan Dynamite: chocolate, cream and hot pink
• Cherry Garcia: cream and red
• Americone Dream: chocolate and moss

Pints 2 or more Ben and Jerry’s pint-sized Ice Creams, 1 to shape the cozies, 1 to eat; see note.
Note: the pints need to be full, an empty pint container will collapse under the pressure of a damp cozy.
Needles- #10 –11 US circular needle 16" OR 36" using magic loop method.

Gauge
Felted: approx 9 sts and 19 rows = 2" square (pre-felted gauge is unimportant).

Directions
Note: Cozy is worked from top down so start with top color!
CO 52 sts, join being careful not to twist and work 4 rnds of garter st. Switch to St st and in the 2nd rnd of St st dec as follows:
[k 11, k2tog] four times; 48 sts.

Cont in St st and in 14th rnd work dec as follows:
[k10, k2tog] four times; 44 sts.
Cont in St st until the last 4 rnds; work 4 rnds garter st, BO in last rnd. If working a one color cozy, a total of 28 rnds should be worked to get a 2¾–3" tall cozy.

Color sequences of samples
Neapolitan Dynamite
9 rnds each of hot pink, cream and chocolate Cherry Garcia
[4 rnds red, 4 rnds cream] repeat 3 times, end 4 rnds red.
Americone Dream
10 rnds moss, 18 rnds chocolate

Once felted, turn your pint upside down and force the cozy over the pint. Once shaped you can pull it back off and allow to dry...or flip rightside up, open pint and reward yourself!

Cossack Hat

Fall fashion is showing up in the mags already, ...start knitting to keep up with the designers! This hat is a classic and never goes out of style, no matter what the designers are showing!

One size

SIZE
Approximately 24” around x 8 1/2” high after felting

MATERIALS
3 Hanks BERROCO HIP-HOP (100 grs), #7227 Justus
16” Length circular knitting needle, size 13 OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE
1 Set double pointed knitting needles (dpn), size 13
1 St marker

GAUGE
10 sts = 4”; 15 rnds = 4” in St st on size 13 needles before felting
TO SAVE TIME, TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE

HAT
With circular needle, cast on 80 sts. Join, being careful not to twist sts. Mark for beg of rnd and carry mnrker up. Work even in St st (k EVERY rnd) for 11”.
Note: When decreasing, if there are too few sts to fit comfortably on circular needle, change to dpn’s.
Shape Crown: Dec Rnd 1: * K2, k2 tog, rep from * around – 60 sts. Work 8 rnds even.
Dec Rnd 2: * K1, k2 tog, rep from * around – 40 sts. Work 4 rnds even. Bind off.

FINISHING
Sew top seam. Felt by washing in washing machine with hot water and soap. Check fit often while washing. Shape by hand and allow to air dry.

Felted Knit Ombre Bag

One can never have enough bags! This is a great everyday bag, or make it your favorite knitting bag!

SIZE: One Size
18 in. wide x 14 in. tall (46 x 35.5 cm), after felting and not including handles

MATERIALS
• 820-111 Lion Brand Lion Wool: Midnight Blue 4 Balls (A)
• 820-178 Lion Brand Lion Wool: Dark Teal 3 Balls (B)
• 820-123 Lion Brand Lion Wool: Sage 3 Balls (C)
• 820-132 Lion Brand Lion Wool: Lemongrass 2 Balls (D)
• Size 11 [8 mm] 29-inch [75 cm] Circular Needles
• Stitch Markers
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles
• Additional Materials
3 yds (2.75 m) grosgrain ribbon, 5/8 in. (1.5 cm) wide
Sewing needle and thread

GAUGE:
11 sts + 15 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in St st worked in the round (k every round) with 2 strands held together, before felting. BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the
pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you less stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

COLOR SEQUENCE
4 in. (10 cm) with 2 strands of A held together,
2 in. (5 cm) with 1 strand each of A and B held together,
4 in. (10 cm) with 2 strands of B held together,
2 in. (5 cm) with 1 strand each of B and C held together,
4 in. (10 cm) with 2 strands of C held together,
2 in. (5 cm) with 1 strand each of C and D held together,
4 in. (10 cm) with 2 strands of D held together.

Base
With 2 strands of A held together, cast on 16 sts.
Work back and forth on circular needle, as if working on straight needles, in Garter st (k every row) until piece measures 21 in. (53.5 cm). Do not bind off.

