At the retreat, we took six classes -- a six-hour class, a four-hour class, and four two-hour classes. The two-hour classes were either technique-based or a small, quick project. Two of the ones I took were techniques - Crochet 101 and Adding Beads - and two were little projects. If you know me at all, you know that I love bags and pouches and that sort of thing, so it won't surprise you to know that I LOVE both of my tiny little projects!
Pattern: Aran iPod Carrier by Susan Matheson (Ravelry link)
Size: a little bigger than called for :-)
Yarn: Reynolds Wash Day Wool, less than one skein
Needles: US2/2.75mm
Time: March 2008
Such a cute little pouch! I made this a little bigger than called for in the pattern -- the pattern had two x's and two o's on each side, but I added an extra o for some added height, since iPhones are bigger than iPods and I wasn't sure what I would carry in this. It's the perfect size to carry and completely cover my iPod (above), or to hold the iPhone with a little bit sticking out (below). The pattern calls for an i-cord strap, but I omitted that since I'll never use this with a handle -- it just protects the iPod when I'm carrying it in my purse. This was a quick, fun little knit. And it's orange - NOT a color I usually gravitate towards, but it seemed right for this for some reason!
And next, a new technique to me: needle felting! We needle felted on premade felt bags. Some of my classmates made gorgeous designs (even some "paintings") but I wasn't feeling terribly inspired, so I went for a basic swirl. I am, however, proud of how I carried the roving up and around the handle, even making the colors meet where it joins the roving at the bag body (I didn't photograph it in that detail, but trust me, it does!)
I need to go back over this some more with my felting needle, since the roving is still a little loose. This was a really fun thing to do, too -- I'd been wanting to try needle felting for some time, and this was a perfect first project! And the best part? The bag is EXACTLY the right size to be a sleeve for my little netbook. It couldn't be any more perfect -- it's as if it were made for it specifically. Gotta love that kind of serendipity!
