This weekend, I finished my felted bag (unfinished version here). It took a form of its own. It organically grew as I stitched. I had no clear idea of the end result, but once I made the strap, it felt as if it should be vine-like. I made two more vine stems. Then leaves had to be added.
The strap turned out to be too short, so I added a bit of length to it. Rather than try to hide my mistake, I incorporated a branching stem and a leaf. I felted the button. Putting anything else was too jarring among the vines and leaves. I enjoyed making this bag. I want to see how it changes as I use it over the next few months. Its cheerful and feels like I’m wearing a piece of art. Albeit, my own art.
Making this type of bag, with a resist, is addictive. I shall be making more. One of the best aspects of making anything felt, is that the children can join in and make their own. I even taught a grown-up friend this week, and she is off this weekend making more and teaching another. AJ made a purse, which is not finished, but I’m sure she won’t mind me showing it here.
The one on top is her purse and mine, still waiting to be finished as well, is the one underneath. AJ is so pleased with her purse and cannot wait to make more. She is so full of ideas, I’m afraid she might pop. I’ll try to put a child friendly tutorial up, to show the process, as AJ had so much fun.
This weekend, I have started on my alpaca wool. I’ve spun the first bobbin and only stopped because it was bedtime. I’ll try to do some more tonight. It is so soft and rewarding to spin. One of the many lessons I have learnt, by spinning this alpaca fleece, is that I need to tie my long hair up when spinning. Especially when it is the same colour as the fleece! Hmm.
O wow and double wow that bag is stunning i love it what a beauty. Love the colours and the design. Your little purses are so sweet must be lovely for your daughter to make them with you. Enjoy your week, dee x
Hi Dee. Thank you for your kind words. I love it when the children craft alongside me. Twice as fun!
😀 WOW…………..that is fabulous, I’ve never felted but it looks an exciting process, I love the way it evolves while you’re working with it, you’re right, it is a work of art and you should be very proud of it.
lily x
Oh lily. You are too kind! 🙂 I love the way that felting evolves and that there is no wrong results.
Your bag is just gorgeous. I love the colours and the design. Looking forward to seeing more felted bags! 🙂
Anne xx
Thanks Anne. I have no ideas for the other purse yet. I’m sure something will come to me, once I get started.
A work of art, indeed! That purse is absolutely gorgeous! I do believe you could get a small fortune for it. But, I do hope you never part with it. Ahh, alpaca! I so want one of my very own. I promise to learn to spin if one would just come live with me. 🙂
Oh Rain. I don’t think I could part with this bag! I’d love a small herd of alpacas. I’ve heard such lovely things about them. I’ll have to keep dreaming.
the green and blue is great! love the leaves too.
Thanks Megan. The vibrancy of the colours cheer me up.
It really is a work of art!! I was thinking the other day that writing poetry is really just playing with words. You start off one direction and then change direction unplanned with the flow of the words. Your purse is the same. If the strap hadn’t been too short you wouldn’t have played the same way. The ‘mistake’ gave the bag it’s most defining character!! I absolutely LOVE it!
Blessings, Debbie
Debbie, you say the most wonderful things. Its lovely to know that there are other people that “get it”. An interesting comparison with poetry. I have never thought of myself as an artist. I’m a crafter, of hopefully, beautiful things.
Wow – Love it Cheryl, seriously love it! 😀
Ah shucks! I’m glad you like it! 🙂