Funky Fiber Art Handbag

Materials:

wool blend yarn – yarn #1
eyelash yarn
tapestry needle
small scissors
size 11 bamboo knitting needles
pre-beaded trim on a ribbon
needle and thread
recycled man's oxford cloth shirt
pinking sheers
sewing machine
2 different types of beads for chain (strap)
nylon-coated stainless steel wire
bead needle
iron and ironing board
washer and dryer

1. Cast on 19 stitches with wool blend yarn #1 (figure A).

2. Knit the front of the handbag with yarn #1 for 29 rows.

3. Add the second yarn, a double thickness of eyelash yarn, and knit both yarns together for the last five rows creating a fuzzy cuff around the top (figure B).

4. Cast off.

5. Repeat for the back purse section (figure C).

6. Whipstitch the front and back sections together with a large tapestry needle (figure D).

7. Cast on four stitches with yarn #1 and knit 28 rows for the bottom panel with yarn #1 (figure E).

8. Sew the bottom panel to the front and back sections of the bag using yarn and a whipstitch.

• Stretch the bottom panel to fit the front and back bottom edges.
• When the bag is felted, the bottom will be the appropriate size (figure F).

9. Trim all stray pieces of yarn.

10. Wash the bag in a washing machine using hot water, full cycle.