03.15.07
My First Completed Felt Project
I’m a bit jazzed today because I just finished my very “first” felt project! I’ve been thinking of doing one for a long time, and finally got down to doing it. There are so many cute things to try like felted slippers and hats. But for now, I thought I would try something very simple. It’s called a “booga bag.” I recommend it as a first/beginners project. So here’s my before and after shots. I got the free pattern online from Black Sheep Bags. This one is for my mom, and in the colors she likes. I want to try another bag for my auntie, and one for myself, heheheh.
The picture below is the bag after I completed knitting it, but before it went into the wash to get felted:
And the picture below is the completed bag after felting and blocking and with the straps attached. As you can see, it shrinks quite a bit. I picked up a talisman from Chinatown today, and attached it to the strap on the left.
I’m pleased with the way this came out, and it gives me encouragement that I can do these things. I can’t wait to start another project!
Marlakins 
Andrea said,
March 16, 2007 at 9:38 am
Hey Marla, that’s beautiful. Did you know there are northern indigenous peoples–maybe Lapps, I’m not sure–who use, or anyway used, felt for their shelters? Felt tents! That sounds very warm to me . . . Andrea
Administrator said,
March 16, 2007 at 2:17 pm
I’m glad you like it, Andrea! And thanks for sharing that bit about the Lapps. I didn’t know that. I just tried to do a search for a picture of one, but no luck. I may just stop off at the library to see what they have. I have seen yurts and other shelters like that, but didn’t know that some were made of felt. But I do like that style, and was thinking of making a modified saddle bag of some sort just because I like the way they look. I also found another blogger who designed a felted AP bag that was very nice. She even gives out the pattern for free, so that’s another project I want to start. For now, I’ve started another bag for my auntie, but I’m modifying the pattern to see how well I do with making adjustment. I want a flap to go over the top to close the bag, and may want to make it more of a backpack style. I’ll see how it goes. I have two cousins visiting here for a few weeks, so hopefully, I’ll get hers all done, so they can take it back with them.
Laters!
Marla