I’ve completed step one of my mystery project. This is probably record time on a project for me, but as I said, I’ve been a little obsessed over this one. I have no idea why, just the challenge maybe, or the thought of having something useful at the end.

I’m making myself a purse. I love the look of the felted bags I’ve seen out there, but I want more than that. I was going for some shaping, a long strap, and I plan on making a lining with pockets. (Pockets in my purses are one of those futile attempts I make to get my life more organized.)

I have the knitted bag complete now, and ready for felting.

I love the colors, but I can’t take credit for them. Remember this yarn is from a collection of Noro odds and ends I found on Destash. There were three full or mostly full skeins of Kureyon and one partial. I’ve used pretty much every single inch of it here. My dream the other night was about how to shape the three panels and attach them together to get the curve at the sides. I have special plans for pockets using that shaping. The side panels were knit wide, and the center panel long and narrow, so besides the contrast between the colors, there’s the contrast between the longer and shorter shifts in the colors. Maybe it’s just weird, but I like it.

Now comes the scary part in the felting. I’ve never felted anything before - accidentally or intentionally. I’ve studied up, read several sets of instructions, and I’m ready to make a run at it. Of course, my old and very tired washing machine doesn’t do hot water and for all practical purposes doesn’t actually agitate anything, so I’m headed over to my Mom’s to give it a go there. Wish me luck!