Amanda’s Squatty Sidekick April 2, 2008
- Pattern: Amanda’s Squatty Sidekick; on Ravelry.
- Yarn: Newton’s Yarn Country Merino Felt Wool, most of one 500 yard hank, green.
- Needles: 10½ KnitPicks Options.
- Elapsed time: February 15, 2008 to April 2, 2008.
- Finished size: 11¾ wide x 6¼ high, after felting, not including the handle.
- Notes: Now I understand. This felting thing that’s been all the rage of late is fun. I finished knitting this little bag back in February. When I posted about it both Karen and Robin (blogless) said that they just toss the item to be felted into an old pillowcase, secure it—in Karen’s case with a rubber
band—and toss it into the washer. Robin usually just ties the end of the pillowcase, but complained about it being difficult to untie. Hm. Wanting this to be stupid easy, I found myself a wide rubber band, one that’s only three inches in diameter, an old dark green pillowcase, tucked the knitting inside, folded the pillowcase over, doubled the rubber band around it, and tossed into a tub of hot water with a cap-full of Eucalan, and let the agitation begin.
At first nothing really happened. Then I remembered reading somewhere that a pair of jeans makes a good agitator. Fetched some old jeans, tossed those in too, and then something started to happen. I checked every few minutes or so, and had tons of fun watching the felting process. Even with all my starts and stops, the felting only took about 15 minutes or so. I put the pillowcase and the jeans in the dryer, folded up an old green towel, and tucked it inside the purse to keep it from drying too flat. It dried like a champ. I sewed on the perfect button I found for it at Stitches West, and voila! It’s done. Woot! The purse shrunk from 13 inches wide to barely 11¾ inches wide, and from 9½ inches high to only 6¼ inches high—not counting the handle. I carry too much stuff around with me for this to make a viable handbag, but it’s the perfect size to bring a sock project along with me, or something else that’s small. I’m totally excited, probably irritatingly smug as well, but so pleased with how this turned out that I don’t care.
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The folks at Ravelry had a ton of fun yesterday, what with it being April Fool’s Day and all. Jess and Casey started their own share of leg-pulling. And they gave us all party hats to wear! Very silly, all in all, but also terribly fun. Ricki doesn’t look amused, does she?
I don’t know about you, but though I’ve been accused of it, and do have my occasional moments, I’ve never been an exceptionally speedy typist. I’m a reasonable typist. See? Proof is in the putting. It took me countless tries to get even this good of a score. Give it a try. It’s actually rather fun. When you get to the end of each line, hit the space bar to get to the next batch of words. I didn’t realize my first time through, so that initial score was incredibly pitiful. Sorry, but I don’t remember whose blog I saw this on yesterday, because I didn’t write it down. Doh.
Cheryl April 2
I only took the test one time, but I only got 46 wpm! I suck.
Angela April 2
LOVE the purse!
I got a terrible score; just makes it more obvious that when I post how long it takes me…. see? Aren’t you lucky? I post here all the time!
score= 48
Karen April 2
Hurray, the felted purse looks great. And so fun, no?? Glad the rubber band thing worked for you.
Off to take the typing test now.
~Kristie April 2
That button really makes the bag perfect. I’m so glad you felted it and I can’t wait to see it in person.
I don’t dare take a typing test with these nails. Back in “the day” though I was around 100 wpm. Ridiculous huh?
Mikki April 3
I tried your typing test. I get 69. I think the back space key should be counted. then i would probably be in the high 90’s…:-)
Robin April 4
I love your button. Very pretty. There, now you’ve done a felting project from start to finish!! Yay. I keep doing that stupid typing test. You would have thought I would have had enough of that in school, 6 years, and then more in college. What a glutton. Sheesh.