Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Two Days in the Bag

This is a bag that I am uncertain about, love the color, love the handles, took two days to make it. I used a resist that was too large for the shrinkage that I should have figured into the bag. I think it is the shape that is throwing me off a bit on the bag, there is something about the asymmetrical and the symmetrical that is not working for me. I think the flap needs to be longer, the do-dad shortened. But I learned a lot making this bag. This wool was from an older sheep, and was full of spinning oil. It made the felting process much longer than it needed to be and the rinsing long. It did take the dye very well though. I used Jacquard Dyes in the crock pot. It was a combination of Aztec Gold and Burnt Orange. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike the bag. I just wish I like it more than I do.

I am taking the next few days to work in the flower beds, getting them cleaned out of old leaves, removing the myrtle that has over grown every where, just enjoying the wonderful weather that we are having here in southwest Michigan. It has been wonderful

11 comments:

maggie said...

Well, I reckon it's a fab bag !!
The colours, shape and quirkyness.

Hooked On Felt said...

My friend Martha writes:
suzanne,
the bag is gorgeous!!!! it was well worth the effort. i love the color!
martha

florcita said...

I really like the bag. I like the color and the swirl. You are right that maybe the flap should be a bit longer to counterbalance the asymmetry... but it's really nice!

Jagusia said...

Beautiful bag!
Super color (so sunny) and form

Kelly said...

I really like the handles on this bag! I am VERY new to felting and wonder if there is a book or anything on the net that could guide me in learning how to make them? Thanks for any guidance you can offer!

Hooked On Felt said...

Kelly, thanks for stopping by!
There is a website with video tutorials on it that I think might be very helpful for you. Look along my blog roll and find Terri Pike. Go to her site. Wonderful tutorials.
For attaching them to a bag, email me after you see the videos. I can help you further,ok?
Suzanne

Kelly said...

Thanks for the info Suzanne! I am having fun learning. I have even learned that I must work on being patient- the felt will be ready when it's ready- which is not always when I want it to be ready! :)

Anonymous said...

You're being to picky....the bag is sweet; and, some of us just love asymmetry!!! Can see nothing wrong w/ it. Maybe it'll grow on you.

Leedra said...

I like it just the way it is. Like the 2 straps. The straps look like the ones I put on my purses, except I have only been putting one. The last couple of days I had thought about putting more than one, wasn't sure what I thought. You have convinced me to try it. I don't wet felt (yet) but hand knit then felt and needle felt to the felted purse.

Really like the length of the do-dad (as you called it). I think the over all look is great.

Hooked On Felt said...

Kelly,
I am learning more and more to take the felting on the slow track. I suppose speed has it's place for some, but I am growing more willing to let to process take me, rather than me taking the process. I seem to learn more about how the particular fiber are working, or not working, together. Be generous with yourself and allow the wool to teach you. It is an amazing "Giver"

Unknown said...

Love the shape of the bag - especially the little spiky bits and the handles!

Jude
ilikelichen.wordpress.com