It’s been a while since I last posted.  I’ve been devoting most of my energy over the past several months to healing my shoulder.  I’m happy to say it is MUCH improved (thanks in part to a wonderful massage therapist named Denise, and I am back to crocheting again.

Felted Crocheted Coasters Made the Perfect Christmas Gifts

I used Cascade 220 wool for the purple and black coasters.  For the purple variegated coasters, I used Manos del Uruguay Space-Dyed wool yarn.  For the red variegated coasters, I’m really not sure what the yarn is.  I think it’s a Cascade yarn.  All the yarn came from my stash, and I have to admit, I haven’t been that good at keeping them properly labeled.

Most wool yarns are suitable for felting. Just make sure it’s not “superwash” which is wool yarn treated with chemicals so it doesn’t shrink. If it doesn’t shrink, it won’t felt.

Projects That Have Languished Are Finally Felted

Since I had to felt the coasters, I decided to also felt several projects that I’d finished TWO YEARS AGO! and never got around to felting.  The main project is a market bag that I had the sense to create a fairly detailed pattern for.

And because of problems I’d had with my washing machine back when I was felting like a fool in 2007, I decided to re-felt two of three purses.  I adapted this little purse from a pattern I found in Felted Crochet by Jane Davis.  The original purse has a long,tapered bottom.  I didn’t like it so I eliminated it to create this cute little bag.

The red purse was knitted from a Manos del Uruguay yarn.  I had never felted this one, so it was the first time being felted.  The little blue purse is also knitted and re-felted.  But it shrank a little more than I expected, so I need to add something to the flap to make it a little longer.  Haven’t decided what yet.

Crocheted Market Bag Pattern

A big plus that came from completing these old projects is that I also decided to create a pattern for sale, something I’ve been wanting to get into for awhile.  I’d already published one pattern, and I didn’t want this new venture into publishing to languish.

So that’s how I began 2010.  I’m not making any resolutions per se, but my goal is to do more designing, pattern creating, and publishing.  Another goal is to come up with a simple method for lining these felted bags.

2010 is shaping up to be a busy year for me.  And it’s my year, the Chinese year of the Tiger, so I know I’m going to succeed!

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