the Akamai Knitter

While watching football this past Sunday, I managed to finish up the knitting on the Rock Lobster Lock Bag. The pattern suggests completing three repeats of the pattern, but after measuring the length after 2.5 repeats, I decided it was long enough.

Before felting, the bag looked rather pathetic.

The bag was magically transformed after felting.

The specs…

Pattern: Rock Lobster Lock Bag by Anne Hanson

Yarn: Ella Rae Classic (Color 28) and Plymouth Boku (Color 1)

Needles: Size 10.5US(6.5mm) and 11US(8.0)

Started: September 16, 2007

Finished: September 23, 2007

The other modification I made with this project was to add pockets. I knitted two squares of fabric approximately 9″x9′ and then sewed them into the inside of the bag as invisibly as I could. This is a terrible picture, but you get the idea. For another shot of the pocket, click here.

I had a really good time with this project. I loved working with the big needles and the big squishy yarn. The slipped stitch pattern was interesting and entertaining with just the right amount of challenge.

I really loved the colors of this project. I’m not sure how much of my wardrobe will match with it, but I find that I don’t really care. For now, it’s enough that I love the end result and that I enjoyed the process of creating it.

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It all started with the hedgehog. Since the hedgehog didn’t turn out as planned, I decided I needed a corrective experience. Hence my foray to Isle Knits on Saturday where I bought a pattern and some yarn.

With the help of big needles and well written instructions, I knitted not only one fish, but two fish in two days. After all the She-Fish needed a He-Fish! And talk about instant gratification. Wowzah.

Pattern: Fiberspace Felted Fish

Needles: 10.5US

Yarn: Noro Kureyon in Color No. 154 (She-Fish) and I think Color No. 40 (He-Fish)

Started: 8/15/07

Finished: 8/16/07

No modifications.

The sample that I saw at Isle Knits had a more rounded mouth, but I couldn’t figure out how to sew the mouth shut and keep the shape. So I ended up with kissing fish. I don’t mind, I think they’re kind of cute that way.

I also didn’t felt them all the way down because I didn’t want them to shrink down any further. Plus, I like the faint stitch definition of the half-felted fabric.

The reason I’m not sure about the color for the He-Fish is because the yarn was just lying around the house without the ball band. If I had more suitable wool lying around, I might be tempted to make even more fish. That’s how much I love this pattern. :)

I think it’s safe to say that there are more soft toys are in my future. They make great weekend projects and they’re immensely satisfying.

I’m not sure what I’ll do with all of them as I’m not ready to start giving them away just yet. I’ve become really attached to all of them. Even the hedgehog or especially the hedgehog has a special place in my heart.

I guess I’m just a big kid at heart.

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