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Pattern by: me*

Yarn: Knit Picks Merino Style in Fog and Coal

Needles: Size US3

Finished Size: About 11.5″ X 11.5″

Man, how long did it take me to do this? It’s been hanging around for months. And I had already done all the harder stuff (i.e. figuring out the intarsia pattern), so I don’t know what took me so long. But now that it’s done, I’ll take her everywhere. I can bring knitting with me and show off my kitty at the same time. Even on top of tall tall buildings.

Here’s a pic of the finished lining. I turned over a bit of the knitting and sewed it over the lining to make a nice edge. Yay!

Progress on the Ursula Bag is, in fact, creeping along. Just a little hand-sewing left to go. And then I’m off to town with my new little tote.

I had a little brain fart trying to figure out the best way to fashion the lining. I was gonna make it all complicated and awesome, but then I decided I didn’t want to use my brain on the weekend so I made it simple and awesome. Eat your heart out, Kate Spade. Or don’t.

I’m revving up the machine (finally) to sew the lining of my Ursula Bag (in a stripey corduroy fabric). Yay I’m so excited. Yay Ursula is so excited.

I plan on making a bag out of the fabric with the same measurements as the knitted bag, and then simply placing it inside and sewing the top edges together. Maybe this is not the best way to do it, but either way I don’t mind. The bag is not structured, it’s supposed to be “floppy,” so I believe it will turn out fine. I will also be sewing a fabric lining to one side of the shoulder strap, to strengthen it.

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In unrelated summer news, I decided to make a summery-top-sweater-thing. The pattern is a Cashmere Lace Blouse from Loop-d-Loop. Subtract the cashmere (too expensive), change the color (to pink!) and take away the bra (um, yeah). It’ll be great summery fun.

Man, knitting sure slows down in the summer, doesn’t it? Like, to a crawl. Wool is just not that enticing when it’s 85 degrees and humid. I have a feeling there will be some sewing going on very soon. But I do have a couple of things to finish up first (ahem)…

Oh yeah, it’s the crochet dress. Crocheting is a little more palatable right now for some reason. Maybe because it’s going to be a lacy thing and not a heavy, fair isle sweater. Plus, I actually read ahead in the pattern (something I really never do), and now I’m even more excited to finish it. I’ve got the back done and started on the front - the skirt is crocheted separately and then apparently joined to the bodice with elastic.

I could go on about how confusing these old-timey directions have been at times, but I think I’ll save it for another post (when the frustration has built a little more).

Also, I am considering shortening the skirt. I mean, I *love* the length it is in the pattern, and the overall evening-dressness of the pattern is a big part of why I was attracted to it in the first place. However, unfortunately I do not have many occasions to wear evening dresses, and I’m afraid I’ll never put the thing on if I make it ankle-length. What to do?

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Next up: Ursula is looking forward to her bag *finally* being finished. So am I.

So I have an embarrassingly long list of projects started. However, I have all the confidence in the world I will finish every single one of them. During this year or possibly the next. Ahem. Some projects have lingered a little longer than others…

Wrap with Sleeves, Rebecca (free from website)

This is one of those “constant” companions of mine, started back when I was first learning how to knit. I know what you are thinking: “Clearly a design utilizing mohair yarn and fisherman’s rib stitch is a very appropriate choice for a beginner!” Whatever. It’s going to be awesome. Now that I know how to actually knit it. I picked this up again after the many months it has been hibernating in my closet, and I’m excited to finally get it finished.

Ursula Bag, Original Design

I am close to being finished with this bag, which has a rendering of my lovely kitty, Ursula, on both sides.

This is a very sweet picture of her, and I will be proud to carry this around with me to show her off to perfect strangers. I realize now that this graphic might be even better felted, but I’ve never felted anything before and so didn’t have that in mind when I was planning it. I may make another one to see how it turns out that way.

More ongoing projects still to come…