Body
K16, pick up and k58 sts evenly spaced along adjoining side of base, pick up and k16 sts evenly spaced along short edge of base, pick up and k58 sts evenly spaced along remaining long side of base - 148 sts.
Begin working in the round and following Color Sequence.
Next Rnd: K1, place first marker, k14, place 2nd marker, k60, place 3rd marker, k14, place 4th marker, k59, place 5th marker (beg of rnd marker).
Next 3 Rnds: Knit.
Next Rnd: Knit, increase 1 st before markers 1, 2, 3 and 4 -152 sts.
Continuing in Color Sequence, rep last 4 rnds 7 more times - 180 sts.
Leave beg of rnd marker, remove all other markers. Continue in Color Sequence on 180 sts until all 22 in. (59 cm) of sequence have been completed. Bind off.

HANDLES (make 2)
With 2 strands of A held together, cast on 135 sts.
Rows 1-4: Knit.
Bind off.

FINISHING
Sew first and last 1 in. (2.5 cm) of Handles to either side of Bag, along the last row of the B/C color section.
Weave in ends.

Felting
Wash by machine on a hot wash/cold rinse cycle with detergent and several pieces of clothing to agitate. To felt additionally, dry by machine on a regular setting until almost dry. Remove from dryer and pull into shape.
Flatten Bag, WS out, on a flat surface. Cut 8 lengths of ribbon each 3 1/2 in. (9 cm). Sew a ribbon length about 3 in. (7.5 cm) below top edge and centered on WS of front for drawstring loop. In same way, sew a
length centered on back of Bag. Sew 3 lengths at each side of Bag, with one length centered on fold at side and two more, spaced 3 1/2 in. (9 cm) away.
Weave remaining ribbon through ribbon loops on inside of Bag, adjust as desired and knot ends.

The Little Coco Bag

A felted tote with a tailored look from Diane Sutliff
Materials:
2 skeins Cascade 220 (or comparable yarn) in Main Color
1 skein Cascade 220 (or comparable yarn) in Contrasting Color
#13 24” circular needles
a box about 4” x 10” x 12” eight 1/4” (6mm) grommets or eyelets, with setter tool and hammer

Gauge:
Since this is a felted project, gauge is unimportant. The large needle size ensures your knitting will be very loose, essential for successful felting. The base and body of this felted bag are worked with two strands of yarn. If you prepare your yarn as a center-pull ball, you can knit from both the inside and outside of the ball to make a double strand.

The Base:
With the Contrasting Color yarn, cast on 30 stitches.
Row 1: *Knit 1, slip 1*, repeat between *s until 2 stitches remain, knit 2.
Row 2: With yarn in front, slip 1 (as if to purl), purl to end.
Row 3: With yarn in back, *slip 1 (as if to purl), knit 1*, repeat between *s to end.
Row 4: as row 2
Row 5: With yarn in back, slip 1, *slip 1, knit 1* repeat between *s until 3 stitches remain.
Slip 1, knit 2.
Row 6: as row 2
Row 7: as row 3
Row 8: as row 2
Repeat rows 5-8 five times for a total of 28 rows.
Row 29: With yarn in back, slip 1 (as if to purl), knit all.

Picking Up Stitches All Around the Base:
Because you have slipped the first stitch of each row, you now have neat and tidy stitches
along the edges of your work – perfect for picking up! You should be able to count 14 stitches
along each side of the base.
Pick up 14 stitches along the left side of the base. Pick up 30 stitches along the original caston
edge of the base. Pick up 14 stitches along the last side of the base. Place marker. You
should have a total of 88 stitches and be set to knit the body of the bag in the round.

The Piped Edge:
To give the base a nice, crisp edge and a little more strength, we will make a piped edge along
the base using the contrasting color yarn.
Continuing with the Contrasting Color, knit two rows in the round, ending at the marker.
Switch to the Main Color. *With the right needle, pick up the back of the stitch 3 rows below the first stitch on the left needle. (see photo) (This stitch will be from the “knit all” row before you began picking up stitches around the base of the bag.) Place this stitch on the left needle. Knit 2 together.*
Repeat between *s around the base of the bag until you reach the marker.

The Body:
Continuing with the Main Color, knit all rows until the height of the bag is about one-and-ahalf
times as long as the front of the base of the bag (the original 30 cast on stitches. You
should have very little yarn left. Stop at the marker, break off yarn.
The bag may seem too tall, but remember you lose about one-third of the height of the bag
and only one-fourth of the bag in width when you felt.

The I-Cord Cast Off:
With two strands of the Contrasting Color, cast three stitches on the left needle.
*Knit 2. Slip1 (as if to purl). Knit 1 (this will be a stitch from the body of the bag.) With the left needle, pass the slipped stitch over the last knit stitch. Slip the three Contrasting Color
stitches back onto the left needle.* Repeat between *s all around the top of the body of the bag
until all body stitches have been knitted. Cast off the three stitches, leaving a long tail. With the tail, weave the ends of the I-cord cast-off together as seamlessly as you can so there is not
lump when the felting is complete.

