Felted bag, part deux

Since I am still getting lovely and complimentary comments about my felted bag, I thought I'd post the second one I made, which turned out much, MUCH better. So much better that I was sorely tempted to keep it for myself, but I caved to my friend's demands and gave it to her.

Click here to see.

Absolutely Fabulously Finished

It is with great pleasure that I proclaim...that I have finally finished the Victoria Shrug that I made for My Muse. It all began with the Crochet Me CAL. I wanted to find something classic, refined..yet timeless to make for her. She is a very generous soul and inspires all who let her. After thumbing through the book for something that epitomizes her spirit..I kept finding myself gravitating to the Victorian Shrug on the cover. The model on the cover reminded me of her (except that she is African-American); simple elegance. I polled many co-workers and they all agreed that it was perfect for her. I wanted to give it to her for Christmas, but could not get it perfect enough to give to her. Whenever I make something for someone, I want my work to be the best it can be. So I kept at it until I was finished. I was worried that it would be too big, too small or the material was wrong. Anyhoo...I finished...but wait....I did not have the perfect button. I looked high and low. I put the sweater away ...unfinished...determined that she would not see it until I found the perfect button.. Fast forward...my Aunt Mildred (Mildred Baldwin) gave me a box of beads, buckles, pendants and what-nots. I looked in the cigar box filled with these things at least once or twice a week. Lo and behold I look once more and discovered a lovely golden "dragonfly" pendant. I decided to confess to My Muse my dilemma and inquired as to how she felt about dragonfly's. She exclaims, "That's the name of my favorite watering hole...The Dragonfly" I explained that I finally found the perfect button for her sweater; brought in the pendant for her approval...and she approved. I researched her favorite watering hole online and found that the dragonfly that they use as a logo is almost exactly like the pendant. I added it to shrug and it was PERFECT! I am glad that I waited for the perfect button. I wanted to have it dry-cleaned, but felt nervous about how it would be returned to me..also one dry cleaner wanted $8 just to steam the sweater. I fumed and decided that I would find another way to block it. I told my aunt about my dilemma and she told me to take my steam iron, with a towel over it and do it myself. She also is giving me my own professional steamer. It belonged to my grandmother; her mother..who was a professional seamstress for many years. So, I gave the sweater to her today...in the Christmas gift bag that I purchased...with a note. She found me soon as she saw it...gave me a big hug...exclaimed..."It's perfect and beautiful!....Thank you soooo much!" I could not have been happier. I put a lot of time and love into making it for her...she is a very special person who helped me to appreciate myself and all that I have to offer the world! I know that I have made a friend for life and am better for it.

Finally finished!

I've been afraid of cutting holes in the felted messenger bag for ages, but finally just gritted my teeth and did it over the weekend. And it didn't fall apart!

Victorian Shrug ~~ At an Impasse!

I have technically finished my Victorian Shrug, but can't seem to find the perfect button. I will block it to get the shape that I want. I am embarrassed that it took me this look to get this far. I started out with cheesy yarn and it was huge; I frogged it on the second version, but noticed that the red yarns I purchased were two different colors. I changed focused, finished some other projects that were long overdue, then resumed. I poured my bag of fancy buttons out and found that they were too cheesy and plastic to use. I have a clear button for the inside, but unable to find that one button for the outside. The shape looks a little wide at the bottom, but I'm sure blocking will fix that. I actually did another pattern from the book for a friend..Shades of Plaid scarf by Julie Holetz...she complimented me on my work..thanks Julie! I am onto my next Crochet Me project....maybe the Mesmerize Sweater or the Babydoll dress! My Crafty Chick group member is holding the sweater up during one of our group meet-ups.

Thanks for creating a great book and allowing me to participate in this Crochet Revolution!

Valeria aka NannDee..(~.~)

One for Me!

My Cardi
Originally uploaded by rchach

Comfy Cardi from Crochet Me

Designed by me , Tweaked by me for me (may be one of the only times I get to say that)

Started in January, finished lace in a few days, put it down for a long while. Then finally finished the ribbing the last few days. I'm really happy with how it came out. I made the large size in the chest and small size in the arms. Plus I shortened it to elbow length. All the details of that are on my blog here. Pretty amazed that I finally have something for me! Can't wait to wear it, too bad it was 70 here yesterday, not the best weather for alpaca; but I am sure it will be cool again soon.

Details:
Yarn: elann.com, Pure Alpaca Fina, 5 skeins! (I know- totally a steal! A cute cardi and it didn't cost much at all!)

Hook: F Clover Hook

Notions: Large Mission Falls Button

Icelandic Turtleneck Back on Track

I finally started working on the turtleneck again this weekend after a hiatus since before Christmas. I'm just up to the bust increases now, and I had my sister (the intended owner) try it on this morning. So far so good, and the color looked really great against her skin tone. I didn't have my camera with me at the time, but I'll try to get a good progress shot soon!