rainbow

Hehe, this is one of those projects that didn't turn out exactly as I had planned... but totally has it's own charm about it. Of course the trolls add just the right factor of whimsy. There is just something about that hair with the fuzzy pouch...

I knitted up this purse project as a demo for a pattern I am planning for my knitting class, put it in the washer to felt and was then besides myself with giggles when it came out. BOY did it felt! Well it wasn't going to work for an adult or even a tween purse... but it was magically transformed into the perfect little treasure pouch. Pixie quickly found the perfect use for it. Unfortunately I forgot to snap a pre-felted photo.

Materials
size 10.5 needles
7 colors 100% wool worsted weight yarn (I used scrapes of several different brands)

Gauge = 3.75 sts per inch

CO 35 (work in stockinette stitch).
Work color A for 10 rows.
Work colors B, C, D, E, F for 8 rows each.
Work color G for 20 rows.
Work colors F, E, D, C, B for 8 rows each.
Work color A for 10 rows.
Bind off.
You should now have a long rectangle.
Fold over two rows on the top and bottom edges. Using the tail yarn, tack them down so that they are attached on the wrong side and that color A only appears 8 rows long on the right side. This will give the opening a slightly firmer edge.
Fold the rectangle in half in the middle of color G and sew up the sides.
Pick up 5 stitches on the top edge, near one of the side seams and knit an I-cord (or work in st st) for 40” (you don't actually need to work in an i-cord... because the st st curls... it will felt as an i-cord in the wash).
Bind off and attach the strap to other side.

Finished, sewn up but non-felted dimensions = approx 9” wide x 11” long.

Felted it ended up approx 6.5” wide  x 5.5” long with a 30” strap.

BTW - Those of you who have been following along with my knitting lessons will find some new lessons posted again after the holidays. We will learn a new way of casting on, some basic increase and decrease stitches for minor shaping, we will also learn about felting and how to dye our own yarn.

I have a few things to share this morning. First, I am so loving the rainbow yarn picture that I set it as my desktop wallpaper. I've added it to our free desktop wallpaper collection in case any of you would enjoy the wooly rainbow on your desktop, just choose the appropriate size. Once the images opens you can just right click on it to set it as your desktop background.

Second, we have received several comments and emails about the yarn. The yarn I am using is from a company called Lorna's Laces. The specific Green Line DK yarn does appear to be discontinued but their fabulous colorways are available on other yarns. My mother purchased her yarn from Jimmy Beans Wool and they do have some more Green Line Dk yarn left but not the rainbow, they also carry Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted Yarn and although the Rainbow appears to be out of stock I would suggest trying Endless Possibilities. Other yarns I would look at include Knitpick's Chroma, Noro Kureyon, Lion Brand Amazing, or even something like Berroco Sox Metalic (even though it is a lighter weight yarn, the metallic thread would add some holiday sparkle).

Do you have a suggestion for a yarn with a fabulous colorway to use for the Christmas Tree Garland project? Please share your favorites.

And third, I have been spending a lot of time on Ravelry lately with all my knitting projects. I will also be teaching a beginning knitting class this fall and will be sharing my lessons with everyone here. So for those of you who also love to knit, crochet or spin... or are looking forward to learning to knit this fall, I've started a Ravelry group, Wee Folk Art Knits. It is a forum where you can chat with other Wee Folk Art fans about your wooly projects. So if you hang out on Ravelry, be sure to stop by and say hi.

Thanks to one everyone that entered this giveaway from Enchanted World of Needle Felting. Marie's work is so soft and peaceful, that it would be a joy to own anything she makes :) So, of course, we would like to thank Marie for her talents and generosity. And now... the winner is...

Submitted by This Cosy Life (Julie) on Fri, 06/24/2011 - 07:46.

Marie's work is simply magical and she is the absolute sweetest! I have been eyeing the spring, Seeds of Life fairies for a while. They are gorgeous!

Congratulations, Julie! We hope your family cherishes this lovely journal. Please email us at weefolkart@yahoo.com with your snail mail address so Marie can ship you the journal. If we do not hear from you in 1 week, a new winner will be selected.

Thanks again to Marie, for being a guest blogger on Wee Folk Art and for sponsoring this lovely giveaway. You can visit Marie's blog Soft Earth World or her Etsy shop Enchanted World of Needle Felting to keep up with her creative pursuits.