Saga of the Pink Purse (Part II) an Other UFOs

It's done, and it's beautiful, if I do say so myself.

(Drawstring Bag by Janet Russell, Patons Classic Wool in Woodrose Heather)

I did have an interesting experience with felting. Thinking I was being clever, I ran a piece of acrylic string through the holes to hold the I-cord before I felted the purse and cord. The purse felted beautifully, even though I mistakenly ran the purse through the spin cycle. Apparently, I did not do a great job tying the string, however, and several of the holes felted over completely. Those that still could be identified had shrunk to the size of the string. I no longer had functioning holes for the I-cord. After a consultation on a Ravelry forum, I took a big knitting needle and punched holes through the fabric. As you can see, it worked beautifully. The flower is a pre-made flower I picked up at a big box craft store (when will I learn!).

I now have the ladybug bib and a felted purse for my two nieces. I still need to make something for my nephew. The good and the bad news is that I may have some time to begin a project. We are no longer convinced they are coming to visit. At first, they told us that they would visit in June, and now they think they may come in July. We're all a little skeptical, but I still want to be prepared.

MODERN CABLED BABY BIB (by gibsongirl, in Tumbleweed of Lily's Sugar n' Cream Naturals)

I finished the dreaded cabled baby bib, though I'm not as happy with it as I had hoped.

First, I discovered a very big oops. The cable pattern is six rows. I consistently did only 2 of those six rows the entire bib. I realize that the consistency of my mistake creates a "design" as opposed to an "oops," but I'm not sure you can call the bib a "cabled" baby bib. Maybe it's more of a "baby bib with rod." I'm also not thrilled with the yarn because it makes both the pattern and the adorable rocking horse button very difficult to see. My nanny's granddaughter arrived on April 10, so it was time to finish the bib and to send it to the new parents.

I do want to go on the record that, after listening to Kelley's podcast about weaving in ends, I took a needle and thread and sewed my yarn ends into the fabric. Go me!

I have more to tell about a very cool scarf and the baby surprise jacket, but that will have to wait. Tomorrow is a big day. I'm going to Stitches South. I'm not able to take any classes this year, but I am going to the market with credit card in hand. I plan to do my patriotic duty and contribute to the economy. Have a great Friday!