The I-Cord Strap:
With Contrasting Color and continuing to double-strand, cast on 2 stitches. *Knit 2. Slip these two stitches back onto the left needle.* Repeat between *s until your I-cord measures about 9
feet without stretching.

Felting:
Place your bag and the I-cord in a zippered pillowcase or in a regular pillowcase held closed with a snug rubber band. Set your top-loading washer on the smallest load size. Add just a
few tablespoons of laundry soap. Set the water temp to hot wash/cold rinse. Place the loaded pillowcase and one or two pairs of jeans in the washer. Do not use towels or other types of fabric, because they will release lint that will lock itself into your felt. Start the washer. You might want to check on the progress of your felting during the cycle while you become more familiar with the felting process. Fully felted fabric should no longer have visible stitches, and should not stretch much when pulled on the bias.
The cold water rinse gives an additional shock to the wool and helps the felting process along. With Cascade 220 yarns and the hottest water I could muster, the handbags in the photo took two complete cycles. Some felting guides recommend skipping the spin cycle, because it can create creases in your finished product. These creases can often be steamed out with an iron. If you opt not to use the spin cycle, squeeze the handbag in a thirsty towel to get out as much water as possible, so the bag will dry within your lifetime.

Blocking:
To give the Coco Bag its distinctive rectangle shape, you need a box that is just the right size: 10” x 4” x 12”. Amazon often ships in a perfect box, so save your packages! I was able to purchase shipping boxes at an office supply store that measured 10” x 4” x 6”, and stacked two high.
Cover the box(es) with a plastic grocery sack and stretch the damp, shriveled, felted bag over the box. Stretching is good! The snugger the fit, the crisper the shape of the final bag. (You
might even decide at this point to run the bag through an additional wash cycle.) Put the bag near a radiator or heat vent and let dry. This might take a few days, depending on how wet your bag is to start. Stretch out the damp I-cord, and hang it to dry. Really stretch it!

Finishing:
When the bag is perfectly dry, trim off any excess ends of yarn that have worked free. They will look like little rainbow dreadlocks. DO NOT CUT OFF THE TAILS OF YARN AT EITHER END OF YOUR I-CORD! Those ends will help you thread the I-cord through the eyelets.

Felted Bowl...A Place to Hold Your Stuff

Knit a cool little bowl to keep your little things together. Make a few to display!

Materials:
one skein of Caron Felt-It, 93 yards (I used color 003, Wildflowers) or any comparable 100 percent wool yarn
one pair size 11 circular needles, with 24-inch cord
scissors
crochet hook or tapestry needle
washing machine or sink for felting

Gauge:
Fifteen stitches and 16 rows equals four inches in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not critical, but you'll want to get somewhere close.
Finished size:
Before felting is 6 inches by 8 inches for the base of the bowl and 8 inches for the sides of the bowl. After felting, the diameter of the base is about 5.5 inches and the sides of the bowl are 5.5 inches.

Instructions:
Cast on 24 stitches.
Work flat in stockinette stitch for 32 rows.
After you knit the 32nd row, begin to pick up and knit one stitch for every other row of the sides and one stitch for every other stitch along the bottom of the piece, for a total of 68 stitches.
Join in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. Add a stitch marker before the last stitch to mark the end of the row.
Knit every row in the round until the piece measures 8 inches from the picked-up stitches.
Bind off. Trim any excess yarn and weave in ends.
Felt using your washing machine or by hand until piece is desired size.

Project Tips:
If you want to make and felt a gauge swatch before knitting this project, you will likely need just a little more than a skein of yarn, or you will end up with a slightly shallower bowl, which is perfectly fine.
I felted this project in my washing machine on the lowest water setting and the highest temperature setting. It took about 10 minutes to complete the felting process.

OK...It's Cold in Austin...

...Cold enough for wearing my felted wool hats! These hats were made from patterns from one of my favorite knitting books: Hip Knit Hats by Cathy Carron!

Felted Hat

I love felting hats, even when you think you know how it's going to turn out, they sometimes surprise you! Here's a cool little topper! Pattern from the book Hip Knit Hats!

Knitting fun & fast!

Hi All,

I wanted to start a blog on knitting quick projects. I'm always on the go or multitasking at home. So, what I like to knit the most are quick projects. Now don't get me wrong, I do knit the occasional sweater, but I like fast fun projects... hats, scarves, ponchos, bags. I also felt alot of my projects.

I'm always looking for hip, funky patterns that are fun and fast.

Share your cool knitting accesories too!

Please join my blog and share your patterns and photos.