Giant Mitten Cardigan Knit Sweater

I am so in awe of Pam Hinshaw's latest knitting and must admit the 2 color stranded Latvian style pattern is a technique that astounds me. Especially when I read her notes on Ravelry, actually she used 3 different patterns and 2 technique resource books to achieve the uninterrupted design.

The main pattern Pam used is by designer Meg Swansen, Giant Latvian Mitten Cardigan WG67. You can read Pam's note on the special effects she used to create this lovely sweater and see other views of it on the Ravelry page linked above. Pam wrote to me that she "modeled for the photos on the shore of Lake Red Rock in Iowa on a breezy August 10 and the wool was soft and so comfortable". I do appreciate the compliment on our wool yarn.

Felt Tote Bag

This is my first large scale specific design of cutwork, it reminded me of cutting steeks in knitting - more difficult mentally than physically. The colors are based on the 2011 Felt United theme of red, purple and blue. The blended red/purples are hand dyed Marr Haven roving which wrap around to a back side of silver blue/grey.

The bag is 12 inches wide, 14 1/2 inches tall measured to the top of the bag. The strap handles are 7 1/2 inches taller so you can carry it over your shoulder. There is nearly 9 ounces of wool fulled into very dense felt giving the strength needed for whatever might be carried in it.

The strap material is commercially felted wool, polished into extremely tight material that required much soaking and manipulation to open the surface fibers to attach to the bag wool. Pam Wheelock of Purrfectplay.com acquired the felt pieces and allowed me try this.